Geological and geochemical studies within exploration licence 33351, Takitimu Mountains, Southland

The results of petrographic and geochemical studies in the western Takitimi Mountains are discussed. The petrographic work suggests that the igneous rocks within the Takitimu volcano-sedimentary pile were derived from two mafic magma types. The first, a high magnesium more primitive variety may have been responsible for primary crystal enrichment in platinum group metals and the second, probably a calc-alkaline type, may have been associated with the formation of gold deposits. A helicopter stream-sediment survey confirmed that the exploration licence has potential for both platinum group metals and gold mineralisation. The survey outlined two broad gold anomalies in the Waure Creek and Windy Creek areas and these should be followed up.