Gravity gradiometry data has been reported to the NSW government and released under the requirements of the NSW Mining Act 1992. Contained within this vector file is the location of surveys and acquisition parameters.

This layer shows a depth slice from a 3D resistivity model of the crust derived from an inversion of the AusLAMP NSW long period MT data.

Gazetted Reserves which exclude mining and/or exploration operations. Specifically for use in the Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs areas.

The Geological Survey of NSW developed a Seamless Geology of UTM Zone 56 during 2014 as part of a project to develop a seamless vector geology dataset of the best available geological mapping data covering the whole of NSW.The overarching aims of the Statewide Seamless Geology Project were to: (i) compile the different original scales, formats and rock unit naming conventions into a consistent, statewide format; (ii) edge-match the geology across existing map sheets; and (iii) interpret the basement geology under cover. The resulting geodatabase comprises a series of layers which include: (i) solid basement geology; (ii) cover rocks (defined as undeformed and unmetamorphosed); (iii) Mesozoic igneous rocks; and (iv) Cenozoic sedimentary and igneous rocks. The project was divided into 3 major stages corresponding to the UTM zones which divide New South Wales. This dataset includes the seamless geology layers from the NSW portion of UTM Zone 56 (ie.east of 150 degrees longitude to the coast).

Pseudocolour image of the ratio between uranium and thorium within the upper 20 centimetres of the ground. This image was generated using normalised input grids to avoid ‘divide by zero’ errors. Cooler colours indicate lower abundances of uranium relative to thorium and warmer colours represent the opposite. Variations in U/Th ratio are caused varied mineral compositions in host rocks and soils. This statewide image was generated by merging many individual airborne radiometric surveys.

The government will consider releasing a limited number of new areas for coal exploration under the Strategic Release Framework for Coal and Petroleum Exploration. Under this Framework, the government may refer an area to the Advisory Body for Strategic Release (ABSR). If a coal exploration licence is granted, an operator is not permitted to access the land unless they have an access arrangement in place with the landholder. Release of an area for exploration is not a guarantee of mining. An operator would still need to obtain development consent under the planning framework.

Map blocks and map units are based on a system originally devised by the British Ordinance Survey. Each 1:1 million scale map sheet is subdivided into 3456 graticular map blocks, each measuring 5’ of latitude by 5’ of longitude. These map blocks are further subdivided into 25 1’ by 1’ map units. A map unit is approximately 3 square kilometres in size.

Greyscale image of the first vertical derivative (1VD) of total magnetic intensity reduced to the pole (TMI RTP) which has been upward continued by 500m. Darker tones indicate lower values and lighter tones represent higher values. Reduction to the pole filters magnetic anomalies to appear as if the Earth's magnetic field were locally vertical, as at the magnetic pole (assuming all magnetic sources are inductively magnetised). Upward continuation artificially increases the elevation which removes the influence of high frequency signals caused by near surface geology. The 1VD filter shows the vertical rate of change in the Earth's total magnetic field and enhances boundaries and structural detail of shallow sources. Variations in the magnetic field are caused by lithological factors, principally magnetite (and/or pyrrhotite) content. This Statewide image was generated by merging many individual airborne magnetic surveys.

Areas restricted from mining or exploration. Reserves emplaced by external agencies or authorities. If a lease application covers part or all of one of these areas, it must be referred to and approved by the agency which created the restriction.

Identifies Opal Prospecting Areas for the State of NSW as defined by Part 10, Division 1, Section 220 of the Mining Act 1992 No. 29.