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AdvertisementA treasure map launched Thursday could point the way to hidden gold, silver, diamond and copper in Australian waters.
The world-first map highlights underwater areas of mineralisation off Australia's coastline and will help uncover the nation's hidden underwater resources, the government says.
Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane said it would encourage future surveys and exploration.
"Australia has one of the largest marine jurisdictions in the world, but very little is known about its make-up or resource potential," he said.
Mr Macfarlane said only $17 million had ever been spent exploring commonwealth waters compared with $800 million annually exploring land.
"There is a growing interest in marine minerals being found," he said.
The Australian Offshore Mineral Locations map is the first of its type in the world and shows the known seafloor locations of minerals, such as copper, gold, silver and diamonds.
Craig Roy from research partner, Wealth from Oceans Flagship, said the map's use in tandem with ecological knowledge of the areas would ensure Australia could undertake offshore exploration and mining activities in a responsible manner.
"The release of this map is an important and critical first step in developing public, governmental and industry interest in our offshore minerals," he said.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Business...hidden-treasure/2006/08/10/1154803016980.html
AdvertisementA treasure map launched Thursday could point the way to hidden gold, silver, diamond and copper in Australian waters.
The world-first map highlights underwater areas of mineralisation off Australia's coastline and will help uncover the nation's hidden underwater resources, the government says.
Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane said it would encourage future surveys and exploration.
"Australia has one of the largest marine jurisdictions in the world, but very little is known about its make-up or resource potential," he said.
Mr Macfarlane said only $17 million had ever been spent exploring commonwealth waters compared with $800 million annually exploring land.
"There is a growing interest in marine minerals being found," he said.
The Australian Offshore Mineral Locations map is the first of its type in the world and shows the known seafloor locations of minerals, such as copper, gold, silver and diamonds.
Craig Roy from research partner, Wealth from Oceans Flagship, said the map's use in tandem with ecological knowledge of the areas would ensure Australia could undertake offshore exploration and mining activities in a responsible manner.
"The release of this map is an important and critical first step in developing public, governmental and industry interest in our offshore minerals," he said.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Business...hidden-treasure/2006/08/10/1154803016980.html
