3D data puts South Australia on the map

A 3D model showing underground landscapes to a depth of 100 kilometres of an entire Australian state has been launched.

The South Australian Geophysical Reference Model enables users to bring to life the state’s vast resource datasets of geological landscapes.

The model was launched to the international exploration community at this week’s 25th Geophysical Conference & Exhibition in Adelaide.

It draws on the state’s geo datasets, enabling users to view different attributes on cross-sections of the Earth.

By better defining the geological setting, the model can help exploration companies to make informed decisions to better target exploration programs, taking them closer to making new mineral discoveries.

South Australian Assistant Minister to the Treasurer Chris Picton said the new research and exploration tool was world class. He said it was the first time a model of its size, complexity and richness of geophysical data had been produced for the whole of the state.

“A tool such as this is indispensable for addressing the modern exploration challenges of finding significant new deposits at depth, under cover or in complex settings,” Picton said.

The model was developed in collaboration between the South Australian Department of State Development, the University of Adelaide, Geoscience Australia and the Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre and aligns with the national UNCOVER initiative.

Exploration companies can take advantage of the capabilities of this new model by viewing it at the Holloway Geoscience 3D Theatre at the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library or by downloading it.

South Australia covers an area of almost one million square kilometres — slightly larger than France and Germany combined.

It is a globally important producer of copper, uranium and zircon.

The state also produces iron ore, zinc, lead, silver, industrial minerals (including salt, silica sand and gypsum) and extractive materials (including dimension stone and opal).

Pictured: Drill cores in storage at the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library.