The Cadia East ore body contains trace elements relevant to the value of ore. This Masters of Economic Geology project by Joanne Morrison identified the location and deportment of these trace elements, and the rate of recovery of the trace elements to concentrate. Four main domains in the ore were discovered to have different levels of relevant trace elements in situ, and to have different recovery behaviours when processed. These domains are monzonite/monzodiorite, alkali basalt, potassic-altered basalt and propylitic-altered basalt. Using these domains, it is possible to more accurately predict the trace element content of the concentrate. The identification of the domains with high critical trace element recovery to concentrate has enabled the optimisation of the draw schedule to manage the blend of material delivered to the mill for processing.

Joanne submitted her thesis at the end of the year.