WA Array seismic data will help uncover the State’s next big mineral discovery
| Date: | Wednesday, 30 October 2024 |
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- Data is from one of the world's largest and highest resolution seismic surveys
- Project reinforces Cook Government’s commitment to unearthing mines of tomorrow
The first release of seismic data being collected through the ongoing WA Array project is now available for use in the Cook Government’s multimillion-dollar plan to gain a better understanding of the State’s complex geology.
With a $30 million investment over ten years, the WA Array data will help exploration companies target areas of high prospectivity, evaluate future competing land uses, mitigate seismic hazards and maximise Western Australia’s opportunities in the transition to net-zero emissions.
The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) project, which started in 2022, deploys 165 seismometers arranged in a grid pattern and spaced at 40-kilometre intervals. The entire State is being mapped by relocating the instruments annually between nine regional areas.
Waveform data from Phase 1 in the South West of WA is now available on the national Australian Passive Seismic Server (AusPass).
While the WA Array builds on similar surveys across the rest of Australia, the project has higher density data collection that leads to more detailed images and models.
More information on the WA Array and data is available at https://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Geological-Survey/WA-Array-30572.aspx
The GSWA will present the first detailed previews of the processed results and models from Phase 1 at its Open Day in Perth on 15 November 2024.
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"As one of the world's largest and highest resolution passive seismic surveys, the WA Array will digitally transform and supercharge the State's resources sector.
"The freely available geoscientific data reinforces the Cook Government’s commitment to developing future mines, attracting downstream processing and supporting even more local jobs for Western Australians.
"WA competes with many other jurisdictions to attract investment, so its important to keep ahead of the pack with world-leading data projects of this kind."
Media contact: Stuart McKinnon 0498 371 597 or 6552 5100
