Physicochemical and functional characteristics of lentil starch
- Authors: Joshi, Matina , Aldred, Peter , McKnight, Stafford , Panozzo, Joe , Kasapis, Stefan , Adhikari, Raju , Adhikari, Benu
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Carbohydrate Polymers Vol. 92, no. 2 (2013), p. 1484-1496
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The physicochemical properties of lentil starch were measured and linked up with its functional properties and compared with those of corn and potato starches. The amylose content of lentil starch was the highest among these starches. The crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy of lentil starch were the lowest among these starches. The high amylose: amylopectin ratio in lentil starch resulted into low crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy. Gelatinization and pasting temperatures of lentil starch were in between those of corn and potato starches. Lentil starch gels showed the highest storage modulus, gel strength and pasting viscosity than corn and potato starch gels. Peleg's model was able to predict the stress relaxation data of these starches well (R2 > 0.98). The elastic modulus of lentil starch gel was less frequency dependent and higher in magnitude at high temperature (60 °C) than at lower temperature (10 °C). Lentil starch is suitable where higher gel strengthened pasting viscosity are desired. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
- Description: 2003011035
Preparation, characterization and functional properties of flax seed protein isolate
- Authors: Kaushik, Pratibha , Dowling, Kim , McKnight, Stafford , Barrow, Colin , Wang, Bo , Adhikari, Benu
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Food Chemistry Vol. 197, no. (2016/04/15/ 2016), p. 212-220
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description:
Flaxseed protein isolate (FPI) was extracted from flaxseeds, and its amino acid composition and functional properties (solubility, thermal stability, emulsifying properties and electrostatic charge density, water holding and fat absorption capacities) were determined. The highest purity of FPI (90.6%) was achieved by extraction at 60°C. FPI had a low lysine to arginine ratio of 0.25, which is desired in heart-healthy foods and infant formulas. The denaturation temperature of FPI was 105°C. FPI had the highest emulsion activity index (375.51m2/g), highest emulsion stability index (179.5h) and zeta potential (−67.4mV) when compared to those of other commonly used proteins, such as sodium caseinate (SC), whey protein isolate (WPI), gelatin (Gel) and soy protein isolate (SPI). The average emulsion droplet size of emulsions stabilized by these proteins was in the order SC
Microencapsulation of flaxseed oil in flaxseed protein and flaxseed gum complex coacervates
- Authors: Kaushik, Pratibha , Dowling, Kim , McKnight, Stafford , Barrow, Colin , Adhikari, Benu
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Food Research International Vol. 86, no. (2016), p. 1-8
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Flaxseed oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, was microencapsulated in a novel matrix formed by complex coacervation between flaxseed protein isolate (FPI) and flaxseed gum (FG). This matrix was crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. Liquid microcapsules with three core (oil)-to-wall ratios (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4) were prepared and spray-dried or freeze-dried to produce powders. The microencapsulation efficiency, surface oil, morphology and oxidative stability of these microcapsules were determined. The spray-dried solid microcapsules had higher oil microencapsulation efficiency, lower surface oil content, smoother surface morphology and higher oxidation stability than the freeze-dried microcapsules. The highest microencapsulation efficiency obtained in spray-dried microcapsules was 87% with a surface oil of 2.78% at core-to-wall ratio 1:4 and oil load 20%. The oxidation stability obtained from spray-dried microcapsules at core-to-wall ratio of 1:4 was nearly double that of the unencapsulated flaxseed oil. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.
