Business
1 September, 2025
Trucks to help unlock riches in North West Mineral Province
Three specialised vehicles will be used in the region as part of a government initiative.
A rock and roll tour of a different kind is taking stage in the North West, sending soundwaves across the outback in the search for heavy metals.
The big rig gig is part of a geological survey to discover what lies buried beneath the surface of North West Queensland and kickstart the next wave of mineral exploration.
Three slow-moving "Vibroseis" trucks will traverse the region, directing harmless low-frequency soundwaves into the ground, which are reflected off the ancient rock layers below and recorded by surface sensors.
Geoscientists will use the crustal reflection data to map the rock formations deep below the earth and identify areas of potential untapped deposits of metals like copper and zinc.
The $4.5 million Boodjamulla-Croydon Deep Seismic program is a collaboration between the Geological Survey of Queensland and Geoscience Australia.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the findings would give Queensland explorers an edge to crank up investment.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland by giving explorers a head start on the next wave of mining wealth,” Mr Last said.
“This survey will help us better understand what lies beneath the surface of North-West Queensland so that explorers and miners can uncover the next big hit.
“The data and interpretations will be freely available, giving rock experts a backstage pass to quality geological insights they couldn’t generate on their own.
“A strong pipeline of exploration will set the stage for the future of our state’s resources sector, which returns billions of dollars to Queenslanders every year.
“That’s why we’re turning up the dial on new mining opportunities across Queensland, with this year’s Budget investing $5.1 million towards targeted geoscientific activities across our State.
“North West Queensland has world-class metal and mineral deposits, and the Crisafulli Government is giving industry the tools they need to deliver new mining projects and create more jobs.”
Geoscience Australia chief executive officer Melissa Harris said the project will inform government and industry decision-making and guide future exploration activities.
“Covering a distance of 840km, the seismic survey will provide valuable insight into subsurface geology, basin architecture and regional stratigraphy,” Ms Harris said.
“This data will help us better understand North West Queensland’s geological potential and unlock the resources we need for a cleaner and stronger future.”
