DMITRE Minerals

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GSSA Projects

Mapping and exploration

Regional geology and mapping

Regional geology and mapping projects 

Through the development of a team of mappers, the regional geology and mapping team contribute to the field-based generation and synthesis of fundamental geological data and maps with the aim of continual improvement of the understanding of the framework for South Australian geology. The team is responsible for the definition, interpretation and publication of geological data and maps for the whole of state (>900 000 km2) and complete geological time scale.

Specific tasks are:

  • Generating new geological data through field geology mapping, sampling and drilling programs and laboratory analyses
  • Generating new summary geological map datasets through the combination and generalising of detailed datasets
  • Literature research, interpretation and synthesis of specific geological investigations as required
  • Publication and presentation of results at state-wide, national and international conferences
  • GIS editing and updating of digital geological maps
  • Providing geological maps, knowledge, data and advice to other groups in DMITRE, to other Government departments and agencies and to private sector clients, particularly to the mineral exploration sector, and the general public
  • Defining and updating the stratigraphy and geological heritage of South Australia
  • Transferring and maintaining knowledge and skills in geological mapping
  • Research and development of the best and most consistent mapping techniques for South Australia
  • Contribution to South Australian-focussed collaborative projects with other state and federal government agencies, universities and research bodies

Mineral systems

Mineral systems projects 

The role of the mineral systems team in the Geological Survey of South Australia is to further knowledge of mineral systems within the state that are capable of forming ore deposits, which can be mined to deliver significant economic benefits to the state.

Projects involve collection of new data and synthesis of known information to extend our understanding of the source of metals, processes of mobilisation, concentration and preservation and the footprint and timing of mineralising events. Our aim is to develop tools to improve targeting and reduce exploration risk.

The group has expertise in sedimentology, mineralogy, geochemistry, remote sensing and spectral logging of drill samples, and mineral dating. Additional expertise is available through project work across teams and with external collaborations, in particular the Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (DET CRC).

The focus of current projects is on uranium, heavy minerals, and iron-oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) systems.

Prospectivity and geophysics

Prospectivity and geophysics projects 

Prospectivity and geophysics team's function is the acquisition, maintenance, interpretation and modelling of geophysical and remotely sensed data, and the integration of geoscientific data into 3D models and predictive modelling frameworks to support exploration land use and planning. 

Resource, evaluation and planning

Resource, evaluation and planning projects 

Provides:

  • Advice on mineral resources in relation to a wide variety of planning and mineral tenement issues provided to state government and local councils.
  • Advice to the Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) on numerous construction material matters.
  • Mineral resource potential mapping
  • Updating of mines and deposits (Mindep) data 

Geoscientific information management

Geoscientific information management projects

The geoscientific information management (GIM) program involves a diverse, multi-disciplinary team operating within GSSA. GIM's core business is to manage and develop Mineral Resources Division (MRD) data and information systems in order to promote South Australia's prospectivity in the global market place. This involves acquiring, maintaining, integrating, adding to the value of, and distributing geoscientific information to meet the expectations of state-wide, national and international customers and stakeholders.  

GIM is responsible for:

  • delivering high quality, pre-competitive data and information which is built to meet the diverse needs of customers and stakeholders
  • contributing to an enhanced understanding of the State's geological framework and mineral resources potential and improving perception of its prospectivity
  • providing advice to companies on meeting their obligations regarding data submission and exploration
  • ensuring MRD's information products reflect emerging technologies
  • providing consultancy and advice to support the development of data management capabilities for internal customers
  • providing custodianship of mining-related data and databases
  • providing geoscientific data and expertise to industry and academic research projects
  • monitoring earthquake risks to the community by maintaining a network of seismic recording equipment
  • maintaining a range of relevant geoscientific collections on behalf of the State, including a physical repository for geological samples/specimens.
  • providing laboratory and logistical support to MRD staff

 

GSSA collaborative projects

GSSA collaborative projects 

The GSSA collaborates extensively with universities, government research organisations, CRCs, other State and Territory geological surveys, and international organisations, in order to improve our understanding of the State's geology and enhance its prospectivity.