From Australian Oceans Data Network
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Report on the geology of Manus Island, Territory of Papua and New Guinea with reference to the occurrence of bauxite

Created 21/12/2025

Updated 21/12/2025

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During a geological reconnaissance of Manus Island, nodular bauxite deposits were observed in three widely separated localities. The occurrences are not laterally connected. Two are derived from basaltic flows and the third is formed over a medium-grained rock probably of tuffaceous origin. These volcanic rocks are products of a comparatively recent vulcanism and they unconformably overlie recrystallised limestones and marine tuffaceous sediments deposited on a plutonic basement. Palaeontological evidence of the age of these sediments is lacking but it is probable that they are Miocene or younger. The volcanics are sub-horizontal or possess a low primary dip determined by the underlying surfaces. The process of bauxitization has been more rapid than usual indicating that physiographic and petrographic conditions have been particularly favourable. Present day conditions of high temperatures, high rainfall and slow drainage are recognised as favourable. It is probable that these conditions have prevailed since the volcanics were laid down and that bauxitization is still proceeding. Regional considerations suggest that the bauxites will be widespread, particularly over the western end of the island. The deposits described were only observed as residual concentrations of bauxite nodules at the surface. They have not been tested as depth. The results of analyses of individual nodules from two of the deposits show a high available alumina content. Further prospecting and testing at depth, particularly in the west, is strongly recommended.

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Field Value
Title Report on the geology of Manus Island, Territory of Papua and New Guinea with reference to the occurrence of bauxite
Language eng
Licence Not Specified
Landing Page https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/d1326e3d-58c9-44e7-8ebd-2c02e876c57f
Contact Point
Australian Ocean Data Network
clientservices@ga.gov.au
Reference Period 19/11/2025
Geospatial Coverage
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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Data Portal Australian Oceans Data Network

Data Source

This dataset was originally found on Australian Oceans Data Network "Report on the geology of Manus Island, Territory of Papua and New Guinea with reference to the occurrence of bauxite". Please visit the source to access the original metadata of the dataset:
https://catalogue.aodn.org.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/csw/dataset/report-on-the-geology-of-manus-island-territory-of-papua-and-new-guinea-with-reference-to-the-o1