Queensland will invest up to $4 million in what it says will be Australia’s largest high-resolution regional airborne gravity survey to support future critical minerals exploration in the state’s north-west.
In a statement, the Queensland Government said the Airborne Gravity Gradiometry (AGG) survey would cover 40,000 kilometres across North-West Queensland, with a Cessna aircraft flying survey lines about 100 metres above the ground to collect gravity data north of Mount Isa.
The geophysical data will be used to improve understanding of the geology beneath the surface and identify areas with potential for critical mineral exploration. The project is being delivered in collaboration with Geoscience Australia.
The announcement comes as the Crisafulli Government moves to streamline regulatory pathways for critical minerals projects through legislation introduced to Parliament this week.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last said the survey would provide information to support exploration and future investment decisions.
“The high-resolution survey is the first of this scale in Australia and will provide valuable data to guide new exploration and mining opportunities across North-West Queensland,” Mr Last said.
“We’re investing up to $4 million in this program to ensure explorers have access to the data they need to drive new mining projects, create more jobs, and unlock the full potential of Queensland’s world-class resources.”
Mr Last said Queensland was home to 51 critical minerals in global demand and that publicly available data would help remove barriers for exploration and development.
The government said the survey data would be released publicly, creating new opportunities for companies seeking to identify prospective exploration targets.
Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warran Pearce welcomed the initiative, saying access to high-quality geoscience information was important for the resources sector.
“By providing a reliable baseline, it allows explorers to focus their investment where it matters most, reducing duplication, lowering upfront costs, and accelerating discovery,” Mr Pearce said.
“Better data means more targeted exploration, helping lower costs while minimising impacts on landholders and the environment.
“Making this data publicly available levels the playing field for explorers of all sizes, encourages competition and innovation, and ensures smarter, lower-impact exploration across Queensland.”
The Queensland Government said the survey formed part of its broader efforts to support the state’s critical minerals industry and position Queensland to respond to growing global demand for the resources.
