Decades of data changing exploration

Decades of Queensland’s exploration data now available to all explorers is expected to encourage the resources sector to grow in the future.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said data sharing would help drive positive investment across the state and in turn Queensland’s economy.

“Data and the sharing of that information is what will drive our world-class resources sector in the near future – it is the lifeblood of exploration,” Mr Stewart said.

“Almost 20,000 new industry exploration reports spanning the last 50 years will be made available to the resources industry, leading to greater transparency and bringing to light information relating to the exploration of Queensland’s coal and minerals.

“This new wave of information, combined with 60,000 existing reports, will allow for informed investment and explorative decisions, and give more certainty for large and small explorers.

“For years these reports have been kept in confidence, but following regulatory changes made in 2020, coal and mineral exploration reports will now be made available after 5 years as opposed to being held for the life of tenure.

“It’s all about making critical information more accessible and mapping out a roadmap for exploration for decades to come.

“Exploration and the resources sector will continue to be essential for Queensland as we continue to deliver Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.”

Mr Stewart said the data release would encourage other explorers from across the world to look at Queensland.

“We continue to lead the way for the rest of the nation when it comes to making data available for exploration and this is just another example,” Mr Stewart said.

“Exploration is a key part of the resources sector and the increased sharing of data could help grow the resources sector in the future.

“The latest statistics from the ABS show Queensland’s exploration sector continues to grow with more than $677 million invested in 2020, up more than $117 million on the previous year.

“Not only are there jobs available within the exploration sector, new discoveries like those in the North West Minerals Province will help drive Queensland’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic.”

Reports can be found at the GSQ Open Data Portal : https://geoscience.data.qld.gov.au/ 

ENDS

Media Contact: Chris Lees, 0434 859 940