The development of heavy suspension techniques for high density sink-float separations (replacement of Clerici's solution)
- Authors: Klutke, Cameron , Koroznikova, Larissa , McKnight, Stafford , Hall, Stephen
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at The AusIMM new Leaders Conference 2006, Kalgoorlie : 11th April, 2006
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Mineral sands represent an important new resource being developed in the Murray Basin, including parts of western Victoria. This paper will outline a simple methodology for mineral sands characterisation, developed as part of the AMIRA-managed project P777 ‘The Development of Heavy Suspension Techniques for High Density Separations (Replacement of Clerici’s Solution)’. This project is currently sponsored by three multinational mining companies (De Beers Consolidated Mines, Iluka Resources Limited and Rio Tinto Limited) and is developing an innovative laboratory mineral characterisation procedure that will allow the replacement of the currently employed highly-toxic chemicals. Mineral sand resources almost always contain more than one valuable (and relatively heavy) mineral. Titanium minerals are found with a large range of titanium contents, giving rise to density variation and often subjective mineralogical descriptions. Companies tend to rely on laboratory heavy liquid separation in the evaluation of samples arising from exploration, mining or metallurgical processes. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of high density (‘heavy’) liquids and these tend to be more toxic as their density increases. Low-toxicity inorganic solutions, based on tungsten compounds, have been developed that can be utilised at relative densities (RD) up to 3.0. However, beyond this value currently only organic liquids can be used. Diiodomethane (methylene iodide) having a relative density of 3.31 is commonly used; however, this presents significant health and safety hazards. Mixtures of thallium formate and thallium malonate were found in the early 1900s by Clerici to provide liquids having specific gravities between 4.0 and 5.0, hence ‘Clerici’s solution’. For the characterisation of the heavy components of mineral sand deposits (eg anatase sg 3.9, rutile sg 4.2, ilmenite sg 4.4 – 4.7 and zircon sg 4.6 – 4.8) there is currently no heavy liquid alternative to Clerici’s solution. Clerici’s solution is highly toxic and testing is now conducted by very few laboratories worldwide with costs reflecting the chemical costs (though extensive efforts are made to recover and reuse the liquid, plus the requirement of its removal from the mineral samples), the infrastructure costs and health and safety regimes (eg blood testing of exposed staff, inventory management). A simple laboratory technique of density fractionation is being developed, employing suspensions of fine tungsten carbide particles in lithium heteropolytungstate (LST) solutions, that can replace Clerici’s solution in the evaluation of fine mineral sands samples (eg -250+150 microns). The developing methodology that can achieve low-cost, low-toxic separations at relative densities above 5.0 will be outlined and the comparison of results with Clerici’s solution presented.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003001621
The use of low-toxic heavy suspensions in mineral sands evaluation and zircon fractionation
- Authors: Koroznikova, Larissa , Klutke, Cameron , McKnight, Stafford , Hall, Stephen
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Vol. 108, no. 1 (2008), p. 25-33
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper outlines a simple methodology for mineral characterization, developed as part of the Australian Mineral Industry Research Association (AMIRA) managed research project P777 'The Development of Heavy Suspension Techniques for High Density Separations (Replacement of Clerici's Solution)'. The project was sponsored by De Beers, Rio Tinto and Iluka Resources. Heavy mineral characterization of samples arising from exploration, mining or metallurgical processes is frequently conducted using laboratory heavy liquid analysis. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of high density ('heavy') liquids and these tend to be more toxic as their density increases. Low-toxicity inorganic solutions, based on tungsten compounds, have been developed that can be utilized at relative densities (RD) up to 3.0. Beyond this value organic liquids can be used; however, this presents significant health and safety hazards. Diiodomethane (methylene iodide) having a relative density of 3.31 is commonly used. Mixtures of thallium formate and thallium malonate were found in the early 1900s by Clerici to provide liquids having specific gravities between 4.0 and 5.0. For the characterization of the heavy components of mineral sand deposits (e.g. anatase RD 3.9, rutile RD 4.2, ilmenite RD 4.4-4.7 and zircon RD 4.6-4.8) there is currently no heavy liquid alternative to Clerici's solution. Clerici's solution is highly toxic and testing is now conducted by few laboratories worldwide, with costs reflecting the chemical costs, infrastructure costs and health and safety regimes (e.g. blood testing of exposed staff). A simple laboratory technique of density fractionation has been developed, employing suspensions of fine tungsten carbide particles in lithium heteropolytungstates solutions, that can replace Clerici's solution in the evaluation of fine mineral sands samples (e.g. -250 +150 microns). The developing methodology that can achieve low-cost, low-toxic separations at relative densities above 4.0 is outlined and the comparison of results with Clerici's solution presented. In addition, preliminary work on density fractionation of zircon samples is presented. Zircon fractionation relates to their inclusion, radionuclide content and metamictization. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2008.
