The New South Wales Government has posted the largest open survey data ever released in the state in a bid to unlock the state’s critical minerals potential.
The data was gathered via various geophysical surveys that covered over one-sixth of the state — over 148,000km2 — using eight aircraft over 18 months, and will play a key role in unlocking new mining projects for decades into the future.
Various methods were used to collect the data, including airborne electromagnetic, airborne magnetic and radiometric, gravity, and deep crustal reflection seismic surveys, with sound waves to delving up to 50km beneath the surface.
The NSW Government hopes the data will also help deliver a better understanding of the geology of the state, and potentially uncover groundwater aquifers for farmers and regional communities.
The surveys were undertaken in collaboration with Geoscience Australia. To date, the state government has invested $7.7 million in the geophysical acquisition campaign.
“Critical minerals are crucial to the future of the global pathway to net-zero and growing employment in regional NSW,” NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos says.
“The release of this data will help stimulate investment and make sure NSW continues to lead the exploration and development of critical minerals in Australia.
“These surveys are an important piece of the puzzle in developing our understanding of the state’s geological properties, and groundwater supplies. This is crucial information for farmers and regional communities.”
NSW is home to deposits of 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical minerals. It is also home to all five minerals on the Commonwealth Government’s Strategic Minerals List, including aluminium, copper, phosphorus, tin, and zinc.
There are currently 2,600 people directly employed in critical minerals mines in the central west of NSW, and another 1,260 in the far west. The NSW Government believes a further 1,600 people are projected to be employed if currently proposed projects begin mining.
Critical minerals, such as copper and nickel, are key components on solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, and wind turbines, all used as part of the global energy transition.
The NSW Government is currently reviewing its Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy to best position the state to take advantage of the opportunities these resources provide to the future of employment, industry, and the net-zero transition.
Write to Adam Drought at Mining.com.au
Images: NSW Government
