A 40,000km airborne survey will map critical minerals potential across North-West Queensland under a State Government investment of up to $4 million.

The high-resolution regional Airborne Gravity Gradiometry survey will cover country north of Mount Isa, with a Cessna aircraft flying survey lines about 100m above ground level to collect gravity data.

The government said the information would help build a clearer picture of geology below the surface and identify areas with potential for future critical minerals exploration.

Largest of its type

It said the project was the largest regional survey of its resolution in Australia and would be delivered in collaboration with Geoscience Australia.

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines said the data would be made publicly available to help explorers assess new opportunities and guide investment decisions.

Related: State backs survey work to advance Mount Oxide

The announcement follows the introduction in June 2 of the State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026. The Government has said the Bill is aimed at fast-tracking critical minerals and other state-significant projects. 

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the survey would provide useful data for exploration in the North West.

“The high-resolution survey is the first of this scale in Australia and will provide valuable data to guide new exploration and mining opportunities across North-West Queensland,” Minister Last said.

“Queensland is home to 51 of the world’s most sought-after critical minerals and the Crisafulli Government continues to deliver practical improvements to the sector to remove barriers for explorers and new development.

“We’re investing up to $4 million in this program to ensure explorers have access to the data they need to drive new mining projects, create more jobs, and unlock the full potential of Queensland’s world-class resources.

Endorsement

Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive officer Warran Pearce said high-quality pre-competitive geoscience data was important to unlocking Queensland’s minerals potential.

“By providing a reliable baseline, it allows explorers to focus their investment where it matters most, reducing duplication, lowering upfront costs, and accelerating discovery,” Mr Pearce said.

“Better data means more targeted exploration, helping lower costs while minimising impacts on landholders and the environment.

“Making this data publicly available levels the playing field for explorers of all sizes, encourages competition and innovation, and ensures smarter, lower-impact exploration across Queensland. It’s a critical step in building a sustainable and responsible resources sector.”