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PORPHYRY COPPER GOLD SIGNATURES AND THE DISCOVERY
OF THE BATU HlJAU DEPOSIT, SUMBAWA, INDONESIA
Syafruddin Maula and Brian Levet

P.T. Newmont Nusa Tenggara

Wisma Standard Chartered, 15th Floor
JI. Sudirman Kav. 33A, Jakarta 10220, Indonesia

Abstract - Systematic exploration for gold deposits in the Sunda-Banda island arc of
Indonesia, has led to the discovery of an outcropping porphyry copper gold deposit at
Batu Hijau on the island of Sumbawa. Although the'principal exploration targets were

I epithermal gold deposits, the comprehensive geochelnical program was also designed
to detect copper and other base metal deposits. The discovery and definition of both Batu
Hijau and the Elang porphyry copper-gold deposit, 60 kilometres to the east, has led to

I an exploration finger printing of the surface expression of these two porphyry copper-gold
occurrences.

Both deposits are detectable by stream sediment analysis between 8 and 15 kilometres
away from outcrop, using B.L.E.G. (Bulk Leach Extractable Gold) and conventional c80
mesh stream sediment techniques. Analysis for copper in the <80 mesh stream silts
proved to be the most effective method of defining the extent of the anomaly within 1 to
2 kilometres from the outcrop.

Definitive mineral zonation around the deposits is apparent from detailed soil
geochemistry. A strong copper, gold, molybdenum association, with a distinct annulus
of animalous base metals is evident from the data. At Elang, the soil geochemistry is
complicated by either an overprinting or a telescoping of an epithermal gold arsenic
association on to the porphyry copper-gold system.

Magnetite associated both with the potassic alteration of the intrusives and the propylitic
alteration of the wall rocks, produced a distinctive high in both aeromagnetic and ground
magnetic data. The airborne radiometric potassium data defined a broad but diffuse
anomaly, coincident with mapped potassic, argillic and advanced argillic alteration zones
around the deposits.

Gradient array and dipole-dipole data from the induced polarisation surveys also
produced distinctive responses. The gradient chargeability clearly defined the gross
mineral system at Batu Hijau, highlighting the top of eccmomic mineralisation. Conductive
zones identified in the resistivity data, correlated to the argillic alteration zones mapped
on the flanks of the deposits. The dipole-dipole data clearly outlined the mineralised core
and the argillic alteration zone.

INTRODUCTION

In 1987, Newmont embarked on a comprehensive exploration program in the province of Nusa Tenggara
Barat in Indonesia, that led to the discovery and definition of the Batu Hijau copper gold deposit on the
island of Sumbawa. The discovery of a major outcropping porphyry copper gold deposit, in a terrain not
previously recognised as a porphyry copper district, proved that conventional thinking can often be wrong
and that discovery of major outcropping ore bodies can still be made in the 1990's.

The geology of the Batu Hijau deposit has been well documented by Meldrum et al. (1993) and Clark and
lrianto (1995). This paper summarises the exploration history and the original exploration data that were
instrumental to the discovery of the Batu Hijau deposit. Also presented is a graphic summary of the
surface exploration signature of both the Batu Hijau and Elang porphyry copper gold deposits compiled
from data collected during the prospect definition programs. BFITU HIJFIU
I Regional Tectonic and Geological Setting

The tectonic and geological setting of the islands of Lornbok and Sumbawa is unique within the Sunda
Banda arc, which may partially explain Batu Hijau's location, relatively high in the volcanic pile and close
to a major tectonic discontinuity. The islands are located in the centre of the Sunda Banda arc (Figure I ) ,
where the crustal thickness diminishes from west to east and where seismic velocity structure of the crust
indicates it is transitional between oceanic and continental profiles (Curray et al., 1977). An absence of
shallow or intermediate earthquake activity in the area has been interpretated to mark a break in the
Sunda arc zone by Ritsema (1954) and Hedervari, (1978). Further evidence for a major tectonic
discontinuity between Sumbawa and Flores has been provided by Audley-Charles, (1975) and Nishimura
et a1 (1981).

