Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

Annual Conference, Darwin

Conference Proceedings

Annual Conference, Darwin

PDF Add to cart

A Comparison of Diamond Exploration Techniques used in Australia

Diamonds have been known in Australia for many years, especially in association with alluvial gold and tin occurrences. Exploration for primary sources in the Kimberely area of Western Australia has been carried out since 1968, culminating in the discovery, in 1979, of the Argyle Kimberlite No 1 (AK1) kimberlite pipe. Various techniques have been used in the search for diamonds such as geologic interpretation, aerial photography and Landsat, soil geochenical techniques, geophysics, and stream sediment sampling. Stream sediment sampling, a method developed in South Africa, using the detection of indicator minerals derived from kimberlites in gravel samples, has had wide application and success in Australia._x000D_
Nevertheless, although Australian diamond bearing kimberlite and lamproite rocks contain some of the classic indicator minerals, their concentrations are generally much lower than in South Africa and Russia. Despite this paucity of indicators, stream sediment sampling is still the best known and most commonly used method of diamond prospecting in Australia. Small samples are treated by hand but larger samples require the use of diamond pans, jigs or heavy media separation plants. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages._x000D_
The final concentrate is passed over a grease table or subjected to x-ray sorting.
Return to parent product
  • A Comparison of Diamond Exploration Techniques used in Australia
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • A Comparison of Diamond Exploration Techniques used in Australia
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 1984
  • PDF Size: 0.316 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P198403001

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.