Home Clare Geology Local Geology and Stratigraphy

Newsletter

Local Geology and Stratigraphy PDF Print

The geology over the co. Clare licenses broadly follows an East – West striking synclinal structure of sedimentary layers. clare_licenses_geol_2008_sm.jpgThis means that in the North of the block, the layers are shallow dipping to the south. The most prospective geological formation to find mineralization is at the base of the Waulsortian reef. During 1995/1996, in the region of Milltown a [currently non-compliant] resource of 400,000t of ore @ 12% Zn + Pb was delineated at the base of the reef at an average depth of between 38 and 60 m below surface. At this point the Waulsortian reef is exposed on surface.

In April 2008, Belmore Resources Plc. announced the discovery of new mineralization in the region Kilbricken. While previous holes had been drilled in this area, none of them had tested the base of the reef which is found to be at approximately 450m depth, thereby confirming the that the Waulsortian keeps dipping to the South at this point.

Stratigraphy

The stratigraphy on the Clare licences is typical of that found in all Irish carbonate hosted /SEDEX deposits:

 

Super-Reef of Calcarenite and Cherty Calcarenite
Waulsortian Reef which thickens from north to south, 170 metres in north to at least 285 metres in south. Patchy partial dolomitisation.
Argillaceous Bioclastic Limestone, 110 to 120 metres thick above BV shale marker.
Ballyvergin Shale, 5 – 6 metres thick.
Ringmoylan Shale and Mellon House Beds, 37 – 42 metres thick
Old Red Sandstone