EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT

World's largest airborne EM survey highlights potential

GEOSCIENCE Australia has released the results from the world's largest airborne electromagnetic survey, highlighting the mineral potential of the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Staff reporter
 Map of the airborne electromagnetic survey with the conductivity sections projected above the survey area in Northern Territory and Queensland

Map of the airborne electromagnetic survey with the conductivity sections projected above the survey area in Northern Territory and Queensland

Minister for resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said the survey indicated potential for new mineral deposits including gold, copper, nickel, lead, zinc and manganese, as well as critical minerals such as cobalt, platinum-group elements and rare-earth elements.

"The survey containing 60,000 line kilometres of data provides new insights into mineral-rich areas in Northern Australia that have not been extensively explored previously," he said.

The survey focused on the prospective area between Tennant Creek and Mt Isa.

The flight lines were spaced at 20km apart.

Canavan said the data had received huge interest, with 13 exploration companies already signed up to participate in infill flying during the next survey, which will be acquired across an equally large area of the west of the NT and into Western Australia.

"The Coalition government is committed to building a strong, growing economy that creates jobs, especially in Northern Australia," he said.

"That's why we are investing heavily in word-class geoscience data acquisition programs, which are central to de-risking exploration and attracting more investment, an aim outlined in the recently released Australia's National Resources Statement.

"This statement is a new national policy framework vital for planning and stability in the resources industry.

"The aim is to have the world's most advanced, innovative and successful resources sector that delivers sustained prosperity and social development for all Australians."

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