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RECORD 1979/30
• BUREAU OF MINERAL RESOURCES 1979 PROGRAM
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The information contained in this record may not be published in any form or used in a company prospectus or statement without the permission in writing of the Director, Bureau of Mineral Resotrces, Geology and Geophysics.
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BMR Record 1979/30 c.3 M(D)21
Record 1979/30
BUREAU OF MINERAL RESOURCES 1979 PROGRAM
Compiled by R. Thieme
CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION^
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RECONNAISSANCE SURVEYS PROGRAM^ Onshore geology^ Airborne geophysics^ Marine geophysics^
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Marine geology^ Gravity^ Period studies^ PETROLEUM RESOURCES PROGRAM ^ Basin review and resource assessment ^ Petroleum geochemistry and petrophysics ^ Petroleum industry and legislation ^ Basin geology^ MINERAL RESOURCES PROGRAM^ Geology of mineral provinces ^
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Mineral deposit geology & ore genesis^ Geophysics of mineral deposits ^ Mineral economics^
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Mining engineering^
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EARTH STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ^ Crustal structure^ Geothermal studies^ Regional gravity^ Geophysical observatories ^ EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS R & D PROGRAM^ Geophysical methods^ Remote .sensing^ Data acquisiton and processing systems . GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES AND HYDROGEOLOGY PROGRAM ^ Engineering geology and geophysics ^ Hydrogeology^ INFORMATION AND REFERENCE COLLECTIONS ^ Information systems^ National maps^
Reference collections^
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Page FOREIGN AID PROGRAM
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SPECIALIST AND SUPPORTING SERVICES
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INTRODUCTION BMR's fundamental role is to obtain, study and publish basic information on the geological framework and mineral resources of the Australian continent, overseas Territories, and offshore areas. The information provides the basis for assessing the magnitude of known and potential resources, and for mineral search and development. As with most scientific research, the application of BMR's work is often not direct - rather, the results are transmitted to the point of application by way of a "pool of knowledge". BMR activities are specifically directed at - geoscience research which requires an Australiawide approach or specialist facilities which are beyond the resources of State Government agencies; - geoscience surveys in areas under Commonwealth jurisdiction including Antarctica and offshore
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areas; and - studies of the mineral industry and Australia's mineral resources in order to provide advice to the
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Commonwealth Government and its Departments. Work in 1979 can be grouped into eight broad programs: - reconnaissance surveys - petroleum resource studies - mineral resource studies - Earth structure and physical properties
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- equipment and systems R & D - geotechnical services and hydrogeology - information and reference collections - foreign aid. In addition, specialist, technical and administrative services support the above programs.
-2An outline of BMR's programs is given in the following pages; projects involving field work in 1979 are indicated by an asterisk (*).
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RECONNAISSANCE SURVEYS PROGRAM Reconnaissance surveys are designed to provide an initial understanding of the composition, structure and geological history of the Australian continent and continental margin, and to indicate resource potential and key areas requiring further research. SUB PROGRAMS^NATURE OF WORK Onshore Geology^Geological mapping, laboratory studies, and associated reporting.
Major projects - Enderby Land (AAT)* - Prince Charles Mtns (AAT) - Canning Basin (WA) - Yilgarn Block (WA)* Airborne Geophysics^Magnetic and radiometric measurements using BMR aircraft; data processing and reporting.
Major projects - Adelaide Geosyncline (SA)* - Albany/Fraser Block (WA) - Lachlan Geosyncline (NSW, Vic)* - McArthur Basin (NT) - N. Queensland (Old)* - Officer Basin (WA) - Lithgow (NSW)* - Enderby Land (ANARE aircraft) (AAT)* Marine Geophysics
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Seismic, gravity and magnetic measurements over the
Australian continental margin and surrounding ocean areas, data processing and reporting.
-4Major projects - Interpretation of data from 1971-73 Continental Margins Survey - Lord Howe Rise and Coral Sea: joint project with German Federal Republic Marine Geology
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• Sampling of near-surface sediments and shallow seismic profiling of Australian continental margin; laboratory analysis and reporting. Major projects - NW Continental Margin: joint project with German Federal Republic* - Bass Strait and West Tasmania shelf - Sedimentology and stratigraphy of Southern Great Barrier Reef (Qld)*
Gravity^ Recomputation and interpretation of reconnaissance gravity data. Major project - Gravity maps of Australia Period Studies^Australia-wide correlation of time-equivalent rock units. Major projects - Cainozoic Period - Precambrian
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PETROLEUM RESOURCES PROGRAM Petroleum resources research is directed at all aspects relating to the origin (source, maturation, migration, entrapment), exploration, and recov-
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ery of onshore and offshore resources, with a view to assessing discovered and potential resources and encouraging further exploration. A continuous review is maintained of the exploration and development aspects of the petroleum industry for advice to the Government and for use in resource assessment.
