Seamless Geology of NSW
- combines best available geological mapping (on a variety of scales) across NSW,
- is delivered as a series of lithotectonic layers/provinces that form geological time-slices,
- includes extensions of outcropping geology undercover, and
- is free to download in a variety of formats including GIS, mobile phone maps and via online portals.
The NSW Seamless Geology Project is an ongoing initiative that commenced in late 2013. Version 2.0 of the NSW Seamless Geology dataset is available (Version 1.0 was released in October 2018). It includes new mapping data from the Lachlan Orogen and Sydney Basin, as well as extensive upgrades to the attribute tables. The geology of Lord Howe Island is also included for the first time.
3D model of major faults in the eastern Lachlan Orogen
The Geological Survey of NSW has released a 3D model of major faults in the eastern Lachlan Orogen using all available geological mapping, borehole and geophysical data.
The model is a powerful tool for studying the evolution of geology in NSW over the past 500 million years and gives a geological context for the location of major mineral resources.
Mineral resource projects map for NSW
Released in February 2020, the latest mineral resource projects map is available for free. This 1:1.5 million scale map includes operating coal, metallic and mineral sand mines, major industrial mineral operations, gemstone operations and districts, inactive mines, advanced projects, geologically significant deposits and infrastructure. Mineral deposit data was extracted from the NSW MetIndEx database in June 2019, with production based on royalty data.
A less detailed pocket-sized version at 1:3 million scale is also available for free.
Central Lachlan Orogen mineral potential mapping project
The central Lachlan Orogen mineral potential mapping report and data package have been released. Three significant mineral systems were analysed in the central Lachlan Orogen mineral potential study: granite-related Sn–W in the central Lachlan Orogen and Cobar Cu–Au and Cobar Pb–Zn systems of the Cobar Superbasin. Spatial modelling experts Kenex Pty Ltd and the GSNSW Mineral Systems section used a weights-of-evidence approach, creating up to 225 predictive maps for each mineral system, and up to 9 maps for the final models. Data is being released as a mineral potential atlas that can now be downloaded through DIGS.
NSW geology phone maps – platform and enhanced maps!
GSNSW interactive geology maps are available to download on iOS and Android devices using the free ESRI Explorer for ArcGIS mobile application. The interactive geology maps have also been significantly upgraded and display a range of information. Once downloaded, touch the screen to reveal the name, description, age, lithology and depositional environment of the underlying rock type. Your location appears on the map, which can be re-centred to your current location with just one touch.
A useful tool for anyone interested in geology, landforms and soils.
Features:
- free download to your mobile device
- once downloaded, no mobile reception required
- geology maps and geophysics images
- New release maps: NSW Seamless Geology Version 2 and Lord Howe Island
New detailed statewide geophysical imagery
High resolution open-file company data have been merged with regional government data to create new, improved statewide magnetics and gravity images. They provide greater detail of magnetic and gravity anomalies at the camp and prospect scales. Images and grids of total magnetic intensity, first derivative, second derivative, tilt-angle filter and isostatic residual gravity can be viewed in MinView and downloaded into your GIS targeting projects.
Quarterly Note 152 – Alteration in the Cobar mineral district
This issue describes the results of HyLogger™ hyperspectral scanning in combination with petrographic validation of mineralised drillcore. The study compares the mineralogy of altered versus unaltered host rock sequences of selected ore deposits in the Cobar mineral district.
Yathong–Ivanhoe Trough Petroleum Data Package
Previously known as two separate troughs, the Yathong Trough and Ivanhoe Trough have now been combined, based on revised interpretations and new data. The newly defined Yathong–Ivanhoe Trough within the Darling Basin is prospective for petroleum resources, but exploration to date has been limited in this trough. Recent interpretations and modelling using seismic data acquired after 2006, and modern petroleum systems knowledge, provide new exploration opportunities.
The new data package builds on the Darling Basin Data Package 2017, providing more focussed data and information about the Yathong–Ivanhoe Trough.
The Yathong–Ivanhoe Trough Data Package 2020 assists potential explorers to readily access existing data and new interpretations, modelling and analysis.
High-tech metal resources map
High-tech metals are used in rapidly growing advanced-technology industries that are now being boosted by consumer demand for a high-tech, connected and environmentally sustainable future.
The variety of products using high-tech metals are almost endless: from tiny mobile phone parts through to medical applications such as hip replacements and pace makers; from storing solar energy at the home to electric vehicle components and parts for huge wind turbines; even flying above us in parts for aircraft and satellites – high-tech metals play an important role in modern life.
This map shows areas in NSW that currently produce, or have the potential to produce, high-tech metals including:
- copper and gold
- rare earth elements (REEs), including scandium
- platinum group elements (PGEs)
- cobalt, lithium, titanium and zirconium.
The map also explains the sources and uses of high-tech metals, contains important project summaries, and provides charts of current world production and reserves. A detailed glossary and reference list are also included.
High-tech metal resources of NSW (front)
High-tech metal resources of NSW (back)
NSW renewable energy resources map
Renewable energy is obtained from natural resources that can be constantly replenished.
This map shows the sources of renewable energy in NSW – sunlight, wind, waves, biomass, water and heat from the Earth. It also shows small-scale solar and pumped hydro information and the renewable energy project pipeline. Renewable energy sources have been used by people for centuries to provide heat or mechanical energy.
Beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, we have developed technologies to harness these sustainable, inexhaustible and low-emission sources to generate electricity. They will play an increasingly important role in electricity generation throughout the 21st century.
With abundant world-class renewable energy resources, New South Wales is well placed to make this transition.
NSW renewable energy resources map (front)
NSW renewable energy resources map (back)
