Mary Kathleen Domain geology

The Mary Kathleen Domain geology project is a collaboration between the Geological Survey of Queensland, James Cook University researchers and Geoscience Australia.

Its aim is to establish a geochemical and geochronological framework for magmatic rocks of the Mary Kathleen Domain. Sampling and local geological mapping will be followed by geochemistry and geochronology analyses.

The Mary Kathleen Domain is the western part of the highly prospective eastern succession of the Mount Isa inlier (see map below). It hosts significant copper, zinc, uranium and rare earth element deposits.

Data and reports

Results from the project are expected from June 2021 and will include:

• updated geological mapping around key igneous and other units where applicable
• an expanded geochronological and geochemical database
• syntheses outlining major findings (e.g. updates to division of igneous suites, regional time/space relationships, tectono-magmatic history).

Industry benefits

The project will provide an expanded geochronological and geochemical database and a suite of synthesis reports to help exploration targeting.

Improved geological understanding within the Mary Kathleen Domain may generate new prospectivity models, re-invigorate exploration, and ultimately drive discovery of new mineral deposits.

About the project

Mary Kathleen Domain geology project will:

• provide an updated regional framework of magmatism in the Mary Kathleen Domain
• define magmatic groups based on age, geochemistry, mineralogy and spatial distribution
• investigate co-magmatic felsic igneous rocks in the Corella Formation to help constrain the ages of stratigraphic units
• establish a U-Pb, O and Lu-Hf isotopic framework for magmatic rocks focused on the Mary Kathleen Domain but extending across the Mount Isa inlier to understand the petrogenesis of magmatic rocks, define the timing and location of mantle inputs and test lithosphere-scale tectonic models
• place the undercover geology into the updated regional framework by studying and analysing drill cores
• complete a solid geology interpretation of the recently acquired Cloncurry North geophysics and support other GSQ projects in the region (e.g. hydrogeochemistry).

Distribution of the Mary Kathleen Domain

Also consider…

• Visit the GSQ Open Data Portal to access other GSQ projects, reports and data.