Papua New Guinea

Kenex is currently developing a set of predictive models to identify targets for potential mineral exploration in Papua New Guinea. The dominant styles of mineralisation in PNG are porphyry Cu-Au and epithermal Au-Ag. Three models are being developed that identify areas where these mineralisation styles along with mesothermal gold are likely to be found in PNG. The models will incorporate digital geological data including faults and lithology along with a detailed geochemical dataset with stream, rock chip, soil and drill-hole assay data. 

• The porphyry Cu-Au model will look at the association of mineralisation with regional scale faulting, intermediate intrusive rocks and geochemical pathfinders for gold and copper (e.g., stream sample As, Bi, Sb, Mo and rock chip Au, Cu, Mo). There are many highly productive porphyry Cu-Au deposits in PNG including Panguna, OkTedi and Frieda River and there is a good potential for identifying new exploration targets.
• The epithermal Au-Ag model will look at the association of mineralisation with faulting, co-magmatic intrusive rocks and geochemical pathfinders for gold and silver (e.g., stream sample As, Ag, Sb and rock chip Au, As, Ag). Existing epithermal Au-Ag mines in PNG include Porgera on the mainland and Umuna on Misima Island.
• The mesothermal Au model will look at the association of mineralisation with shear zones and geochemical pathfinders Ag, Bi, Sb and As.

Map showing the geochemical sampling coverage (yellow) and mineral occurrence locations (red) in PNG

Papua New Guinea sits on the boundary between the Pacific and Australian plates and consequently has had high levels of tectonic activity both in the past and in the current day setting. This tectonic activity and associated magmatism has resulted in the richness of mineral deposits that exist throughout the country today. Many of these deposits have already been exploited with a number of well known gold and copper mines currently operating on the mainland and on the many islands that make up PNG. The development of a predictive model over the country will help to identify new targets for exploration or areas that have been under explored in the past.

To read our recent paper on the preliminary PNG modelling that was presented at the AusIMM PACRIM conference in November 2008 go to our publications section.  Contact Katie here at Kenex for more information about this exciting new project.