Two CSIRO post-doctoral researchers will be based in Darwin for up to three years embedded within the Department of Mines and Energy under a new collaborative research agreement.
The Northern Territory Geological Survey (NTGS) and CSIRO will work together to gain new insights into the Territory’s geology, mineral and petroleum potential; and provide industry with new datasets and concepts to attract more exploration and increase the chance of new resource discoveries.
“This agreement will allow CSIRO to use our extensive datasets and unique knowledge of the Territory’s geology, while we will benefit from the state-of-the-art technology and expertise of the CSIRO Mineral Resources Division,” NTGS Executive Director Dr Ian Scrimgeour said.
The researchers will work with NTGS on applying innovative CSIRO technology to better understand the resource potential of the greater McArthur Basin, which covers a vast area in the northern part of the NT and has high potential to host numerous base metals deposits and petroleum.
“It is important that we are applying the best possible science and technology in the Territory to assist explorers in finding hidden deposits that aren’t exposed at the surface,” Dr Scrimgeour said.
“Providing this level of modern data, information and interpretation to mineral and petroleum explorers gives them a head start on their exploration and helps make the Territory a more attractive place for industry to invest in exploration.”
The CSIRO researchers will use geophysical modelling tools to test and refine dimensional models created by NTGS of the geology buried beneath the surface.
They will also utilise CSIRO expertise and technology to model the geological controls on where mineral deposits are most likely to occur. This information will be combined with studies already underway by NTGS in the greater McArthur Basin to provide industry with a new understanding of the geology of the basin and how to best target their exploration.
The researcher positions are currently being advertised, with both positions expected to start in Darwin in the first half of this year. All data and information generated from the collaboration will be made freely available to industry and the public.
The agreement with CSIRO forms part of the Government’s four-year $23.8 million Creating Opportunities for Resource Exploration (CORE) initiative.
CORE includes a strong focus on bringing the best possible expertise into the Territory to apply cutting edge technology and science to help industry discover new minerals and petroleum resources for the Territory’s future.
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