A new airborne electromagnetic survey that will cover almost 10 per cent of South Australia is set to become Australia’s most extensive single AEM survey and the largest geophysical survey to be conducted in the state.
Geoscience Australia will manage the project, which covers 95,450 square kilometres of the South Australian outback. The survey will gather information about features hidden beneath ground cover such as geological and hydro-geological structures. It will also to help determine where AEM could be used for mineral, geothermal and petroleum exploration opportunities.
The survey will cover a region that is considered as having a high potential for uranium mining – it already includes major mines at Beverley, Honeymoon and Four Mile. The survey is also targeted to help improve information about groundwater in these areas.
“The data gathered by the survey will assist the state and federal government to manage the state’s mineral, energy and water resources by improving the understanding of our geology,” Paul Holloway, South Australia’s minister for mineral resources development said.
A fixed wing Shorts Sky Van will cover the target area, including the Frome Embayment and northern Murray Basin, which lie east and north of the Flinders Ranges. The project will continue until October.
The $2.67 million initiative is a collaboration between Geoscience Australia, the South Australian Government and a consortium of industry representatives.
Visit the Geoscience Australia website for more information.