The topography of Lombok and Sumbawa islands is dominated 'by distinct physiographic elements which
closely reflect regional geology. The youngest rocks in the district are products of Recent and Quaternary
volcanism, and are generally located in the north of both islands (Figure 2) and have not been a focus
of exploration because of the limited exposure of the hydrothermal systems by erosion. Debris flows
cover most of central plain of Lombok, and effectively separate the Quaternary in the north from the
eroded Tertiary volcanic arc in the south. West Sumbawa lacks the equivalent of the Lombok central
plain.

A series of eroded overlapping volcanic centres with associated fringing sediments make up the Tertiary
arc, and are represented by a thick pile of andesitic pyroclastics, flows, intermediate intrusives, shallow
marine sediments and limestones. The sequence is exposed over the south of Lombok and the southern
two thirds of western Sumbawa, with elevations up to 500 metres in Lombok to over 1500m in Sumbawa.
Tertiary rocks are also evident in the north of both Lombok and Sumbawa where they are thought to form
the basement rocks to more recent volcanism. Intrusive rocks are commonly exposed in an east-west
belt, in southern Sumbawa and Lombok. Older intrusives arc commonly diorites and microdiorites and
occur asedykes and stocks intruding the volcanics and sediments. Later intrusive stocks and dykes of
quartz diorite and tonalite are the host rocks for the known porphyry copper gold occurrences. Diatreme
dome breccia complexes have been mapped peripheral to dacite porphyry intrusives. Dacitic pyroclastics
unconformably overlie the andesitic sequence. A thick blanket of volcanoclastic rocks are exposed along
the southern coast of Sumbawa and are locally preserved in areas of structural complexity in south
Lombok. This debris flow sequence, of unknown age, is heavily incised, forming gorges with cliffs up to
200 metres extending inland for up to 3 kilometres.

A strong conjugate system of WNW - NW and NE faults are the dominant structural feature on both
islands. The structures are probably related to north directed conlpression along the Miocene volcanic arc.
lntrusives are preferentially emplaced along the NE structures. A prominent NE transform fault running
between Sumbawa Besar and Lunyuk (Figure 2) forms a major discontinuity with a 10 km sinistral strike
slip displacement.

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Figure 1 Location n~npof tllc Batu Flijau Deposit w i l l ~t it ~ cS~~ l n d a- i3arlcla arc of Indonesia
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Figure 2 : Simplified Geology o f Lombok and West Sumbawa

EXPLORATION HISTORY

Conceptual studies by Newmont in 1984 indicated that favourable geological settings for the discovery
of epithermal gold deposits existed within the island arc terrain to the east of Bali. Newmont formed a joint
venture company and lodged a tenement application over the islands of Lombok and West Sumbawa.
A ~ontract'ofWork with the Government of Indonesia was signed on December 2, 1986.

Exploration began in early 1987, with the objective of locating outcropping or subcropping epithermal gold
deposits, either of higher grade structurally controlled vein or bulk tonnage disseminated deposit types.
As much of the exploration area is mountainous and jungle covered, with a well developed primary
drainage, Newmont designed a geochemical sampling program as a primary screening and discovery
tool for identifying gold anomalies. The collection of conventional stream silt samples and their analysis
for base metals was also purposely designed to detect other deposit types.

The regional geochemical reconnaissance program was conducted on foot, by traversing and sampling
stream drainages identified on air photographs. The program was completed over a ten month period, by
visiting over 900 predetermined sample sites. The analysis of the samples provided a geochemical data
base over the yhole contract area for gold, it's pathfinder elements and base metals. From this data base,
thirty six gold anomalies were generated and ranked for follow-up work. Other more subtle anomalies were
recognised during subsequent exploration.

