Correlation of the Archaean Mallina - Whim Creek Basin: implications for base-metal potential of the central part of the Pilbara granite-greenstone terrane

The ca 3000 Ma Whim Creek Belt forms part of the central granite-greenstone terrane of the Archaean Pilbara Craton, northwestern Western Australia, an d hosts significant Cu-Zn+/-Pb deposits. Lithostratigraphic studies and geo chronological results suggest that the volcano-sedimentary rocks of this be lt either correlate directly with, or immediately underlie, the sedimentary rocks of the adjacent and regionally extensive Mallina Basin (i.e. a Malli na-Whim Creek Basin). Consequently, the Mallina Basin should also be consid ered highly prospective for Cu-Zn+/-Pb deposits. In the Mallina Basin, nume rous minor base-metal deposits have similarities to deposits of the Whim Cr eek Belt, which strongly supports this view. Lead-isotope data tentatively suggest that mineralisation in the Whim Creek Belt relates to two separate events that can be correlated with felsic magmatism throughout the Mallina- Whim Creek Basin. It is not yet possible to place unequivocal constraints o n the genesis of the base-metal deposits of the Mallina-Whim Creek Basin as these mineral deposits have features that are consistent with both a Cobar -type syntectonic model or a volcanic-hosted massive sulfide model. Compari sons of deposits throughout the Mallina-Whim Creek Basin reveal a number of empirical characteristics that may be useful in developing exploration mod els, including: (i) a close spatial association with high-Mg basalts; (ii) an association with coarse elastic rocks of the Cistern Formation and Const antine Sandstone: and (iii) an association with anticlinal closures and/or growth and tectonic faults.