The Kainantu area lies within the
composite Scrapland terrane which is
composed of Mesozoic metamorphic and
intrusive units, overlain by Cenozoic
marine sediments, volcanic and intrus-
ive units and Quaternary fluvial sedi-
ments.
Four deformations (Dl, D2, D3, D4)
are recognised within the Mesozoic
sequences, which consist of greenschist
to amphibolite facies schist derived
from felsic to intermediate pyroclastic
rocks and pelitic sediments. The
second, third and fourth fold events
are present in the Cenozoic sequence,
and these rocks are broken by thrusts
related to northwest trending D3 folds.
South-dipping, possibly lystric, normal
faults are recognised and may be
related to uplift and exposure of the
metamorphic rocks as core complexes.
Known mineralisation in the area
consists of gold and copper skarn
deposits, porphyry copper deposits,
shear-hosted gold deposits, epithermal
vein deposits and gold placer deposits.
Over 35 hard rock and 18 gold placer
deposits are known within the area. Of
significance are the Kathnell shear-
hosted auriferous quartz veins; such
structurally controlled veins may be
more widespread than proposed prev-
iously and offer a new exploration
target.