Launching the first new geological map since 1998, Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said that it would provide a living resource for explorers, prospectors and researchers. 

Users will be able to search public spatial and textual mineral exploration reports as well as public drill hole data and geochemistry results. They will also be able to construct their own map with exploration datasets including mineral deposits.

The interactive map and associated data stream are produced by the Geological Survey of Western Australia and will contain unrivalled detail, powered by Geographic Information Systems software.

Marmion said that the map contained unprecedented data that was far cry from the first state geological map, a hand-coloured lithograph printed in 1894. His great-grandfather, William E Marmion, was then the minister responsible for mines and oversaw its production.

“One thing hasn't changed since 1894,” said Marmion.

“The Geological Survey remains committed to providing us with the most up-to-date information possible, in the quest for the mines of tomorrow.”

The map can be accessed live through the WA Geology app and also online with datasets that will be updated on a weekly, sometimes daily basis.