‘Stunning’ early results from Otago Airborne Geophysical Survey

Otago Regional Council Chief Executive Graeme Martin has now seen the initial data from the ongoing Otago Geophysical Survey which is expected to be completed in July 2007, and he has one word for what he’s seen so far – “stunning”.

“It’s a quantum leap from where we’ve been. And looking at the initial data, there is only one thing to say about it – it is stunning,” Mr Martin said.

“In fact, it’s sufficiently stunning for all of us to be very clear that the work will result in a massive revision of the Otago geological map – and that’s without detailed analysis,” he said of the airborne geophysical survey being undertaken with exploration company Glass Earth.

“This is the new way forward – it is the way of the future in terms of assessing resources, in terms of working out what’s under the surface of the earth.”

Be it aggregate for new roads, water aquifers for drying land, or bulk or precious minerals, data surrounding Otago’s resource potential will be located as never before.

“People are coming and saying ‘when can we get our stuff done?’.

“They’re looking to have the opportunity to put specific interpretations on the data from their particular business viewpoint, in terms of the resources that they need or use.

“The potential future directions here are mind-boggling,” Mr Martin said.

Naturally with such progress and optimism around the Otago survey, he lends keen encouragement to Northland local bodies looking at the possibility of their own geological survey in the wake of last month’s announcement of a minerals study indicating billion dollar potential in the Far North.

“Absolutely, I would encourage them. In terms of knowing everything – the hazards, the risks, bulk minerals to precious minerals – this is the tool that can lead them to their resources.

“It is all about information. If you haven’t got that, then you drill and dig, as we have in the past. But to an extent that is ‘hit and hope’.

“The data we’re capturing – the data they could capture with a geophysical survey – puts much greater precision into that equation. You’re not guessing the way we have had to – even if they’re educated guesses – about where you should be looking for water, or for aggregate, or for gold.”

Mr Martin said he has no doubt that the Otago Regional Council’s $1 million commitment to the survey was already proving to be a very sound investment with a huge public good that will be realised for decades to come.