Mineral potential of the Tapuaenuku and Blue Mountain Igneous Complexes, Kaikoura: Desktop studies and Geochemical Survey

GNS Science was commissioned by New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals (NZP&M) to conduct a desktop study, together with a reconnaissance geochemical survey on the Tapuaenuku and Blue Mountain igneous complexes. The objective was to review their exploration potential for Platinum Group Element (PGE) and Rare Earth Element (REE) mineralisation. Field work was undertaken between March and April of 2011 and included the collection of 25 panned concentrate stream sediment samples and 30 rock chip samples. Results show elevated REE in both rock chips and stream sediments. In contrast, PGE in rock samples were low and poorly represented in the stream samples. More, denser, sampling is recommended.