Geoscience igniting modern gold rush

Experts from the Geological Survey of WA (GSWA) have led a geoscientific breakthrough that could spark the next wave of major gold discoveries across the state.

By analysing thousands of geological samples, GSWA has identified the chemical signature most closely linked to the formation of gold-rich mineral systems — particularly those formed by ancient intrusions of molten rock deep beneath the Earth’s surface.

The discovery is a major advancement in mineral exploration on a global scale as many of the world’s largest and most productive gold deposits are found within intrusion-related systems.

These systems form when mineral-rich fluids, released by cooling magma deep underground, concentrate and deposit gold over time. The identification of these systems has previously proven to be an insurmountable challenge as due to their very subtle chemical signals.

This new fingerprint will allow companies to home in on highly prospective ground rather than relying on broad assumptions and outdated historical data. This will in turn reduce costs, lower risk and increase the likelihood of discovery.

GSWA, part of the newly formed WA Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Department (DMPE), has already leveraged this fingerprint to identify high-potential targets within the Yilgarn Craton — one of the oldest and most mineral-rich geological provinces in the world.

By comparing industry drillhole data with its enhanced geochemical model, GSWA is helping reframe how explorers assess known areas and potentially revealing untapped deposits hiding in plain sight.

WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael says GSWA’s identification of these chemical fingerprints will undoubtedly have global impacts for geochemical data usage, reinforcing WA’s position at the forefront of geoscientific research.

Major geoscience programs, including the WA Array and magnetotelluric mapping, continue to generate the critical data that helps provide a roadmap for future exploration.

GSWA’s Geoscience Data Transformation program has already made more than 10tb of new exploration data publicly available, with more than 30tb to come in 2026.

This open-access data gives explorers an edge and supports industry-wide advancement and innovation.

As part of series of WA Government structural reforms, the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) was reshaped into two separate bodies — DMPE and the Department of Local Government, Commerce, Industry Regulation and Safety.

DMPE regulates the WA resources sector to build the state’s economy and sure projects are developed in a sustainable and responsible manner.

“The [WA Government] created the new Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration to boost WA’s resources sector, sharpen its focus on exploration and to secure future mineral discoveries,” Mr Michael said.

“The [WA Government’s] actions add up to smarter exploration, new opportunities and a stronger resources sector — a future we are working hard to deliver.”