Bauxite at Gove, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

This report records observations made during two brief visits to the area when reconnaissance was limited to the shores of Melville Harbour and to the immediate vicinity of Gove aerodrome. Pisolitic bauxite containing upwards of 50 per cent alumina was observed throughout a traverse of 5.5 miles easterly from the airstrip. This bauxite, which rests on tubular laterite, may exceed 5 feet in thickness. The bauxite and associated laterite near Gove are derived from sedimentary beds which overlie coarse garnetiferous granite. The geology of the area, characteristics and composition of the bauxite, and mineral rights, are discussed in this report.