The 2775–2630 Ma Fortescue Group unconformably overlies the granite–greenstones of the Pilbara Craton in Western Australia. It incorporates the world’s best-preserved sequence of Archean ultramafic to felsic volcanic deposits.
Interpretation of the tectonic setting sets the scene for the deposition of the 2630–2445 Ma Hamersley Group. This group contains one of the world’s most continuous sequences across the Archean–Proterozoic boundary. The Hamersley Group is the most economically important stratigraphic unit on the Australian continent, because of its large iron ore deposits.
Since 2016, we have carried out targeted geological mapping and geochemical studies in the region. High-quality rock chemistry, isotopic, and geochronological data are also being collected.
Access publications and data from the Fortescue and Hamersley Basins project
Publications and data are available through the DEMIRS eBookshop unless stated elsewhere.
Fortescue-Hamersley 2022 Geological Information Series
Geology of the Fortescue Group, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia
Fortescue--Hamersley project: igneous geochemistry of the Fortescue and Hamersley Basins