- Description: C1
Mechano-chemical oxidation of arsenopyrite
- Authors: Koroznikova, Larissa , McKnight, Stafford , Veder, Jean-Peirre , Giri, Jason , Palaniandy, Samayamutthirian , Williams, Gordon
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Minerals Engineering Vol. 141, no. (2019), p. 1-7
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper presents the results from the investigation of arsenopyrite oxidation via mechano-chemical activation, using a stirred mill. Water and hydrogen peroxide were chosen as the lixiviant and oxidant, respectively, and maintained at a relatively low temperature (50 °C). The milling media size, mill speed, slurry percent solids and amount of H2O2 added were all kept constant throughoust these experiments. The only operational variable for this investigation was the milling time, which results in increasing levels of specific energy provided by the mill. The products of activated arsenopyrite are characterised in terms of phase composition, particulate and structural characteristics, along with reactivity. Mechano-chemical activation of arsenopyrite under oxidizing conditions shows a maximum dissolution of around 9 wt% for iron and 7 wt% for arsenic after 2 h of milling. After 3 h of milling, the main phase present is found to be amorphous in nature.
Characterisation of Low-grade Hematite Ore Ultra-fine Size Fraction Particles by Heavy Suspension
- Authors: Koroznikova, Larissa , Begelhole, Jason , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference 2016 p. 327–334
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
In vitro assessment of arsenic mobility in historical mine waste dust using simulated lung fluid
- Authors: Martin, Rachael , Dowling, Kim , Nankervis, Scott , Pearce, Dora , Florentine, Singarayer , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Environmental Geochemistry and Health Vol. 40, no. 3 (2018), p. 1037-1049
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Exposure studies have linked arsenic (As) ingestion with disease in mining-affected populations; however, inhalation of mine waste dust as a pathway for pulmonary toxicity and systemic absorption has received limited attention. A biologically relevant extractant was used to assess the 24-h lung bioaccessibility of As in dust isolated from four distinct types of historical gold mine wastes common to regional Victoria, Australia. Mine waste particles less than 20 µm in size (PM20) were incubated in a simulated lung fluid containing a major surface-active component found in mammalian lungs, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. The supernatants were extracted, and their As contents measured after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h. The resultant As solubility profiles show rapid dissolution followed by a more modest increasing trend, with between 75 and 82% of the total 24-h bioaccessible As released within the first 8 h. These profiles are consistent with the solubility profile of scorodite, a secondary As-bearing phase detected by X-ray diffraction in one of the investigated waste materials. Compared with similar studies, the cumulative As concentrations released at the 24-h time point were extremely low (range 297 ± 6–3983 ± 396 µg L−1), representing between 0.020 ± 0.002 and 0.036 ± 0.003% of the total As in the PM20.
Application of high voltage transmission electron microscopy to the study of ultra-fine grained ores
- Authors: McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at The Minerals Industry - Future Directions for New Leaders', Ballarat, Victoria : 21st March, 2004
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000706
The biological oxidation of carbonaceous material in the treatment of a refractory gold bearing ore
- Authors: McKnight, Stafford , Hall, Stephen , Rowe, James
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at Refractory Gold Ore Bioxidation 2004, Bendigo, Victoria : 8th November, 2004
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003000721
Metamorphic style of the Tabberabbera zone, Lachlan Fold Belt
- Authors: Morand, Vincent J , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Australian Earth Sciences Symposium, Melbourne 2/07/2006
- Full Text: false
- Description: 2003004226
Hydrothermal insights into the deposition of invisible and visible gold within aresenopyrite
- Authors: Morey, A. , Tomkins, A. , Weinberg, R. , Bierlein, Frank , McKnight, Stafford , Davidson, G.