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SUB PROGRAMS^NATURE OF WORK Basin Review and^Analsis and synthesis of geological data and quantitative Resource Assessment^assessments of undiscovered resources. Major projects - Exmouth Plateau review (WA)
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- Capricorn Basin review (Qld) - Petroleum potential of Eastern View Coal Measures, Bass Basin (Vic) - Darling Basin review (NSW)*
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- Methodology for petroleum supply forecasting - Geochemical methods for assessing undiscovered resources - Minimum economic reservoir size
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- Oil shale in the Toolebuc Formation (Qld, NSW)* Petroleum Geochemistry Geochemical characterisation of Australian hydrocarbons; and Petrophysics^measurement of physical parameters of reservoir rocks;
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identification of potential petroleum source rocks. Major projects - Routine core and hydrocarbon analyses
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- Enhanced recovery investigations: Moonie (q1d), Alton (Q1d) and Barrow Island (WA) Fields - Source rock studies of Georgina (10t1d, NT) and Ngalia asIT) Basins, and Exmouth Plateau (WA)
- Drilling fluid evaluation
-6^ Review of Australia's identified petroleum resources, Petroleum Industry ^and of petroleum exploration development and and Legislation production; provide technical advice for administration of legislation. Major projects - Monitoring of levels of industry activity and expenditure - Estimation of in-place and recoverable reserves - Technical aspects of administration of Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act; maintenance of P(SL)A and PSSA data Basin Geology^Field investigation of structural and stratigraphic problems in sedimentary basins. Major projects - Bowen Basin: seismic and gravity survey of Denison Trough (Qld)* - Georgina Basin (NT, Qld): see also Mineral Resources Program - Review of geophysical data for future seismic surveys
-7MINERAL RESOURCES PROGRAM Mineral resource research is primarily directed at understanding the relationship between mineral occurrences and their geological environment; this knowledge is fundamental to mineral exploration and resource assessment. In addition, a continuous review is maintained of all aspects of the mineral industry for advice to Government and for use in resource assessment. SUB PROGRAMS^NATURE OF WORK ^ Geology of Mineral Field and laboratory research into the composition, ^ Provinces structure and evolution of geologically complex regions Major projects - Arunta Block (NT)* - Georgetown area (Qld)* - Lachlan Belt (ACT, NSW)* - McArthur Basin (NT)* - Mt Isa Block (Qld)* - Pine Creek Block (NT)* - Georgina Basin (NT, Qld)* Mineral Deposit Geology Research into factors influencing the genesis and and Ore Genesis^localisation of mineral deposits Major projects - Geobiology and sedimentology of Spencer Gulf (SA)* - Copper mineralisation in Stuart Shelf/Adelaide Geosyncline (SA)* - Geochemistry of Archaean rocks in Pilbara Block (WA)* - Uranium mineralisation in Pine Creek Block (NT)* - Australian alkaline ultramafic rocks (kimberlites) - Geology of PNG volcanoes . - Permian coals of eastern Australia (Old, NSW)*
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Determination of the geophysical characteristics of ^mineral deposits and of regional geology. Mineral Deposits Geophysics of
Major project - Lachlan Belt (NSW)* Mineral Economics
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Compilation of statistics on, and analysis of, exploration, mining, processing, utilisation and marketing of minerals. Major projects - Reviews of mineral commodities - Assessment of Australian tin, chromite, nickel and kaolin resources
Mining Engineering^Studies of mine feasibility and viability. Major project - Mining cost analysis
EARTH STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES PROGRAM This program involves research into structure, physical properties, composition and dynamics of the Earth's crust and mantle in the Australian region, and provides key information on large scale geological structures and tectonic processes with which mineral, petroleum, and energy resources may be associated. Components of the program are also essential for establishing earthquake risk and for land survey and navigation.
