The New Zealand Government is spending NZ$6 million in surveying to improve national mining data.
The surveys, carried out across the South Island, are aimed at improving data available for prospecting operations, according to Stuff.co.nz.
The proposed aeromagnetic surveys will cover around 3700 square kilometres over East Nelson and Malborough, whilst 20,000 square kilometres of the Otago and Southland region will be targeted.
According to NZ minister for energy and resources, Simon Bridges, the focus would be on base metals such as copper in the more northern regions, whilst chrome, nickel, and PGM would be focused upon in the southern area.
The majority of surveying is slated to begin in November.
Bridges said the surveys will provide high quality exploration data, helping to kickstart junior mining operations in the region.
"This is about supporting companies with information so that they can explore and use their resources more efficiently. It should allow them to drill sooner, accelerating potential discoveries and mining,” he said.
"It's not always comfortable when you're in the middle of a downturn. I'm really optimistic of the future of our minerals industry."