A location in the eastern part of the contract area, now known as Elang (Figure 2), rapidly emerged as the
most promising prospect. A bulk tonnage stockwork gold target was defined and drill tested in 1989, with
sub economic results. Follow up of the other highly ranked anomalies was conducted concurrently with
the drill target definition work at Elang.

In 1989, a significant gold and copper anomaly was identified in the Sejorang drainage near the south west
coast of Sumbawa. The discovery of a small altered and copper stained diorite float sample in the river
bed, coupled with anomalous copper results in the sediments assays, led geologist Bob Burke to trace
the source of the float to the upper reaches of the drainage in search of a possible porphyry copper
occurrence. In April 1990, he traversed a small stream, later known as Green Creek, where he identified
strong quartz pyrite stockworking and abundant copper staining in the stream. Chalcopyrite and bornite
mineralisation was also identified in outcropping tonalite in the creek draining south of the watershed.
This recognition of a major porphyry copper-gold occurrence led to an intensive definition program
followed by an economic assessment of the deposit. The discovery also prompted a thorough review of
the comprehensive data base generated from previous exploration, which resulted in the identification
of at least five other prospects in the district with porphyry copper gold affinities. The most obvious of
these was at Elang. Exploration since 1991 has focussed on the Batu Hijau environs and on the Elang
prospect. Surface data collection included on going detailed geological mapping, soil geochemical
surveys, ground magnetic surveys, induced polarisation surveys and two generations of airborne magnetic
and radiometric surveys.

EXPLORATION TECHNIQUES

Geochemical Surveys

The stream sediment sampling targeted first, second and ihird order streams to create a series of
drainage mosaics for the entire landholding. At each sample site, B.L.E.G. (Bulk Leach Extractable Gold),
<80 mesh silt and panned concentrate stream sediment samples were taken for analysis. Sample sites
were selected, so that each sample represented a maximum drainage area of 10 kmz, the average for
the survey being 6 Km2. Mineralised float was also routinely sampled and a library sample of all
representative float from each drainage was collected for reference. The B.L.E.G. method provided a
discriminating and sensitive detector for gold at low concentration levels, offen many kilometres from the
source of the anomaly. Gold in the <80 mesh stream silts, was analysed using a carbon rod technique
to determine gold values at low detection limits, with splits taken for copper, lead, zinc, silver, arsenic and
antimony determinations. The panned concentrate sample was derived from a 10 kg, ~ 3 . 6 mm sample
of active stream sediment. The sample was reduced to 200 grams dry weight and all gold grain counts
were recorded. The residue was pulverized and assayed for gold, arsenic and antimony.

The soil sampling program was conducted by hand augering to bed rock and taking samples, where
possible, from the C horizon. Early reconnaissance work was completed on ridges and spurs and as the
project developed, the district was resampled on a grid using 50 metre by 25 metre centres over the key
areas and on .I00 by 25 metre centres over the outlying areas. Samples were routinely assayed for gold,
copper, molybdenum and arsenic. Gold was assayed using an aqua regia digestion and a carbon rod
analytical technique to determine gold values at low detection limits.

Geological Mapping

Photogeological interpretation at 1:50,000 scale was cornpleted prior to commencing regional

reconnaissance. The resulting map formed the geological base during the initial stages of exploration that
was subsequently refined by field verification. Geological observations and sample locations were
recorded on air photographs and compiled at 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 scales. During anomaly follow-
up, tape and compass surveying and geological mapping corcmenced at the site of the original sample
and continued to the headwaters of the main stream. Second phase follow up included the mapping and
sampling of all tributaries to the watershed. This was followed by a ridge and spur mapping to tie in all the
previously surveyed drainages, creating a geological map, with data overlays at 1:I 0,000 or 1:5,000
scales. Survey control and the establishment of a prospect grid facilitated all further detailed prospect
exploration work. Detailed mapping followed, using separate overlays for alteration, mineralisation, assays
and geological fact mapping at scales of 1:1,000 or greater.

