Fowler Belt Geodynamics
Research Theme
Regolith and Landscape Evolution
Project Investigators
Professor David Giles (The University of Adelaide, CMXUC)
Associate Professor Martin Hand (The University of Adelaide, CERG)
Katie Howard (PhD Candidate, The University of Adelaide, CERG)
Project Collaborators
Primary Industry and Resources, South Australia (PIRSA)
This project is a collaboration between the Centre for Mineral Exploration Under Cover and the Continental Evolution Research Group, within the University of Adelaide. It is jointly funded by the ARC Linkage collaborative project 'Developing a Tectonic Framework for the Gawler Craton: Paving the Way for Successful Mineral Exploration' and the PACE Drilling proposal (PIRSA).
The project aims are to better understand the broad architecture of the Fowler Belt, its cover rocks and its mineral potential (specifically magmatic-Ni). The project was awarded funding in PACE Round 4 to conduct drilling in the Fowler Belt of western Gawler Craton in 2007. Unfortunately the project has been the subject of numerous delays including a) difficulties in accessing a drilling rig, b) reassessment of the program due to access issues and, c) delays in applying for aboriginal heritage clearance. As a result the drilling program did not take place in 2007. These issues are now in hand, with a drill rig becoming available and steps in place to conduct an aboriginal heritage clearance survey in early-2008
Associate Professor Martin Hand and Professor David Giles have submitted a modified version of the proposal to PACE Round 5. The proposal includes aircore and diamond drilling along a pre-existing exploration track which provides a cross section through the central part of the Barton Domain of the Fowler Belt.
