The bedrock mapping project was developed by the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Geological Survey of Western Australia from drill core information.

The 1:500,000 scale map interacts with users to show geological information including age, bedrock type and relationship to other rocks at points of interest.

Since 2009, drilling conducted as part of WA’s Exploration Incentive Scheme contributed to the project.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said the map would be of great assistance to the WA resources industry.

“The map comes at a crucial time, when our resource industry needs all the help it can get to maintain momentum and find the mines and petroleum sources of tomorrow,” he said.

“This is the culmination of a decade’s work and a new understanding for WA geology.

“For example, it clearly outlines the state’s younger cenozoic rocks which are associated with our major sources of iron ore, uranium, alluvial gold and mineral sands.”

The map will be updated as further bedrock research is conducted.