| Dear Reader, A little-known fact is that Australia holds the world’s SECOND largest reserve of copper. That’s according to the global authority on the matter…the US Geological Survey (USGS). Right now, Chile and Peru are the world’s two most important copper producing nations…making up a staggering 40% of global supply. However, there’s enormous potential in Australia to tap into its reserves. Much of it is concentrated in northern South Australia, Queensland in the Mt Isa region, and Cadia in NSW. Geoscience Australia has neatly illustrated the primary regions where these reserves are concentrated: | Source: Geoscience Australia |
What you need to do is target the right companies in these ‘copper hot spots’. It’s difficult geological terrain. But South Australia could be one of the last great copper frontiers. As a South Australian trained geologist, I may have a bit of bias but bear with me! The state holds an ancient geological landform known as the Gawler Craton… As you can see below, this prospective copper-gold craton covers more than half the state (red shaded area): Traditionally, it’s been recognised for hosting IOCG deposits, these are geological riches that include copper, gold, and often uranium. BHP’s Olympic Dam is one of the world’s largest IOCG deposits. However, for decades, geologists have been hampered by the deep regolith (sediment) that covers much of the Gawler Craton, often several hundred metres in depth… Until recently, exploration geologists have not been able to ‘see through’ this cover using traditional technologies. However, around three years ago, the CSIRO partnered with the SA government and funded the world’s largest ever airborne survey using deep penetration technology that is able to cut-through the overlying sediment. This project, which was led by high-profile geologists with proven discovery success, sought to map out the underlying bedrock for the first time using advanced technology. It offers the next generation of explorers a ‘cheat sheet’ for mineral discovery… Which stocks could benefit from this. I’m currently on the prowl. Click here to read on… Regards, James Cooper,
Editor, Diggers and Drillers | 