Cook Government-Backed Research Delivers Key Discovery
Funding from the Cook Labor Government has led to a major geoscientific breakthrough in Western Australia. Geological experts have identified a chemical fingerprint that can pinpoint gold-rich ground. The development could reshape global mineral exploration and revive interest in WA’s mineral-rich regions.
GSWA Identifies Chemical Gold Indicator
The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA), part of the new Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, uncovered the fingerprint. Experts analysed thousands of geological samples using state funding. The fingerprint can reveal where ancient molten rock intrusions may have deposited gold.
This signature marks a shift from relying on broad assumptions to targeted exploration. GSWA’s work stems from the State’s Exploration Incentive Scheme. That initiative supports smarter, lower-risk mineral exploration. The fingerprint enables companies to focus efforts and reduce exploration costs.
GSWA identifies chemical gold indicator
Intrusion-Related Systems Offer Huge Potential
Many of the world’s largest gold systems come from intrusion-related geological formations. These form when magma cools deep underground, releasing mineral-rich fluids. Those fluids can deposit gold over time. Detecting these subtle signals has long challenged geologists.
Using the fingerprint, GSWA has already identified targets in the Yilgarn Craton. That area is one of the planet’s oldest and richest mineral provinces. Comparing drillhole data with the new model, GSWA helps explorers reassess known ground. This work may reveal hidden deposits previously overlooked.
State Government Focuses on Exploration Growth
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael says the government is sharpening WA’s exploration focus. “The Cook Government created the new Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration to boost WA’s resources sector, sharpen its focus on exploration and to secure future mineral discoveries,” he said.
He also noted the global importance of the discovery. “GSWA’s identification of these chemical fingerprints will undoubtedly have global impacts for geochemical data usage, reinforcing WA’s position at the forefront of geoscientific research.”
“Our ongoing investment in mineral exploration is creating jobs and delivering lasting benefits to regional communities across the State,” Michael said.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Hon. David Michael
Beyond Gold: New Opportunities in Minerals
These ancient intrusions also contain other valuable minerals. Trace elements like tellurium and bismuth are often present. These elements act as pathfinders for gold. They also support technologies needed for the global energy transition.
The discovery bolsters the Cook Government’s investment in smarter mineral exploration. It reflects the broader strategy to strengthen WA’s resources future. New equipment, such as the Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyser, aids GSWA’s mineral identification. That tool helps scientists understand ore systems and process materials more efficiently.
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Geoscience Programs Expand Industry Data Access
WA’s geoscience programs generate crucial data for exploration companies. WA Array and magnetotelluric mapping help map deep crustal structures. These structures control mineral movement and point to exploration hot spots.
GSWA’s Geoscience Data Transformation Program has already delivered over 10 terabytes of open-access data. The program plans to add another 30 terabytes by 2026. This data allows companies to innovate and sharpen exploration strategies.
Industry Data Reflects Exploration Challenge
Data from S&P Global shows the rarity of new gold discoveries. Only 26 gold discoveries occurred between 2013 and 2023. No new discoveries were recorded in 2023.
S&P estimates that 2.9 billion ounces of gold have been discovered across 320 deposits since 1990. The slowdown has concerned industry experts.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data also reflects the challenge. Mineral exploration spending fell 2.4% to $933 million in the March 2025 quarter. Gold expenditure fell from $314.3 million in Q4 2024 to $283.6 million in Q1 2025.
ABS also reported a 20.2% fall in spending on new deposits. Expenditure dropped from $269.3 million in Q4 2024 to $214.9 million in Q1 2025.
Chemical Breakthrough Marks Turning Point
The discovery offers a powerful tool amid falling discovery rates and rising costs. The fingerprint gives explorers fresh insight into known regions. It supports efficient allocation of capital and reduces risk.
The broader implications include enhanced exploration returns, improved data sharing and strategic investment in high-potential zones. The Cook Government says this is part of its push for long-term industry growth.
This breakthrough places Western Australia in a leading position for modern mineral exploration. With rising demand for critical minerals and gold, the discovery could reshape WA’s role in the global resources sector.
