The Western Australian government has launched a new state-of-the-art mineral analyser designed to accelerate geological analysis and help uncover the state’s next generation of resource discoveries.
The AU$1.9 million investment funds a Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA), along with companion equipment, servicing, and ongoing maintenance.
Located at the Perth Core Library under the management of the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, the high-tech tool will be operated by geoscientists from the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA).
The TIMA system enables geoscientists to rapidly analyse geological samples and accurately identify their mineral composition.
Free public access to the resulting statewide datasets will allow mineral explorers to make better-informed decisions, significantly reducing drilling risks and expenditure.
The technology will assist GSWA in pinpointing mineral systems concealed beneath deep sediment and weathered cover, areas holding vast untapped discovery potential where deposits have historically been difficult to detect.
The initiative extends beyond traditional mineral exploration. The analyser will generate critical geological datasets to support emerging energy sectors, including carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, and natural hydrogen. It will also be deployed to re-examine historical and current mine waste to evaluate whether valuable critical minerals can be recovered.
Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli noted the importance of equipping local geoscientists with advanced analytical capabilities.
“The government continues to invest in technology that will help drive the next generation of resource discoveries and keep WA at the forefront of global geoscience innovation,” Pastorelli said.
“Better technology and better geological knowledge will help us unlock the resources that will drive future industries, economic growth and job creation across our state.
“Identifying new mineral and energy prospects is becoming more challenging, which is why we are giving WA’s geoscientists the high-tech tools they need to stay ahead.”
