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(LENDING SECTION

058514

• RECORD 1979/30

• BUREAU OF MINERAL RESOURCES1979 PROGRAM

The information contained in this record may not be published in any form orused in a company prospectus or statement without the permission in writingof the Director, Bureau of Mineral Resotrces, Geology and Geophysics.

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•BMR

Record1979/30

c.3

• M(D)21

Record 1979/30

BUREAU OF MINERAL RESOURCES

1979 PROGRAM

Compiled by R. Thieme

CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION^ 1

RECONNAISSANCE SURVEYS PROGRAM^ 3

Onshore geology^ 3

Airborne geophysics^ 3

Marine geophysics^ 3

Marine geology^ 4

Gravity^ 4

Period studies^ 4

PETROLEUM RESOURCES PROGRAM^ 5

Basin review and resource assessment^ 5

Petroleum geochemistry and petrophysics^ 5

Petroleum industry and legislation^ 6

Basin geology^ 6

MINERAL RESOURCES PROGRAM^ 7

Geology of mineral provinces^ 7

Mineral deposit geology & ore genesis^ 7

Geophysics of mineral deposits^ 8

Mineral economics^ 8

Mining engineering^ 8

EARTH STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES^ 9

Crustal structure^ 9

Geothermal studies^ 9

Regional gravity^ 9

Geophysical observatories^ 10

EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS R & D PROGRAM^ 11

Geophysical methods^ 11

Remote .sensing^ 11

Data acquisiton and processing systems

. GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES AND HYDROGEOLOGY PROGRAM^ 12

Engineering geology and geophysics^ 12

Hydrogeology^ 12

INFORMATION AND REFERENCE COLLECTIONS^ 13

Information systems^ 13

National maps^ 13

Reference collections^ 14

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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 informa-

tion on the geological framework and mineral resources of the Australian contin-

ent, 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 applica-

tion 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 Australia-

wide approach or specialist facilities which are

beyond the resources of State Government agencies;

- geoscience surveys in areas under Commonwealth

jurisdiction including Antarctica and offshore

areas; and

- studies of the mineral industry and Australia's

mineral resources in order to provide advice to the

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

- 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.

-2-

An 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 understand-

ing of the composition, structure and geological history of the Australian con-

tinent 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 air-

craft; 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^

Seismic, gravity and magnetic measurements over the

Australian continental margin and surrounding ocean

areas, data processing and reporting.

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Major projects

- Interpretation of data from 1971-73 Continental

Margins Survey

- Lord Howe Rise and Coral Sea: joint project with

German Federal Republic

Marine Geology^

• 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-

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.

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)

- Capricorn Basin review (Qld)

- Petroleum potential of Eastern View Coal Measures,

Bass Basin (Vic)

- Darling Basin review (NSW)*

- Methodology for petroleum supply forecasting

- Geochemical methods for assessing undiscovered

resources

- Minimum economic reservoir size

- Oil shale in the Toolebuc Formation (Qld, NSW)*

Petroleum Geochemistry Geochemical characterisation of Australian hydrocarbons;

and Petrophysics^measurement of physical parameters of reservoir rocks;

identification of potential petroleum source rocks.

Major projects

- Routine core and hydrocarbon analyses

- 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

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Petroleum Industry^

Review of Australia's identified petroleum resources,

and Legislation^and of petroleum exploration development and

production; provide technical advice for administra-

tion 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

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MINERAL 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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Geophysics of^

Determination of the geophysical characteristics of

Mineral Deposits^mineral deposits and of regional geology.

Major project

- Lachlan Belt (NSW)*

Mineral Economics^

Compilation of statistics on, and analysis of, explora-

tion, 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

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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.

SUB PROGRAMS^NATURE OF WORK

Crustal Structure^Seismic reflection and refraction surveys, gravity

surveys, and stress measurement; associated processing

and modelling.

Major projects

- Lachlan Belt (NSW)*

- McArthur Basin (NT)*

- Pilbara Block (WA)

- Australian stress field (NSW, Vic)*

Geothermal Studies^Measurement of geothermal gradients and thermal conduc-

tivity of rocks; theoretical modelling.

Major project

- Heat flow characteristics of the Australian continent

Regional Gravity^Research into the Earth's gravity field; maintenance

of gravity standards and Australia-wide data.

Major projects

- Absolute gravity measurement (Australia-wide)*

- 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^

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

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GEOTECHNICAL 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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INFORMATION 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 inter-

national 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

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Reference Collection^Assembly and curation of collections for research and

training use.

Major collections

- BMR Geological Museum

- Palaeontological Collection

- Core and Cuttings Laboratory

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FOREIGN AID PROGRAM

BMR provides geoscience expertise to Australian foreign aid commit-

ments., 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)*

- 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)*

- Inspection of petroleum operations (PNG)*

•Training^Provision of specialised work experience for foreign

nationals under Columbo Plan, UNDP and other schemes.

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SPECIALISTS 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 .

Specialists

Technical Services

NATURE OF WORK

Palaeontology

Remote sensing

Geochemistry

Geochronology

Palaeomagnetics

ADP Applications

Editing

Drafting

Drilling

Bore logging

Mechanical Engineering

Electronic Engineering

Plant & Equipment Procurement

Management and^Executive

Administration^Planning and Review

Administrative Services