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Proceedings of the Ninth Biennial SGA Meeting, Dublin 2007, 20th August, 2007 p. 781-784
- Full Text: false
- Description: By studying backscatter electron (BSE) micrographs, and the major- and trace-element geochemistry of gold bearing arsenopyrite from the late-Archaian Bardoc Tectonic Zone, Western Australia, this study helps constrain the hydrothermal conditions of gold deposition associated with this common ore mineral.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003005489
The physicochemical characteristics and hydrophobicity of high amylose starch-glycerol films in the presence of three natural waxes
- Authors: Muscat, Delina , Adhikari, Raju , McKnight, Stafford , Guo, Qipeng , Adhikari, Benu
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Food Engineering Vol. 119, no. 2 (2013), p. 205-219
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The film forming behaviour and hydrophobicity of high amylose (HA) starch in the presence of three different natural waxes (beeswax, candelilla wax and carnauba wax) were studied in the presence and absence of Tween-80. The HA starch:glycerol (G) ratio was maintained at 80:20 (on dry solid basis) and the concentration of wax was varied from 5% and 10% (w/w). The melted wax samples were homogenized with HAG dispersion with or without Tween-80 and the films were prepared by solution casting. The hydrophobicity and water-barrier properties in these films were determined by using contact angle (CA), water vapour permeability (K
- Description: 2003011133
Effect of spatial distribution of wax and PEG-isocyanate on the morphology and hydrophobicity of starch films
- Authors: Muscat, Delina , Adhikari, Raju , Tobin, Mark , McKnight, Stafford , Wakeling, Lara , Adhikari, Benu
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Carbohydrate Polymers Vol. 111, no. (2014), p. 333-347
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study proposes a novel method for improving surface hydrophobicity of glycerol plasticized high amylose (HAG) films. We used polyethylene glycol isocyanate (PEG-iso) crosslinker to link HAG and three natural waxes (beeswax, candelilla wax and carnauba wax) to produce HAG + wax + PEG-iso films. The spatial distributions of wax and PEG-iso across the thickness of these films were determined using Synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The hydrophobicity and surface morphology of the films were determined using contact angle (CA) and scanning electron microscopic measurements, respectively. The distribution patterns of wax and the PEG-iso across the thickness of the film, and the nature of crystalline patterns formed on the surface of these films were found to be the key factors affecting surface hydrophobicity. The highest hydrophobicity (CA >90°) was created when the PEG-iso was primarily distributed in the interior of the films and a hierarchical circular pinnacle structure of solidified wax was formed on the surface. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
Textural analysis of strongly altered kimberlite : Examples from the Ekati diamond mine, Northwest Territories, Canada
- Authors: Porritt, Lucy , Cas, Ray , Schaefer, Bruce , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Canadian Mineralogist Vol. 50, no. 3 (2012), p. 625-641
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Two massive, poorly sorted pyroclastic kimberlite deposits from the Fox and Koala pipes at the Ekati diamond mine, Northwest Territories, Canada present different styles of alteration. The first, at Fox, has an interstitial medium-alteration assemblage dominated by saponite, serpentine (lizardite), and microlitic diopside. The second, at Koala, has an alteration assemblage of serpentine (antigorite), carbonate, and minor saponite. They share the following sequence of events. Fine-grained matrix material has been serpentinized and replaced to varying degrees within each deposit, and the proportions of the preserved mineralogy of the interstitial medium reflect the nature and degree of alteration. Fine kimberlite ash is likely to have been hydrated and serpentinized soon after deposition by volcanic fluids percolating through the kimberlite vent fill deposits. Replacement, dissolution, and infilling of primary and secondary pore space are commonly observed textural features, and indicate that several phases of alteration have occurred, either as distinct episodes or, more likely, as part of a progressive sequence. The proportion of accessory lithic fragments contained within the deposits is much greater at Fox (15 to 35%) than at Koala (<10%) and has influenced the style of alteration in two ways. First, a greater proportion of cold lithic clasts acted as heat sinks and decreased the emplacement temperature of the Fox deposit as a whole. Second, a greater proportion of granodioritic lithic clasts, especially of smaller grain sizes, provided accessible sources of silica, aluminum, and calcium to the system, thus influencing the resulting alteration mineral assemblage.
