Australian Mineral Deposits

In today's high-tech world, rare earth elements (REE) are indispensable. These seventeen unique metallic elements, including the lanthanides, yttrium, and scandium, possess diverse chemical, magnetic, and luminescent properties vital for industries ranging from electronics to clean energy technologies. As global demand for REEs soars, securing a diverse and sustainable supply chain outside traditional sources becomes critical. This is where Australia's Mount Weld Rare Earth Element deposit , steps onto the global stage. The Discovery and Geological Story of Mount Weld Located approximately 250 kilometers northeast of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, the Mount Weld carbonatite complex was first discovered in 1966 through an airborne magnetics survey revealing a pronounced circular magnetic anomaly beneath surficial cover. Drilling confirmed the presence of a Paleoproterozoic carbonatite intrusion, dating back approximately 2.06 billion years, which intruded into much older Arche...

  Winu-Ngapakarra Copper-Gold-Silver Deposit, Western Australia The Winu-Ngapakarra Copper-Gold-Silver deposit represents a significant and exciting new chapter in Western Australia's mining story, revealing an attractive low-risk, long-life copper-gold deposit that has been the focus of intense exploration and study by Rio Tinto. Discovered in late 2017, this project in the remote Paterson Province promises substantial future opportunities in a historically underexplored region. Location and Setting The Winu-Ngapakarra copper-gold-silver deposit is nestled approximately 300 km south of Broome and 320 km east of Port Hedland in the northern Pilbara region of Western Australia, within the vast expanse of the Great Sandy Desert. This remote location necessitates specific infrastructure, including the construction of a gravel airstrip for emergency response and logistical support, situated on Martu People's Country. The project lies within the Yeneena Basin of the Paterson Provinc...