Geophysical studies in the Bowen Basin: a collaborative approach

Abstract

Joint research on geophysical exploration for coal between the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) in Japan and the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy covers three main components: (1) verification and evaluation of a previously developed coal exploration and assessment system; (2) a Coal Potentiality Evaluation System; and (3) the regional geophysical and geological framework. A test site at Coppabella Mine was used to create a geological model using the Kinematic Modelling System. Input into the model included drilling, geophysical logging, vertical seismic profiling, 2D and 3D seismic and gravity. The model is being assessed against the results of mining. Airborne magnetic and radiometric data are being progressively collected over the Bowen Basin. Data collected and interpreted to date have enhanced our understanding of the basin, in particular, the tectonic and structural history. The Coal Potentiality Evaluation System consists of three main parts: a series of databases; a GIS; and the coal potentiality system which is an expert system. The GIS and Coal Potentiality Evaluation System interact through a mediator. The databases provide geological, environmental, mining and economic data. The Coal Potentiality Evaluation System was used to help define a project area in the northern Bowen Basin for further testing of the geophysical methods. Three fully cored boreholes support 10 kilometres of 2D seismic. Collaboration at an international and a local scale has been highly effective. It has provided ongoing development of geophysical exploration techniques, has provided an impetus for the re-evaluation of the geology of the Bowen Basin and has provided an avenue for the exchange of geophysical technology and ideas.