New app promotes mineral and petroleum discovery in WA

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Image credit: http://wageology.dmp.wa.gov.au/wageology/

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion has launched a new cutting-edge application for mobile phones and tablets which promotes the discovery of new mineral and petroleum resources in WA.

Image credit: http://wageology.dmp.wa.gov.au/wageology/
Image credit: http://wageology.dmp.wa.gov.au/wageology/

Developed from the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s extensive and growing digital database, the WAGeology app – which was launched on Friday – provides users with mapping and geological information, including measuring, drawing and mapping tools, with the advantage of GPS accuracy.

Minister Marmion said in a media release that the State Government and industry were working smarter to maintain WA’s global mining leadership and resource sector jobs.

“It puts incredibly detailed digital geological maps at your fingertips including multiple layers of information such as land use, native title and biodiversity,” he said.

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“This is living technology and the information and services on the app will continue expanding. One of the next steps will be to build in a caching facility so information is available on your smartphone or tablet even when you are out of mobile signal range.”

WAGeology app is one of a series of innovations highlighted at Geological Survey of Western Australia’s (GSWA) annual open day, including 3D resource modelling to improve exploration targeting.

“Thanks largely to the efforts of GSWA, we’re nearing the end of what many geoscientists call the ‘cartoon era’ of two-dimensional mapping,” the Minister said.

“Major advances in our 3D systems mean we can now accurately visualise the earth’s crust, helping save explorers money by reducing uncertainty and risk.”

3D data being showcased to industry includes the recent Harvey-Waroona seismic survey, part of the South West Hub Carbon Capture and Storage Project.

“This data is another important facet of Western Australian innovation and hopefully will establish the potential for storing industrial carbon dioxide with deep sandstones,” Mr Marmion added.

The WAGeology app is available at http://wageology.dmp.wa.gov.au/wageology