Geophysical Surveys

Two generations of airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys were flown. The 1991 survey was
contracted to Aerodata and flown in a north-south direction with a line spacing ranging from 500 to 1000
metres at a draped terrain clearance of 70 metres. A towed-bird Sintrex cesium magnetometer and
Geometric Spectrometer was employed with visual navigation assisted by a Mavconi Doppler unit and
GPS.

The 1993 airborne magnetic survey was flown in an east-west direction using Newmont's inhouse towed-
bird Overhouser magnetometer and automated navigation system, on flight lines averaging 200 metres,
I maintaining, where possible, a draped terrain clearance of 70 metres. Radiometric data were acquired
at the same time, using an Exploranium GR- 820 spectometer. i

I Ground magnetic surveys were completed along east-west oriented lines, on 50 metres or 100 metres
line spacing, with a station interval of 5 metres. .

I Induced Polarisation (IP) surveys were completed using a 10 kW Zonge GGT-10 IP transmitterlmotor-
generator unit and a Zonge TIP-16 receiver. The gradient array was completed on 2 by 2 kilometre blocks
with a current electrode seperation of 3 kilometres orientated east west. In addition to the gradient array,
two orthogonal dipole-dipole lines were oriented north-south and east-west using a 300 metre dipole and
I dipole spacings of 1 to 6. To better define the horizontal resolution at Batu Hijau, the east west line was
extended and resurveyed using a 200 metre dipole.

I SURFACE EXPLORATION SIGNATURE OF THE BATU HlJAU PORPHYRY DEPOSIT

The Batu Hijau deposit has a resource of 1.06 billion tonnes of 0.5% copper and 0.37glt gold. Data from
surface exploration has produced clear and distinctive exploration signatures, illustrated in Figures 3 and
4.

Surface Geology, Alteration and Mineralisation

At Batu Hijau, erosion has exposed the top of the mineralised porphyry over an area of 250 by 400 metres
between 300 and 500 metres above sea level. All known lithologies identified in drill core are mappable
at surface, with primary ore grade mineralisation exposed in drainages on the southern side of the deposit.
The mineralisation is centred on a porphyritic tonalite stock, which has intruded into a sequence of
andesitic metavolcanics and diorites (Figure 4). At least two generations of tonalite are discernable and
mappable on surface, and have been named the Old Tonalite and the Young Tonalite respectively. The
Old Tonalite and the adjacent wall rocks form the main hosts to the high grade mineralisation. The
younger or intra mineral tonalite is similar in composition to the Old Tonalite, displays similar alteration,
but is not as strongly mineralised.

Pervasive potassic alteration in the core of the system, grades outwards into a propylitic halo. Magnetite
and secondary biotite are associated with the potassic alteration, both pervasively and alorig fractures.
No potassium feldspar is recognisable. Phyllic and argillic alteration overprint both potassic and propylitic
assemblages. Quartz-sericite-pyrite (phyllic) alteration is limited to vein selveges. Chlorite-sericite-
specular haematite-pyrite-smectite alteration (intermediate argillic) is strongly and pervasively developed
on the east side of the deposit. Sericite-kaolinite-pyrite (argillic) alteration forms a zone 20 to 180 metres
thick, developed mainly in the east and west sides of the deposit underlying advanced argillic alteration.
Advanced argillic alteration (kaolinite-quartz-alunite-pyrophyllite) is formed at a high level and caps the
east and west ridges.

Primary sulphides can be identified on fractures coatings, associated with quartz veins and as
disseminations. Chalcopyrite and bornite mineralisation is coi~cidentwith the potassic alteration within
and adjacent to the tonalite stock. Intensity and type of veini:ig, pyrite-chalcopyrite and chalcopyrite-
bornite ratios are mappable entities.

