New mineral mapping project for north-west Queensland

Mineral explorers will benefit from the second stage of a data mapping project in north-west Queensland.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson stage two of the mapping project would cover over 16,000 square kilometres, twice the area that was mapped in stage one.

“Today’s exploration challenge is to discover those mineral deposits that are well hidden and they have the potential to become the mines of tomorrow,” Mr Wilson said.

“The survey will stimulate investment in the Mount Isa, Georgetown, Hodgkinson Basin and Charters Towers mineral provinces.

“The stage 2 data will be released in mid-2008, and will further increase exploration interest in Queensland.

“Hyperspectral surveys are one of several new technologies applied to mineral exploration.

“This particular survey uses an infra-red technology to examine anomalies under the earth’s surface,” he said.

Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said the project would provide even more data on the Mount Isa region.

“The survey will also take in new areas from Croydon to north of Chillagoe and south beyond Charters Towers,” Mrs Kiernan said.

“This is great news for the local mining industry.

“The data will build on the information from the first survey, which was released earlier this year.

“The work we are announcing today will provide us with the jobs of tomorrow,” she said.

Media inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332