Mineral Systems Atlas
The Mineral Systems Atlas is a new online, map-based product that collates and delivers pre-competitive geoscience data filtered to be specifically relevant to understanding and exploring for mineral deposits in Western Australia.
To create content for the Atlas, our geologists have been working with other experts to identify the critical geological processes that are understood to form and preserve mineral deposits; and translate these into geological features that indicate where these processes have occurred.
Maps of these geological features are created using automated queries that extract relevant information from primary Geological Survey databases; and become the “pages” of the Atlas, grouped together for each featured mineral system.
The Atlas includes an online guide that documents all aspects of the creation of the Atlas, particularly descriptions of current models for mineral deposit formation, and the procedures used to generate “proxy” geological maps of mineralising processes, and to generate these map layers.
The Atlas currently features information for the komatiite-hosted nickel sulphide and enriched iron-formation mineral systems. However, its modular and hierarchical design will readily permit the addition of information for other mineral systems and commodity groups in Western Australia as they become available.
The Atlas is a significant step towards streamlining the delivery of pre-competitive geoscience data, and should assist mineral explorers to more efficiently generate and test potential prospects.