Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

PACRIM Congress 2008

Conference Proceedings

PACRIM Congress 2008

PDF Add to cart

Macro and Microdiamonds, Diamond Indicator Minerals and Indicators for Diamond Exploration in Queensland

Diamond exploration in Queensland is influenced by the South African approach modified by the discovery of diamonds in Lamproite in Western Australia. The current approach is to explore for Kimberlite and Lamproite bodies using indicator minerals dispersed by fluvial and colluvial processes._x000D_
In the north-west, diamonds are derived from kimberlitic and lamproitic sources, whereas those in the coastal and subcoastal areas of eastern Queensland are associated with xenoliths included in rocks formed during Cainozoic volcanism. In these areas, sapphire is commonly associated with diamonds. In New South Wales diamonds in economic quantities occur in alkali basaltic intrusions and a subduction model has been proposed for these occurrences (Barrows et al, 1996)._x000D_
Exploration for diamonds in Australia increased following the discovery and exploitation of the Argyle mine. State geological surveys have produced digital information on the local occurrences of diamonds. As part of the Smart Mining Initiative (2006 - 2010), the Geological Survey of Queensland compiled a database and report on microdiamonds and diamond indicator minerals from open file company exploration data from 1968 to 2008 from the Department of Mines and Energy's QDEX system. Most exploration in Queensland was conducted with exploration for other commodities. There is no commercial exploitation of diamonds in Queensland and, to date, only rare occurrences of microdiamonds._x000D_
There is a regional difference in diamond occurrences with the kimberlitic and lamproitic models favoured for the north-western regions of the State and the subduction (S-type model) favoured for the eastern coastal zone linked to Cainozoic alkalic basaltic volcanism. Further diamond exploration is warranted in Cainozoic basalt provinces along the eastern coastal and near coastal regions and in the north-west of the state in conjunction with airborne geophysics flown as part of current Departmental Smart initiatives._x000D_
AnEXTENDED ABSTRACTis available for download. A full-length paper was notprepared for this presentation.
Return to parent product
  • Macro and Microdiamonds, Diamond Indicator Minerals and Indicators for Diamond Exploration in Queensland
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Macro and Microdiamonds, Diamond Indicator Minerals and Indicators for Diamond Exploration in Queensland
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2008
  • PDF Size: 0.483 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P200811027

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.