THE Queensland mining industry is assessing the first reports and maps from an infrared mapping project between the Department of Mines and Energy’s Geological Survey of Queensland and CSIRO.
The new mapping technique uses infrared technology to measure minerals, soil, and vegetation.
Geoscientists can survey much larger areas than that covered by conventional mapping and can identify minerals directly from airborne surveys, according to the Government.
The data includes 10 satellite maps that cover 150,000 km2 around the Mount Isa region and more than 20 mineral maps over an area of more than 8,000 km2.
The Queensland Government provided funds for the new mapping technology out of its Smart Exploration program and was working in collaboration with CSIRO, Hyvista Corporation, Geoscience Australia, the Predictive Mineral Discovery CRC and James Cook University.