The Tasmanian Government has released its three-dimensional (3D) geological models, designed to make mineral exploration a more efficient process.
The models were created by Mineral Resources Tasmania, a division of the Tasmanian Department of State Growth, and used a range of geotechnical data and sensing techniques to develop three-dimensional representation of geology.
The models’ designs provides a clearer and more detailed visualisation of the geological conditions at a location, accelerating the mineral exploration process.
The models’ release follows the publication of Tasmania’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which has growing exploration for critical minerals as one of its four objectives.
Tasmanian Business, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Abetz welcomed the 3D geological models’ release, highlighting the mining sector’s vital role in the state’s economy.
“Tasmania has some of the world’s richest and most prospective geological landscapes,” Abetz said.
“These new 3D models will support industry to better identify key ore bodies and targets, significantly speeding up the exploration process and reducing costs.”
Among the models is the Lily-Lagoon 3D geological and geophysical model, which was based on new 1:25,000 mapping.
It was built by interpolating surfaces bounding unit volumes from geological observations such as dips and strikes through prior geological knowledge being encoded in a matrix of rules.
According to Mineral Resources Tasmania, this makes it easier to modify the model according to indications from subsequent geophysical modelling or emergent 3D geometric probability.
The Smithton Synclinorium model was also recently completed. The model works by determining the 3D geometry of geologic units that host potential groundwater resources. The software computes 3D models directly from outcrop and drillhole geological observations, accompanied by inferred and interpreted contacts and structures when necessary.
A model for the Balfour region in Tasmania is currently in development.
“3D geological models are a critical part of Mineral Resources Tasmania’s toolkit and will bolster our miners as they seek to find and develop the mines of the future,” Abetz said.
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is focused on delivering jobs, growth and sustainable industries – these latest advancements tick all of the boxes.”
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