oa +40 years of Geophysics in Pilbara and Beyond Sponsor paper

The Pilbara region of North West Australia is one of the world’s major iron ore provinces. Geophysical techniques have been applied routinely for exploration of iron ore. The first known application of a geophysical technique in mineral exploration was, in fact, the use of a magnetic method in the search for iron.

This presentation summarises the use of geophysical techniques in iron ore exploration over the last half century. Magnetic methods have been the most favoured, followed by gravity. EM has been applied in niche areas, such as in the exploration for CID. However it is time to venture beyond conventional techniques and start focusing on future developments in geophysics that promise yet greater benefits to mining generally and iron ore exploration in particular.