Diamond data – an explorer’s best friend

The Bligh Government has delivered a carat to diamond explorers to help them find more of the elusive gems in Queensland.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said all the data from diamond exploration reports dating back to the 1960s had been compiled into one big document.

“It will help explorers narrow down their search for diamond deposits in Queensland and take some of the guess work out,” Mr Wilson said.

“Most of the state’s diamond exploration has been centred around Mount Isa, and from Charters Towers through to Coen.

“There have also been discoveries elsewhere in Queensland - in the north, central west and south east of the state,” he said.

Minister Wilson said more than 40 exploration companies had been exploring for diamonds in more than 20 areas of the state since 1960.

“Much of the exploration has been patchy, often a sideline, while explorers were searching for other minerals.

“If diamond indicator minerals were found, the results might not have been promising enough to warrant further money being spent on the project,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson said the report – Diamonds, diamond indicator minerals and a review of exploration for diamonds in Queensland – would help explorers in their search for the world’s hardest and most sought-after gem.

“The report has maps and data that outline the properties of diamonds, geological models and key results from company exploration reports – all designed to help explorers narrow down their search.

Minister Wilson said the report was produced out of the Bligh Government’s $30 million Smart Mining – Future Prosperity program.

“Queensland is rich in resources and we want to help explorers tap into its hidden potential.

“Our $30 million Smart Mining program boosts exploration in Queensland. The bottom line is that today’s exploration leads to tomorrow’s jobs,” he said.

Diamonds were first discovered in Queensland in 1873 but there is currently no commercial diamond mining in Queensland.

Diamonds have been recovered in tin mining operations around Stanthorpe and north Queensland, and during sapphire mining in the Central Queensland’s gemfields.

Microdiamonds, as their name suggests, are extremely small and an indicator of the potential presence of diamonds. They have been found in stream sediment samples around Stanthorpe, Proston, Herberton and Lakeland Downs.

Exploration for diamonds in Australia has been on the rise since the discovery of the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia.

The report, on DVD, costs $13.45 and is available from the Department of Mines and Energy sales centre on 07 3237 1434.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819