Modern technology maps the mines of tomorrow

In the fifties they used 4WDs and black and white aerial photos, with the sixties came colour, and today, geologists are using sophisticated satellite technology to map out the mines of tomorrow.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the new technology was put to the test in one of the first major mapping upgrades in almost 30 years in resource-rich north west Queensland.

“It has the potential to unlock rich new sites for mineral and geothermal energy resources,” Mr Wilson said.

More than 62,000 square kilometres of one of the world’s richest resource regions has been remapped.

“Geologists from my Department used cutting-edge technology to map the rocks of the north west for explorers to tap into the region’s hidden mineral potential,” Mr Wilson said.

“They’ve already uncovered new areas for explorers who are keen to make their mark in mining. We’re talking about a new generation of geoscience data,” he said.

“Explorers today have much more information at their finger tips. Mapping techniques are more refined and age dating of rocks has also improved.

“There’s new high-tech geoscience data available, along with seismic surveys that have already revealed faults deep in the earth’s crust. These faults provide pathways for deep fluids to penetrate to the surface and that spells resource potential. It’s very exciting,” he said.

The Minister said age dating had helped define new areas with rocks equivalent in age to the Mt Isa group which hosts the giant Mt Isa and George Fisher deposits.

“The geologists also believe the new seismic surveys could reveal geothermal energy or ‘hot rocks’,” Mr Wilson said.

Member for Mt Isa, Betty Kiernan said the potential for new discoveries in the north west would further strengthen the region’s economy.

“This is Q2 at its smartest. We’re looking beyond the horizon and planning for the future – a cleaner, greener energy future for Queensland.

These potential discoveries herald exciting times ahead for renewable energy in Queensland and the Bligh Government is backing it all the way,” Mrs Kiernan said.

Media contact: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819