Stream Sediment Geochemistry

Although the friable nature of the mineralisation results in a limited float train in the main rivers draining
the deposit, a strong copper-gold signature is evident from the analysis of stream sediment samples taken
down stream from the occurrence. Two rivers drain the project area, the Sejorang river runs from the
deposit southwest to the coast, for 15 kilometres and the Tongoloka river runs southeast to the coast, for
12 kilometres (Figure 3). Other than a village located at the mouth of the Sejorang river, there was no
human contamination or cultivation in either drainage at the time of sampling.

Figure 3A shows the B.L.E.G. values in parts per billion (ppb) collected over the Batu Hijau district.
Although there is recognised gold contribution from a number of other sources, the anomaly decay down
 Figure 3: Batu Hijau Deposit - Stream Secliment Geochemistry

Figure 3A - BLEG - Au ppb

Figure 3 B -8011 - Cu ppm

stream from the main deposit can be clearly seen with values up to 196 ppb gold reported near the
deposit, diluting to 7 ppb gold at the coast. B.L.E.G. values of this magnitude in primary drainages at the
coast were highly anomalous island wide, and clearly demonstrate the value of this technique in
identifying anomalies on a regional scale. Other sources of gold are derived frorn gold-base metal veins
that cropout in a broad annulus around the known porphyry centre. Gold in the <80 mesh silt samples
was not detectable greater than 1.5 kilometres from the source, and was only effective for anomaly
definition within 1-2 kilometres from a gold source.

Figure 3 8 shows the distribution of copper values assayed in <80 mesh silt sarnples over the district. The
assays clearly define the Batu Hijau deposit in the high order streams. Anomalous copper from the
deposit is easily detectable in the Sejorang drainage at the coast, and in the Tongoloka drainage for at
least 4 kilometres from the occurrence. Abundant copper oxide in the upper reaches of the Sejorang
drainage may explain the higher values in the drainage. There is little or no recharge of copper into the
stream from other sources. Analysis of copper in the B.L.E.G. solution is not a sensitive technique,
although the method does define the deposit in the high order streams within a kilometre of the
occurrence.

The distribution of copper and gold in different size silt fractions relative to the distance downstream from
the deposit is currently being studied.

Soil Geochemistry

Gold and copper distribution in soil is highly anomalous over the deposit as illustrated in Figures 4 8 and
4C. A greater than 100 ppb gold anomaly is coincident with tonalite outcrop and the altered wall rocks.
A greater than 600 ppm copper anomaly is also coincident with the outcrop of the deposit, with the
distribu!i~nof leached secondary copper clearly apparent in the drainage to the north of the deposit.
Molybdenum'$istribution in soil appears to form a broad halo around the deposit, but has a higher
threshold in the dioritic rocks to the north and northeast of the deposit.

Ground Magnetics

To assist in the interpretation of the ground magnetics, the total field data has been reduced to the pole
(Figure 4D). A circular magnetic high, centred over the deposit, correlates well with the surface projection
of the 0.5% copper contour of the deposit. Secondary magnetite, associated with the potassic alteration
of the intrusives and the propylitic alteration of the wall rocks, produces a distinctive and recognisable
magnetic high in both aeromagnetic and ground magnetic data.

Induced Polarisation

The gradient chargeability data clearly defines both the gross mineral system at Batu Hijau and the outline
of the economic mineralisation (Figure 4E). The 60 ms chargeability contour maps the surface projection
of 0.5% copper contour from the 300 metre level. In addition a well defined chargeability annulus, 600
metres from the centre of the deposit and 200 metres in width, encircles the core anomaly. This is thought
to represent the higher pyritic outer alteration halo to the deposit, and is currently being drill tested. Well
defined conductive zones, identified in the resistivity data (Figure 4F), correlate with the argillic alteration
zone. Interpretation of the dipole-dipole data also clearly ouiiines the mineralised core and the argillic
alteration zone.

