Structure, Lithological & Alteration Controls on the Cave Rocks Au
Deposits
Supervisors
Research Affiliations
Degree Type/Name
Pre-requisites
Student Support
Collaboration
Dr John Miller
Centre for Exploration Targeting
Honours - Geology, Earth Science, Minerals Geoscience
Degree in Geology or other kind of Geoscience degree.
The student undertaking this project is eligible for financial
support provided by the UWA Geoscience Foundation. The
student will be eligible for full-time vacation employment with St
Ives Gold Mines (SIGM) and is elligible for a SIGM bursary of up
to $10,000.
This project is a collaboration with the St Ives Gold Mine.
Skills
This research project provides the opportunities for research students to obtain skills and
experience highly regarded in mineral exploration companies, as well as forming a firm basis
for a research or academic career.
Project Description
The Cave Rocks deposit was first mined as a small open pit in 1985. Extensive exploration
has been completed during various campaigns since then. A 300,000 ounce reserve was
reported in December 2006, and mining recommenced in April 2007, initially as Open Pit, with
a view to establishing Underground Access in September 2007. Current mining activities and
future underground development will expose a new ore system unique to the St Ives Gold
Camp. These deposits are associated with the Zuleika Shear and in a higher metamorphic
terrain than the main St Ives Gold Camp.
Aim: Develop an understanding of the structural, lithological and alteration controls to high
grade mineralisation of the Cave Rocks East and West Lodes.
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Delineate the structural controls to high grade mineralisation
Determine potential role of NNE trending faults akin to Kundana controls
Develop an understanding of zoning in dolerites through geochemistry and core
logging, and potential controls on shoot development
Map out the sedimentary packages and determine facies classifications.
Identify alteration characteristics of gold mineralising structures utilising spectral data,
multi-element data and logging of core.
Expected main field activities: Pit/Underground development exposure/mapping and core
logging.