Newman Operations consisting of the:
- The Whaleback Hub - consists of Mount Whaleback and Orebodies 29, 30 and 35;
- Eastern Ridge hub - consists of Orebodies 23, 24, 25 and 32.
The OB29/30/35 are predominantly hosted by the upper members of the Marra Mamba Iron Formation (Mount Newman and MacLeod), although mineralisation does extend into the lower Marra Mamba (Nammuldi Member) and into the overlying West Angela Member of the Wittenoom Formation. Overlying detritals, where present, may also be mineralised (Kneeshaw 2008, as cited in RPS Aquaterra 2012).
Marra Mamba orebodies are typically permeable and are likely to form significant localised aquifers mostly surrounded by impermeable country rock. Alluvium (where saturated) and the Paraburdoo Member of the Wittenoom Formation are known potential aquifer units in the region. Mostly, these units are present between OB29/30/35 and Mount Whaleback Pit, with relatively impermeable country rocks to the south and east (RPS Aquaterra 2012; 2013).
The Marra Mamba Iron Formation is the lowermost Formation of the Hamersley Group and along with the younger Brockman Iron Formation hosts the majority of bedrock iron ore mineralisation found within the Pilbara Province.
The Marra Mamba Iron Formation consists of:
-The lowermost Nammuldi Member (approximately 80 m thick) which includes thick bedded, poddy cherty BIF interbedded with thin shales.
-The MacLeod Member (approximat ........
