The new “Base metal deposits of the Northern Territory” report identifies 826 base metal deposits or occurrences across the geological terranes of the Territory that contain either copper, lead, zinc, nickel or cobalt mineralisation or are polymetallic, many of which include precious metals such as gold (Au) and silver (Ag).
The objective of this report is to provide a reference guide of known base metal occurrences in the Northern Territory, particularly for underexplored regions. The Report aims to be the first point of reference in area selection for base metal explorers. It has been divided into three sections: a summary of the geological setting of the Northern Territory; an overview of the base metal occurrences, including a brief history of their discovery; and detailed information on specific base metal occurrences by geological region.
The total recorded production of major base metals in the Northern Territory to June 2024 includes nearly 2 million tonnes of copper, 1.4 million tonnes of lead and more than 5.7 million tonnes of zinc since mining began in the late 19th century. Most known deposits are hosted in Paleoproterozoic geological units, particularly within the Pine Creek Orogen and McArthur Basin, which have delivered the bulk of historical production.
While exploration has traditionally focused on these established regions, the report notes that modern techniques—such as airborne electromagnetic surveys—are opening new opportunities in underexplored greenfield areas including the Amadeus Basin and the Aileron, Warumpi and Irindina provinces. Recent discoveries in the Tennant Creek mineral field underscore the potential for further finds.
To read more on the significant base‑metal mineralisation across the NT download the Base Metal Report through GEMIS.