PENNY WEST GOLD DEPOSIT, YOUANMI, WA

The deposit occurs on a low, N trending ridge that rises to about 20 m above the recent alluvial plains to the E. The area is covered by a climax vegetation of Acacia aneura with scattered eucalyptus trees and a few sandalwood trees (Santalum sp.). It receives 200-250 mm of rain per year, mostly in winter associated with passing cold fronts. Maximum temperatures range from 15C in winter to 30C in summer. The deposit is on Youanmi Downs pastoral station, subject to low density sheep grazing.