The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has welcomed the announcement from Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Hon Bill Johnston MLA, for $12M of investment towards the WA-Array seismic survey programme.

“Greenfields exploration and the search for deeper deposits is challenging and expensive. This investment to the WA-Array program shows the Government is making a significant commitment in supporting the State’s mineral exploration industry to increase exploration, and unlock a new generation of discoveries,” said AMEC Chief Executive Officer Warren Pearce.

The subsurface imaging program will deploy 165 seismometers in a grid pattern at 40km intervals – providing valuable insights into the State’s mineral deposits. The WA-Array program is funded as part of the 2022-23 State budget and will be one of the largest of its kind undertaken anywhere in the world.

Data collected will be assessed before being made available to resource explorers, researchers, and the WA community.

“Mineral explorers have always relied on publicly available geological surveys and mapping to assist with early stage targeting and project generation. From this starting point, these companies raise private funds and develop targeted exploration programs.”

“For small exploration companies it is virtually impossible for to raise funds to complete regional data acquisition. This commitment by Government will help to attract new private investment to the State”.

“Ultimately these investments will be critical for helping Western Australia to discover new mineral projects, encouraging explorers to look in new areas and at depth, increasing investment and employment opportunities for the state,” said Mr Pearce.

Image credit AMEC