Registrations have today opened for the Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES) which presents new geoscience information and opportunities for mineral and petroleum exploration in the NT.

The 17th annual conference will be held on the 15–16th March in Alice Springs, where a mix of Northern Territory Geological Survey (NTGS) and industry presentations will showcase the rich minerals and petroleum potential of the Northern Territory.

NTGS Executive Director Dr Ian Scrimgeour welcomed the opening of registrations and said he was looking forward to the annual forum which would provide delegates with new data, ideas and information to drive further investment in exploration.

“Participants are able to access the latest geoscientific data and network with those who share an interest in the discovery and development of the Territory’s mineral and petroleum resources,” he said.

“This conference demonstrates the commitment of both Government and industry in developing the north and will help bring further investment into the Territory.”

Dr Scrimgeour said the Territory continued to offer outstanding opportunities for explorers.

“New geoscience data from the Northern Territory Geological Survey and its partners under the Creating Opportunities for Resource Exploration (CORE) initiative is highlighting the untapped potential of under-explored areas in the Territory,” he said.

“AGES presents new geoscience results and concepts generated from the Territory Government’s four year, $23.8 million CORE initiative.

“The networking opportunities are invaluable as delegates attend from all over Australia and internationally to take part in this key seminar.

“The Northern Territory still remains largely unexplored, however as more exploration is undertaken it is exciting to see the potential for major new minerals and petroleum discoveries.

“This is a unique opportunity for those with an interest in the exploration sector to not only find out about the latest new geoscience programs in the Territory, but also to hear from industry about findings from recent exploration programs.”

Key highlights for AGES 2016 include the release of the latest data and information on the highly prospective McArthur Basin including the Beetaloo Sub-basin, new concepts on copper mineral systems in central Australia, release of a joint Government-industry seismic survey over Tennant Creek, a technical workshop by CSIRO on the applied use of geophysical data for petroleum and minerals exploration and workshops on legislative frameworks for mineral and petroleum exploration.

For more information on AGES please visit www.ages.nt.gov.au

Media contact: Lucy Buhr 0438 455 536