FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Please click on a relevant question. We have attempted to present explanations in as a non-technical format as possible. However, if you require further information or explanation then please use the contact form in the side bar.
- What are areomagnetic images and anomalies?
- Why is the Cethana aeromagnetic anomaly important?
- Did early explorers find anything in the area?
- Can you see any gold or copper in the rocks at Cethana?
- What sort of exploration is likely in the Cethana area?
- Does mineral exploration automatically allow for a mine?
- Have there been objections to the granting of the Exploration licence?
- What is a Joint Venture and how does it apply to Cethana?
What are aeromagnetic images and magnetic anomalies?
Aeromagnetic images are pictures of the Earth showing variations in the magnetic intensity of the rocks. Different rocks have different magnetic characteristics and these can be mapped remotely using sensitive instruments, normally mounted on to an aeroplane or helicopter. The variations in magnetism measured are typically caused by a varying content of the mineral magnetite within different rock units.
Anomalies are normally magnetic highs or lows measured relative to the surrounding rock. An anomaly may also be a feature within the magnetic data that is otherwise unexplained relative to the known geology of an area.
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Why is the Cethana aeromagnetic anomaly important?
The Cethana aeromagnetic anomaly is special because of its intensity relative to surrounding areas, and much of western Tasmania. The Cethana anomaly is one of the most prominent magnetic features within the Mt Read Volcanic belt.
The Cethana anomaly is caused by a concentration of the mineral magnetite. The concentration of magnetite is associated with copper and gold mineralisation.
Interestingly, the amount of magnetite seen at surface cannot explain the size of the anomaly. The size and localised nature of the anomaly indicates that it formed from a large and focused volume of fluid. This is exactly what is required to form large mineral deposits.
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Did early explorers find anything in the area?
The very first explorers in the region were very successful. Careful panning of creeks in the Forth River Valley over 150 years ago led to the discovery and opening of the Campbell’s Reward Goldmine and the Five Mile Rise goldfield. The Campbell’s Reward Goldmine lies on one flank of the Cethana anomaly, the Five Mile Rise goldfield is contained within the Dove River tenement.
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Can you see any gold or copper in the rocks at Cethana?
The gold mined from the Campbell’s Reward Goldmine was visible and in a wire-like form. However, no gold has been seen in rocks away from Campbell’s Reward. Gold and Copper have been analysed for in drill core, anomalous levels of both metals and molybdenum have been identified.
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What sort of exploration is likely in the Cethana area?
Exploration will include the collection and analysis of rock samples, possible ground-based geophysical measurements and drilling.
Any exploration program must be approved by Mineral Resources Tasmania.
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Does mineral exploration automatically allow for a mine?
Mining cannot occur on an Exploration Licence. An exploration licence such as has been applied for over the Cethana anomaly only allows for the testing of an area. Should testing define a mineral resource a mining lease application would be assessed by the relevant state government authorities.
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Have there been objections to the granting of the Exploration licence?
Yes, objections were made to the granting of the exploration licences. One exploration licence is currently granted and the second exploration license is before the mining tribunal. Priority exploration will be conducted within the granted exploration license.
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What is a Joint Venture and how does it apply to Cethana?
A joint venture is a partnership.
With respect to Cethana, the joint venture is between two private parties, Gujarat NRE Minerals Ltd and Dove River Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Pluton Resources Ltd). Pluton Resources is earning into the project and at the completion of its obligations will have a managing 60% interest in the Cethana Project.