SURFACE EXPLORATION SIGNATURE OF THE ELANG PORPHYRY OCCURRENCE

The Elang deposit is a large low grade porphyry copper gold deposit inferred to contain 600 million tonries
of 0.35% copper and 0.4 glt gold. It is geologically more complicated and less well exposed than the Batu
Hijau deposit. Integrated surface exploration data sets demonstrate mineral association and zonation
around the complex deposit as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

Surface Geology, Alteration and Mineralisation

Elang is located within a NNE trending structilral corridor which includes the Kuda Mati and Gerbang
I prospects to the north (Figure 6A). Copper gold mineralisation is associated within quartz diorite and
tonalite rocks which have been intruded into a thick pile of andesite volcanic, volcanogenic marine
sediments and hornblende diorite. Mineralisation at Elang is associated with three recognisable porphyry

I intrusive phases, although the contacts of each phase are not clearly discernable. The Elang Quartz
Diorite, which does not crop out, is considered to be the earliest and best mineralised of the three and is
distinguished in drill core by it's porphyritic texture and abundant large feldspar phenocrysts set in a fine

I grained mafic groundmass. Two intra-mineral intrusive events have also been recognised, and have been
named the Delta and Echo Tonalites respectively. The Delta Tonalite is characterized by it's porphyritic
texture with quartz "eye" phenocrysts set in an equigranular groundmass. The Echo Tonalite is more
porphyritic in texture and has abundant I m m size micro phenocrysts, and is less strongly altered and
I mineralised than the other two porphyry intrusives. The intra-rrlineral porphyries contain less magnetite
than either the Elang Quartz Diorite or the immediate wall rocks and produce a relative low response in
the ground magnetic data.

I Diatreme breccias are intruded along the contact of a late stage dacite porphyry intrusive, cutting the
earlier intrusives. The breccias contain clasts of the dacite wall rocks and tonalite and quartz diorite, but

I do not host significant copper-gold mineralisation. Rhyo-dacite volcanics cap the west ridges. The
volcanics are strongly altered and leached with primary textures almost obliterated.

Prograde potassic alteration of quartz, biotite, magnetite and minor actinolite, although recognised in drill
holes in the centre of the deposit, does not outcrop at surface. Propylit~calteration forms a broad outer
halo around the retrograde intermediate argillic and argillic alteration mappable over the centre of the
system. Phyllic alteration assemblages of quartz, sericite and pyrite, are poorly represented in outcrop,
and form envelopes along fractures and veins, overprinting other alteration types. Intermediate argillic
alteration assemblages of quartz, clay, sericite, chlorite, magnetite and haematite crop out at lower
elevations and define a NNE trending zone; the zone is commonly capped by intense argillic alteration
zone at higher; elevations. Intensive argillic alteration assemblages of clay, pyrite, quartz and sericite is
the most widespread alteration type in the district. A broad zone of advance argillic alteration forms a
crescent shaped cap over the ridges west of Elang The primary mineralogy is completely destroyed, with
a replacement assemblage of vuggy sillica, pyrophillite, diaspore, haematite, alunite and minor clay.

Vein densities and to a less extent pyrite and chalcopyrite ratios, provide strong vectors towards the
mineralising centre of the porphyry deposit.

Stream Sediment Geochemistry

The Elang - Kuda Mati mineralised trend produces stream sediment geochemical anomalies that are
readily detectable using both B.L.E.G.,.: 80 mesh and panned concentrate silt sampling techniques. Gold
is detectable in the B.L.E.G., 6 kilometres from the Elang deposit, producing the highest value in any
primary drainage taken during the survey (Figure 5A). The B.L.E.G. values show a steady decay from
up to 6500 ppb at outcrop through 6 l . l p p b Au in the secondary drainage to 35 ppb Au near the coast.
The <80 mesh silt values for gold were similarly robust with 110 ppb gold recorded at the coast, and
proved to be more precise at defining the extent of the anomaly within a kilometre of the source (Figure
5B), where consistant high values were recorded surrounding the mineralisation. Copper analysis of the
B.L.E.G. solutions (Figure 5C) proved to be a less sensitive technique, than analysis of 4 0 mesh silt
samples which was remarkably precise at delineating the location of the copper gold porphyry style
mineralisation (Figure 50).

