Proposals for the proving and exploitation of the Buller Gorge uranium field

Abstract

The discovery was followed by extensive prospecting in the area and early in 1956, prospectors employed by Nelson Lime and Marble Co. Ltd. found highly radioactive conglomerate boulders in the Buller River, in the vicinity of the original discovery. Chemical assays of samples from these boulders have yielded up to 2% U3O8.

The third, and so far the most significant discovery was the finding of a radioactive horizon in Uranium Creek, on the north side of the Buller River, at an elevation of approximately 1200 feet. This horizon (the "A” horizon) has been traced over a distance of over one mile. Subsequently, other radioactive outcrops, at higher elevations, have been located in the Hawks Crag Braccia. The work was done by prospectors employed by Mr. T. J. McKee (of Lime and Marble Ltd., Nelson) who holds Mineral Prospecting Warrants covering the area containing the uranium outcrops.

The Rio Tinto group displayed an interest in the uranium discoveries when in November 1956, geologists from Rio Australian Exploration Pty. Ltd., inspected the uranium outcrops and made an airborne scintillometer reconnaissance survey of the area. The results were generally negative, with an absence of both strong "background and significant radioactive anomalies. Although they hold extensive applications for Mineral Prospecting Warrants over ground on the south side of the Buller River, no subsequent field interest has been shown by Rio Tinto.

Two geologists of the N.Z. Geological Survey have been in the area for the past two years. Aerial photographs were used extensively for mapping, for the compilation of a contour map, and for structural interpretations. Mines Department surveyors triangulated the area and mapped two of the radioactive horizons by stadia traverse.

The construction of an access road from the Tiriroa railway siding up the steep slope to Dee Point ridge (see Fig. 2) was financed by the Mines Department. To date, the only consistent prospecting efforts have been made by the team employed by McKee, whose finances are limited.

Mining and geological officials from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority have inspected the uraniferous horizons and the appointment to the area of one of their geologists in September 1958 probably means that proving of the deposit will be undertaken. [Introduction]