Information package available for explorers in North-West Queensland

An information package supporting the future repeal of four restricted areas in the state’s north-west is now available for prospective explorers.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the data was designed to promote applications by explorers keen to invest in the discovery of new minerals for Queensland.

“The State Government is paving the way for a new generation of miners by stimulating exploration and discovery of new mineral resources,” Mr Wilson said.

“A package has been put together so Australian and international explorers are given every chance to submit applications to explore here.

“A DVD with information on investment, the North-West Queensland Mineral Province, exploration company reports, geophysics and mineral occurrence records has been produced.

“The DVD provides regional geological and geophysical information for our world-class mineral province.

“It also draws attention to the potential of the region to a global market,” he said.

Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said local and international mining companies have an equal opportunity to apply for exploration permits over these areas.

“This is great news for the region,” Mrs Kiernan said.

“It shows that mining is going from strength to strength.

“Mining creates job security and helps boost the economy in our region,” she said.

Applications for exploration permits within these areas can be made on 18 June 2007, the day after the current restricted status is repealed.

The areas available cover 1,892 square kilometres in a 300-kilometre-wide corridor, running north-south about 200 kilometres south-west of MountIsa.

A free digital information package for explorers, containing all available data, including the geophysical data is available from the Department of Mines and Energy by emailing minerals@dme.qld.gov.au

Potential applicants can use the data to undertake their own assessments to develop proposed work programs for submission with applications for exploration permits.

Further exploration in Queensland’s north-west is being supported by the capture of new geological and geophysical data commissioned by the Department of Mines and Energy under the Smart Exploration program.

The Queensland Government is investing $20 million over four years from July 2005 in the Smart Exploration Program.

The program updates key geoscience data sets over Queensland’s mineral and energy regions of Mount Isa, Drummond Basin (Clermont to Mount Coolon), Mount Rawdon (near Gympie and Maryborough), and the Bowen and Surat Basins in central and southern Queensland.

Media Inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332