Soil Geochemistry

Analysis of the Elang soil data provides a classical illustration of mineral zonation adjacent to a porphyry
deposit (Figures 6E to 6H). Coincident copper and molybdenum anomalies (Figures 6F & 6G) correlate
well with the outcrop of the Echo and Delta Tonalites and their mineralised andestic wall rocks. A strong
negative correlation is evident with zinc (Figure 6H) and lead geochernistry which forms a district halo a
kilometre from the deposit. The gold soil data clearly defines an anomaly to the south of the porphyry
prospect (Figure 6F). This gold anomaly is coincident with epithermal mineralisation and a correspondingly
strorig arsenic anomly, suggesting an overprinting or a telescoping of an epithermal system on to the
porphyry. The gold-arsenic anomaly is separated from the copper-molybdenum anomaly by a line known
 Figure 5 - Elang District - Strearn Secli~nentGcocllen~istry

.. INDIAN OCEAN INDIAN O C E A N

Figure 5 A - BLEG - A U ppb I'ig~rl-e 513 -8Oif - A U ppb

P
2 KII~

INDIAN O C E A N INOlAN OCEAN

 as the Elang Lineament, with the gold-arsenic anomaly located to the south of the line and the copper-
molybdenun anomaly to the north. A possible fault has been inferred, with a suggestion that a down drop
to the south may have preserved the epithermal system with potential for deep porphyry mineralisation
below the gold anomaly. Drilling indicated weak copper gold rnineralisation hosted in volcanics to the
south, consistant with this model, but narrow zones of gold-arsenic rnineralisation have also been detected
to the north of the Elang Lineament lending support to the overprint hypothesis.

Ground Magnetics

Both ground and air magnetic data show a strong signature over the Elang and Kuda Mati prospects. The
magnetite is associated with strong propyllitic alteration of the wall rocks as well as potassic alteration of
the the deeper Elang Quartz Porphyry. The image of the ground magnetic data reduced to the pole is
displayed in Figure 6B, and clearly shows a donut effect around the less magnetite rich intra mineral Echo
and Delta Tonolites. The strong magnetic anomaly is clearly coincident with the best copper gold
mineralisation at depth hosted in the andesitic roof rock and porphyry.

Induced Polarisation

Gradient array I.P. at Elang clearly defines the linlits of the pyritic alteration (Figure 6C). Ano~nalous
chargeabilities form an 1200 metres zone orientated northeast Isouthwest, with amplitudes falling off
rapidly outside the zone of alteration to the east and west. The large area of low resistivity (Figure 6D)
reflects an area of pervasive argillic alteration.

Dipole-dipole array I.P. at Elang provided information on depth distribution of polarizable material in the
anomalous area. At increasing spacing, the amplitude of the anomaly increases significantly, suggesting
that it has both depth extent and increasing sulphides content.

CONCLUSIONS

Surface exploration signatures have been defined for the Batu Hijau and the Elang porphyry copper gold
deposits in the Sunda - Banda Arc of Indonesia by integration of geological, geochemical and geophysical
data.

Independent and detailed mapping of lithologies, alteration types, alteration chronology, vein types, vein
densities and sulphide types and ratios, provided the template for geological interpretation.

The B.L.E.G. technique of analysing active stream sediments is the most effective method of detecting
these deposits in primary and secondary drainages up to 15 kilometres from mineralised outcrop.
Analysis of < 80 mesh stream silts, for both copper and gold, proved to be most effective for defining the
extent of the anomaly within 1 to 2 kilometres of outcroppinglmineralisation. Systematic geochemical
analysis of soil samples, taken from the C horizon, for gold, copper, molybdenum, asrenic, zinc and lead
proved to be a valuable tool for the identifying mineralisation association and zonation around the
porphyry systems and for identification of superimposed hyrothermal systems.

