As part of the Australian Government‘s Exploring for the Future program, new data will shed light on the buried geology beneath Tasmanians’ feet.
As part of a study conducted by Geoscience Australia and Mineral Resources Tasmania, a helicopter carrying radiometric and magnetic surveying equipment flew across roughly 10,000 square kilometres of south-eastern Tasmania last year.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said the survey’s results would assist scientists better comprehend the region’s mineral, energy, and groundwater potential.
“Just like an ultrasound can reveal what’s inside your body, magnetic and radiometric surveys can reveal the geology below the ground by measuring the magnetism and tiny amounts of natural radioactivity of the Earth,” Minister King stated.
Minister King added, “We know Australia’s wide-ranging deposits of critical minerals are essential for the world to reach net zero, but we need to work out exactly where to find them.”
According to the Minister, it can map rocks potentially rich in minerals and identify groundwater aquifers and varied soil types in agricultural areas.
“This data is now available for industry and other stakeholders to better assess the potential of eastern Tasmania for hosting base-metals, gold, bauxite, tungsten and other critical minerals, along with helping to inform groundwater and land management decisions,” Minister King said.
She stated that the survey is just one of the many ways Geoscience Australia’s Exploring for the Future initiative assists in identifying new exploration prospects, improving natural resource management, and attracting new investment, particularly in regional Australia.
Felix Ellis, Tasmania’s Minister for Resources, said the survey would help the State’s thriving mining and agriculture businesses.
“Our mining and minerals processing sector is a key pillar of the Tasmanian economy, supporting thousands of jobs and bringing in billions of dollars in export revenue each year,” Minister Ellis stated.
Minister Ellis added that the sector offers several critical minerals, including tin and tungsten, that are required for daily life and to aid the world’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
“Thanks to our rich mineral endowment and supported by our renewable energy capacity, Tasmania is in an enviable position to capitalise on increasing global demand for these minerals,” Minister Ellis said.
The Minister added, “Properly understanding the opportunities in the rich geology beneath our feet will—if unlocked—create new investment opportunities and jobs for Tasmanians.”
