News Exploring for the Future

The Australian Government's 201617 Budget brings a boost for Geoscience Australia through funding of a new programme - Exploring for the Future - to map minerals, energy and groundwater potential in northern Australia and South Australia.

Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP announced the programme, saying that it aims to deliver a strong boost to the productivity and competitiveness of Australia's resources sector.

Geoscience Australia will deliver the $100 million programme over the next four years, producing an integrated resources prospectus for key targeted regions in northern Australia and parts of South Australia. These areas have been selected based on gaps in data and knowledge for minerals, energy and groundwater resources.

Geoscience Australia's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Pigram said "Geoscience Australia, with its capabilities and capacity for minerals, energy and groundwater assessments, is uniquely placed to provide this integrated resource prospectus".