- Cook Labor Government invests $1.9 million in leading-edge mineral analyser
- New State-wide datasets to boost exploration and reduce financial risks
- Investment delivers on Cook Labor Government election commitment
Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli today announced a new state-of-the-art mineral analyser that will accelerate geological analysis and help unlock Western Australia's next generation of resources.
The Cook Labor Government's $1.9 million investment includes a Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA), accompanying equipment and ongoing servicing and maintenance.
Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) geoscientists will use the TIMA to rapidly analyse geological samples and identify the minerals they contain.
Explorers will have free access to the new datasets, helping them make better-informed decisions and reduce drilling risks and costs.
This information will also help GSWA identify mineral systems concealed beneath sediment and weathered cover, where significant discovery potential remains but deposits are harder to find.
The TIMA purchase is part of the Cook Labor Government's fully funded election commitment to invest in specialist exploration technology through the Exploration Incentive Scheme.
Beyond exploration, the mineral analyser will generate new geological information to advance carbon storage, geothermal energy, natural hydrogen and other emerging energy resources.
Mine waste will be another focus, with analysis of historical and current materials helping determine whether they contain recoverable critical minerals or other valuable resources.
The TIMA is located at the Perth Core Library and managed by the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration. This facility provides industry with access to geological data, maps, reports and other materials to understand WA's geology.
As stated by Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli:
"The Cook Labor Government continues to invest in technology that will help drive the next generation of resource discoveries and keep WA at the forefront of global geoscience innovation.
"Better technology and better geological knowledge will help us unlock the resources that will drive future industries, economic growth and job creation across our State.
"Identifying new mineral and energy prospects is becoming more challenging, which is why we are giving WA's geoscientists the high-tech tools they need to stay ahead."