On a regional scale, aeromagnetic data proved valuable for the identification of these large mineralising
systems, as both Batu Hijau and Elang have an unequivical signature. On the prospect scale, magnetite
association with potassic alteration of the porphyry intrusives and the potassic and propylitic alteration of
their wall rocks, produced magnetic anomalies; when converted to the pole, directly correlated with
copper-gold mineralisation. The technique was also used to map intra-intusive phases within the porphyry
complex.

At Batu Hijau gradient array IP surveys identified concentric mineral zonation around a chargeability high

I in the centre of the deposit. This halo is interpreted to represent a high pyrite shell surrounding the core
of the deposit. The chargebilily high in the centre of the deposit correlates well with econon~icchalcopyrite
and bornite mineralisation at depth. At Elang, the technique clearly identifled the extent of the pyrite

I alteration in a system where the most intense copper sulphide mineralisation is not exposed at surface.
The dipole-dipole data proved valuable in anticipating the third dirnens~on
I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Newmont Mining Corporation for permission to publisli this paper. The discovery and
documentation of a major ore deposit is never the work of one individual. This paper acknowledges the
contribution of the entire Newrnont management and exploration team, in part~cularto John Dow, as the
architect and leader of the project and to Bob Burke for the excellent prospecting and geological work that
led to the discovery. Simon Meldrurn, Bambang lrianto and Artha Suyadi proved how big it is and the
impressive geophysical data base is a credit to Irwan Qarana, Perry Eaton, Chris Wiles and Bruce
Ferneyhough. Gerry Clark and the exploration team at Batu t-lijau all contributed to the ongoing study of
the deposit.

At Elang, the first class data base and interpretation was made possible through the assistance given to
Syafruddin Maula and Brian Levet by Glenn White, Arif Perdana, lrwan Qarana and Chris Wiles. It may
yet prove to be a mine.

REFERENCES

Audley-Charles, M.G., 1975 - The Sumba facture: a major discontinuity between eastern and western
Indonesia. Tectonophysics, 26, pp 213 - 228.

Clark, G.H. & Irianto, B., 1995 - The Batu Hijau Porphyry Copper-Gold Deposit, Surnbawa Island,
Indonesia. Exploring the Ririi, Pacrim congress 1995. Ausfraliari Insfitule of Mining and Metallurgy.

Curray J.R., Shor, G.G., Raitt, R., Henry, M., 1977 - Seismic refraction and reflection studies of crustal
structure of the Banda and eastern Sunda arc. J. Geopllysics Resources 82, 2479 - 2489.

Hedervari, P., 1978 - New seismicity maps of the Indonesian region. Abstract. Int. Geodynaniics Conf.,
"Western Pacific and Magrna Genesis"

Meldrurn, S.J., Aquino, R., Gonzales, R., Burke, R.J., Suyadi, A,, Irianto, B., Clarke, D.S., 1993 - T h e Batu
Hijau porphyry copper-gold deposit, Surnbawa Island, Indonesia. Journal o f Geochemical
Exploration 50 (1994) pp 203-220.

Nishimura, S., Abe, E., Yokoyama, T., Kobayashi, Y., I-ladiwisastra, et al., 1981 - Physical Geology of
Sumba, Sumbawa and Flores Islands. Tlie Geology arid Tectonics of Eastern Indonesia,
Geological Research and Development Cenfre, Spec Publ. No.2, 1981 pp 105 - 1 13.

Ritsema, A.R., 1954 - The seismicity of the Sunda arc. Indonesian Journal Nat. Sci., 1-2-3.

Sudrajat A., 1975 - Reconnaissance Geological Map of Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara (1:250,000).
Direktorat Geology, Geological Si~rveyof Indonesia, Bandung.