The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) promotes investment in the resources sector by improving the geological understanding of the State and providing geoscientific data to the exploration industry, improving exploration efficiency, and reducing exploration risk.
GSWA monitors and assesses exploration performance on mineral tenements and provides geological advice needed for the administration of, and proposed changes to, the Mining Act 1978 and Offshore Minerals Act. This legislation requires mineral explorers to report annually on their work programs. After a period of confidentiality, exploration reports and data are made publicly available so that past exploration work is not unnecessarily repeated. These are referred to as open-file reports and are available on the website in WAMEX (W.A. Mineral Exploration reports).
Innovative and greenfield exploration is also encouraged by the GSWA, which is currently managing a four-year Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS). This scheme is an $80 million State Government initiative aimed at encouraging innovative exploration, particularly in ‘greenfield’ areas of the State. For further information see ‘Exploration Incentive Scheme'.
Geological advice is also given on applications for a Mining Lease where the applicant is proceeding under the ‘Significant Mineralisation’ route (Sections 74 and 74A of the Mining Act). These Mineralisation Reports are public documents and become readily available online once approved by the Director Geological Survey. For further information see ‘Mineralisation Reports’.
As part of the legislative requirements for petroleum and geothermal exploration, companies are required to submit cores, cuttings and sidewall core material retrieved from drilling. These samples become available to the public after a strict confidentiality period.
MINEDEX is a database on Western Australian mines and minerals deposits, details include location, commodities, ownership and operators.
The HyLogger core scanner is a rapid spectroscopic logging and imaging system that uses continuous visible and infrared spectroscopy and digital imaging to examine core without destroying it in the process.
The GeMPet thesaurus provides geoscience professionals with a standardized terminology with which to index material. The need for standardized geoscience taxonomy is more important now than ever as the expansion of online information delivery through intranets and the Internet has highlighted the necessity to use controlled indexing to identify and organize information effectively. GeMPeT is designed to provide geoscience organizations with a ready-made taxonomy for this purpose.
All geological maps, publications, reports, posters, and promotional pamphlets compiled by GSWA, including maps and reports on mineralisation and mineral potential, can be found under Geoscience information, maps and reports. A wide range of search parameters are available. Electronic copies of many products are available free.
These reports accompany Mining Lease applications and are submitted under Sections 74 and 74A of the Mining Act. From here you can search all existing Mineralisation Reports, and also acquire guidelines and checklist for preparing Mineralisation Reports.
The Land use geoscience group within GSWA assists in maintaining access for exploration and development of resources through the provision of geoscientific information and advice to government. Assessments of the economic geology of areas proposed for land title and land use changes contribute towards the economic sustainability of Western Australia by ensuring that this information is used in the decision-making processes of Government.
Collaboration with external groups is conducted where the outcomes strongly align with GSWA's work plan, and may be either short term or extend over a number of years.
