The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) changed its work program in 2020–21 because of the travel and operational restrictions caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Using our large collection of geoscience data, rock samples, and fossils, we created the Accelerated Geoscience Program (AGP) to help boost the economy and support the exploration industry.
Through this program, we provided new datasets and information about key regions in Western Australia. These help geologists and explorers better understand the geology and mineral prospectivity of the State, speeding up discoveries and opportunities for growth.
The AGP had four main projects:
- Publication of existing data into GIS layers
- Data integration and analyses — the Yilgarn Craton
- Statewide critical minerals prospectivity study
- Energy systems including petroleum, geothermal, and carbon capture and storage
Nearly 100 new interpreted datasets were produced across these projects. These include about 1080 data layers made up of our original work and data reprocessed from other sources.
Many of these layers are available online through the Data and Software Centre, GeoVIEW.WA, the Petroleum and Geothermal Information Management System (WAPIMS), and the Mineral Systems Atlas.
Most of the data is included in three Geological Exploration Packages:
Geological Exploration Packages are designed to be easy to use for everyone, whether you’re a prospector or part of a large mining company. They work with different levels of technical skill and software and are available for free.
Publication of existing data into GIS layers
This project turned analogue data into new digital maps and datasets. These tools give geologists a better understanding of Western Australia’s bedrock geology, especially in areas where they are under thick cover.
The project improved GSWA’s data discovery, particularly Western Australia Exploration Geochemistry Online (WAMEX Geochem). Over 260,000 WAMEX reports were digitised, making them easier to search online. The WAMEX Drillholes database was also updated and is now accessible to everyone.
This work created 13 new datasets (with 160 data layers) that help better understand where to explore for minerals in Western Australia. These results also contribute to other projects within the AGP.
Use these datasets to explore the potential for finding mineral deposits across large regions and see how the structure of the Earth’s crust, the types of rocks, and their chemical makeup relate to known areas with critical minerals and strategic materials.
Data integration and analyses — the Yilgarn Craton
Future discoveries of Tier 1 (world-class) deposits are likely to be hidden under deep cover. Using the UNCOVER plan, GSWA created 55 new datasets (with 500 layers) for the far eastern and southwestern edges of the Yilgarn Craton, data from the Eastern Goldfields, and new studies of previously collected rock samples.
The Yilgarn Craton is one of Western Australia’s richest areas for minerals, with large deposits of gold, nickel, lithium, copper–zinc, iron ore, tantalum, aluminium, and uranium. Discoveries of high-grade gold and nickel in the far eastern (Gruyere, Tropicana, Neale) and southwestern (Julimar) parts of the craton show that these less-explored areas could be just as valuable as the well-known Eastern Goldfields
Even though the Yilgarn Craton and Eastern Goldfields are covered by thick regolith, GSWA has collected a lot of data about the geology below, which could help find major new mineral deposits.
Statewide critical minerals prospectivity study
This AGP project focused on mapping out Western Australia's critical minerals to learn more about how they form and the changes they cause in surrounding rocks. The program has created 20 new datasets with 251 layers of information. These tools will help identify new exploration opportunities and attract more investment in the critical minerals sector, opening new areas for exploration across the State.
The Australian Government and other state governments have created lists of minerals and materials considered critical or strategic for our economic future.
Australia’s Critical Minerals List and Strategic Materials List
Western Australia is in a great position to meet the growing demand for these minerals. By understanding where these deposits are likely to be found, GSWA can encourage exploration and manage land for industrial purposes, like processing the minerals locally.
Energy systems including petroleum, geothermal, and carbon capture and storage
This AGP project has developed 12 new datasets with 129 data layers that provide important details about petroleum and geothermal systems in Western Australia. These datasets improve our understanding of the State’s energy potential, including resources that support low-carbon technologies.
The petroleum industry faced major challenges during COVID-19, with a drop in demand and an oil price war happening at the same time. To support this industry, the project aimed to create a visual summary of the State’s well data and other map layers. These tools will help the petroleum industry with exploration and planning.