Characterization and recovery of gold associated with fine, activated carbon
- Authors: Rowe, James , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at World Gold Conference 2009, Johannesburg, South Africa : 26th-30th October 2009
- Full Text:
- Description: The attrition of activated carbon, and the loss of gold associated with it, is of significant economic importance to the operation of a CIP/CIL circuit. The focus of this study was on activated carbon recovered from an elution circuit which was deemed too fine for reuse. Results of cyclosizer and laser particle size analysis identified that most of the carbon was contained in the larger size fraction suggesting formation by abrasion. Digestion and AAS analysis of the individual size fractions identified a disproportionate concentration of gold in the finer size fractions which was identified by scanning electron microscopy to be due to the presence of fine metallic gold formed as a result of the acid washing process. Attempts to strip the remaining gold using sodium hydroxide or sodium sulphide based solutions proved unsuccessful due to poor elution efficiencies and re adsorption of gold. Upgrading of the material by froth flotation was also investigated using various conventional flotation reagents which had some success in concentrating the free metallic gold, however, grade and/or recoveries were considered less than desirable. Greater success was ultimately found in the transfer of gold from the fine carbon material onto coarser virgin activated carbon using a caustic cyanide solution. Sodium sulphide, sodium chloride and ammonium chloride based solutions were also trialled but proved less successful owing to their inability to mobilise metallic gold or gold cyanide species. Repetition of the transfer process proved capable of stripping 97% of the gold contained on the carbon fines for a bed volume ratio of 6:1.
- Description: 2003007482
Evolution of the boundary between the western and central Lachlan Orogen : Implications for tasmanide tectonics
- Authors: Spaggiari, Catherine , Gray, David , Foster, David , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 50, no. 5 (2003), p. 725-749
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Differences in oblique overprinting, along-strike complexity as well as structural, metamorphic and timing constraints suggest that the boundary between the western and central subprovinces of the Lachlan Orogen, currently designated by the Governor Fault, cannot be a single structure. Previously limited data on the nature and kinematics of the fault/shear systems defining the boundary have led to varying scenarios for the tectonic evolution of the Lachlan Orogen. These scenarios either involve large-scale strike-slip displacement along the boundary with subsequent overthrusting or convergence of oppositely vergent thrust-systems with limited strike-slip translation. Geometrical constraints, fabric chronology and kinematic indicators in both the Mt Wellington (Melbourne Zone) and Governor (Tabberabbera Zone) Fault Zones indicate that maximum displacements relate to thrusting and duplex formation, followed by minor strike-slip faulting perhaps in response to slightly oblique collision of the Melbourne and Tabberabbera structural zones. Collision of these zones took place between ca 400 and 390 Ma. At Howqua, structural relationships indicate that collision involved northeast-directed thrusting of the Melbourne Zone (Mt Wellington Fault Zone) over the Tabberabbera Zone (Governor Fault Zone), and was followed by regional, northwest-trending, open folding. These structures overprint the dominant fabrics and metamorphic assemblages that are interpreted to relate to disruption and underthrusting of Cambrian oceanic/arc crust during closure of a marginal basin. Major deformation in the Tabberabbera Zone took place from ca 445 Ma and was associated with mélange formation, underplating and imbrication or duplexing (Governor Fault Zone, East Howqua segmennt). At slightly higher crustal levels, and following deposition of Upper Ordovician black shale and chert sequences (ca 440 Ma), Tabberabbera Zone evolution included offscraping of a serpentinite body (Dolodrook segment) that may have been either a Marianas-style seamount or transform fault zone within the Cambrian oceanic/arc crust. Major thrusting in the Mt Wellington Fault Zone was underway sometime after ca 420 Ma, and in contrast to the Governor Fault Zone, no mélange or broken formation was produced, metamorphism was at slightly higher temperatures and deformation probably occurred under higher strain states.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000547