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SUB PROGRAMS^NATURE OF WORK Crustal Structure^Seismic reflection and refraction surveys, gravity surveys, and stress measurement; associated processing
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and modelling. Major projects - Lachlan Belt (NSW)*
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- McArthur Basin (NT)* - Pilbara Block (WA) - Australian stress field (NSW, Vic)*
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Geothermal Studies^Measurement of geothermal gradients and thermal conductivity of rocks; theoretical modelling. Major project
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- Heat flow characteristics of the Australian continent Regional Gravity^Research into the Earth's gravity field; maintenance
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of gravity standards and Australia-wide data. Major projects - Absolute gravity measurement (Australia-wide)*
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- Earth tides intensity - Isogal Gravity Network - National Gravity Data Repository
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Geophysical^Continuous recording and analysis of seismicity and Observatories^variations in the Earth's magnetic field; maintenance of standards for magnetic measurements. Major projects - BMR manned magnetic and seismic observatories at Canberra, Mundaring (WA), Mawson (AAT), Toolangi (Vic), and Macquarie Island - Unmanned seismographs at 17 sites in Australia (some operated jointly with universities) - Regional magnetic survey: Lord Howe, Norfolk, Christmas, Cocos and Heard Island and PNG*
EQUIPMENT. AND SYSTEMS R & D PROGRAM
This program has two main aims - the improvement of geophysical and remote sensing techniques used in delineating concealed geological structures and mineral deposits, and the development of data acquisition and processing systems. SUB PROGRAMS^NATURE OF WORK Geophysical Methods
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Research into the application of geophysical techniques including experimental surveys, and development of
equipment and interpretive techniques. Major projects - Magnetic methods - Transient electromagnetic, magneto-resistivity, and resistivity methods - Downhole logging methods - Nuclear methods - Shallow seismic methods Remote Sensing^Evaluation of remote sensing techniques. Major project - LANDSAT imagery Data Acquisition and ^Development and modification of digital systems and Processing Systems^instrumentation. Major projects - BMR aircraft systems - Seismic systems - Marine systems - Observatory systems - Magneto-telluric systems
-12GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES AND HYDROGEOLOGY PROGRAM BMR provides geological, geophysical and groundwater hydrology services for engineering design, land use and urban development projects undertaken by Commonwealth and, on occasion, State government agencies. Also included in this program are regional hydrogeological studies which provide the basis for water resource assessment and management. SUB PROGRAMS^NATURE OF WORK ^ Engineering Geology Geoscience surveys for dams, sewers, roadworks, major ^ and Geophysics government buildings, refuse disposal areas, and urban development; research into specific problems. Major projects
- ACT urban geology* - ACT engineering projects* - Telecom tunnel, Melbourne* - Radioactive waste disposal Hydrogeology^Modelling of major sedimentary basins; research into specific problems; services to Commonwealth agencies. Major projects
- Great Artesian Basin (Q1d, NT, NSW, SA) - Murray Basin (NSW, Vic, SA)* - Upper Yass Catchment Study, (NSW)* - Albury-Wodonga (NSW, Vic)* - Murray-Goulburn Rivers valley (Vic)* - Alligator Rivers region - environmental monitoring (NT)*
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-13INFORMATION AND REFERENCE COLLECTIONS
IP^Information is disseminated to the public and industry through the BMR series of publications, 'open file' system of unpublished data, reference collections, data indices, inter-library loan service, and the production of national maps summarizing existing knowledge. Petrological, mineralogical and •
paleontological reference collections are maintained for use by BMR and other organisations. SUB PROGRAMS^NATURE OF WORK Information Systems^Storage and dissemination of information. Major projects - Information - BMR Library - Stratigraphic Index
Technical Files •^-- BMR Symposium - Australian Earth Science Information System, jointly with Australian Mineral Foundation
•^National Maps^Compilation of thematic maps for national and international geoscience series. Major projects - Atlas of Australian Resources - ESCAP Stratigraphic Atlas - BMR Earth Science Atlas
•^- Circum Pacific Map Project
- Commission for the Geological Map of the World
-14Reference Collection ^Assembly and curation of collections for research and training use. Major collections - BMR Geological Museum - Palaeontological Collection - Core and Cuttings Laboratory
-15FOREIGN AID PROGRAM BMR provides geoscience expertise to Australian foreign aid commitments., through the Department of Foreign Affairs. SUB PROGRAMS^'NATURE OF 'WORK Overseas field^Geological and geophysical mapping and supporting Surveys^ laboratory work, •
Major projects - Irian Jaya (Indonesia)*
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- Water supply surveys (Indonesia, Fiji)* Expert Advisors^Technical advice in geology, geophysics, mining. engineering, and mineral commodities. Major projects - Lignite exploration (Thailand)* - ESCAP Committees for Co-ordination of Joint
Prospecting for Mineral Resources in Offshore Areas ^ (CCOP) • - Uranium exploration (Philippines) - CCD: Group of Scientific Experts (Geneva)*
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- Inspection of petroleum operations (PNG)* Training^Provision of specialised work experience for foreign nationals under Columbo Plan, UNDP and other schemes.
-16SPECIALISTS AND SUPPORTING SERVICES These exist primarily to provide support for the scientific programs of BMR previously described. Specialists and technical service staff are an integral part of field and laboratory projects; however, for convenience of identifying their level of activity, they are listed separately below. SUB PROGRAM
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Specialists
NATURE OF WORK Palaeontology Remote sensing Geochemistry Geochronology Palaeomagnetics
Technical Services
ADP Applications Editing Drafting Drilling Bore logging Mechanical Engineering Electronic Engineering Plant & Equipment Procurement
Management and^Executive Administration ^Planning and Review Administrative Services
