EL3316
(Nagambie 100%)

This project of 53 km² in the southern part of EL3316 covers the historic Heathcote Goldfield. 

The first reported gold discovery in Heathcote occurred in January 1852, when the prospector W. J. Bulling discovered alluvial gold in McIvor Creek. By mid 1853 alluvial deposits in the gullies around the current town of Heathcote were being worked. Alluvial mining continued sporadically to 1913 and records of early alluvial mining are incomplete.

Reef gold mining began shortly after the discovery of alluvial gold leading to 40 reefs being mined and production of at least 1,850 kg of gold. Gold bearing quartz reefs were worked to the water table with many mines closing due to groundwater influx. Unstable workings also led to the closure of mines. In addition, gold occurrence was irregular within the reefs and miners would abandon operations some of which were later reopened when prospectors drove through barren quartz to discover new rich zones.

Reef mining had declined by the end of the 1880s.

Twenty four prospects in seven reef trends were initially identified and thirteen of these were tested by a 33 costean program completed early in 2009 as shown in the above plan.

Geological interpretation and assessment of assay data have led to only one prospect for follow up work.

The potential of the southern part of the area which is in a flora reserve is being currently being evaluated.