Leven Star deposit: An example of Middle to Late Devonian intrusion-related gold systems in the western Lachlan Orogen, Victoria
- Authors: Whittam, R. R. , Bierlein, Frank , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 53, no. 2 (2006), p. 343-362
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study documents an example of atypical gold mineralisation in the central Victorian gold province of the western Lachlan Orogen, Australia. Unlike the vast majority of orogenic gold deposits in this region, the Leven Star deposit at Malmsbury is characterised by a disseminated-stockwork style of mineralisation, a close spatial and temporal association with post-tectonic felsic intrusions, complex alteration characteristics and a Au-As-Sb (±Bi-Te-Cu-Zn-Pb-Sn-W) ore assemblage. In contrast to orogenic-style, metamorphism-related gold mineralisation (ca 440 Ma), which pre-dated magmatism in the western Lachlan Orogen by tens of millions of years, ore formation in the Leven Star deposit was synchronous with, and is paragenetically younger than, Middle to Late Devonian (ca 370 Ma) magmatism. On the basis of these timing relationships, as well as whole-rock geochemistry, and structural, petrographic and fluid-inclusion data, it is suggested that the Leven Star deposit is not orogenic in character and instead should be classified as intrusion-related. © Geological Society of Australia.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001628
Illite crystallinity and the b-spacing values of white micas and their implications for gold mineralisation in the Lachlan Orogen
- Authors: Wilson, C. , McKnight, Stafford , Dugdale, A. , Rawling, T. , Farrar, A. , McKenzie, M. , Melling, W.
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 56, no. 8 (2009), p. 1143-1164
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Gold mineralisation in the Lachlan Orogen of western Victoria, is generally hosted in turbidites with very low-grade metamorphic assemblages. Metamorphic data from these turbidites are relatively rare because of the fine-grained nature of the pelitic component and lack of suitable assemblages for thermobarometric estimates. In this study, 'illite crystallinity' (Kubler Index) and b-lattice spacing measurements were carried out on white micas in metapelites, collected from near the inferred western margin of the Selwyn Block, as well as three exploration targets, in an attempt to relate thermal and barometric conditions to mineralisation. Higher-grade (epizone) metamorphic conditions are recorded in sequences west of the Whitelaw Fault and lower-grade (anchizone) metamorphic conditions to the east of the fault. The change from epizonal to anchizonal grade is abrupt, resolved to a distance of a few hundred metres. The b-spacing values change adjacent to the Muckleford Fault. This is due to rocks to the east being exhumed as the edge of the Selwyn Block moved westward during the Middle Devonian Tabberabberan Orogeny at 380Ma. We propose that the juxtaposition of rocks with contrasting thermal and barometric histories represents expression of the upper crustal location of the western margin of the Selwyn Block at the time of peak deformation, at about 440Ma, and this crustal structure controlled the distribution of the major quartz-vein-type gold deposits. The Middle Devonian orogenic activity (380Ma) was accompanied by the formation of disseminated gold deposits such as Fosterville. This represents a mineralising event that overprints the earlier gold deposits in a corridor at least 50km wide and to the west of the Whitelaw Fault, that parallels the margin of the Selwyn Block. The correlation between gold assays and 'illite crystallinity' results, from X-ray diffraction and from short-wave infrared-reflectance field-spectroscopy data, were ambiguous. Kubler Indices are not found to be effective in targeting of mineralisation as the values obtained from the alteration and the host-rock assemblages were similar and reflected the ambient P-T conditions at the time of mineralisation.