Queensland government Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said stage two of the mapping project would cover twice the area that was mapped in stage one, more than 16,000 km2.
“The survey will stimulate investment in the Mount Isa, Georgetown, Hodgkinson Basin and Charters Towers mineral provinces,” Wilson said.
Stage two data is expected to be released in mid-2008.
Hyperspectral surveys are one of several new technologies applied to mineral exploration.
“This particular survey uses an infra-red technology to examine anomalies under the earth’s surface,” Wilson said.
“The survey will also take in new areas from Croydon to north of Chillagoe, and south beyond Charters Towers,” Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said.
Key contact:
Mal Jones
Mal.jones@dme.qld.gov.au
www.dem.qld.gov.au