Leading multi-disciplinary group SRK Consulting says it will soon initiate work on a structural geological synthesis study of the basins, following expressions of interest from a number of sponsor organisations, including the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

With this multi-client project, planned to stretch over two years, SRK expects to provide fundamental technical insight into the basin areas through compilation of a comprehensive database, together with an integrated structural geology interpretation designed to form a leading edge analysis tool for ongoing exploration, mine planning and geological-based risk studies.

“By developing a better understanding of the basement geology, regional structural framework and evolution over time of a sedimentary basin, we can help to reduce geological uncertainty and add value through managing a range of geological risks from exploration-based ground selection (including for coal and petroleum) to structural risk assessments for mining,” said Chris Woodfull, SRK project manager and principal consultant.

“We have invited a number of organisations to provide financial and data support and act as project sponsors. Response has been very positive,” Woodfull said.

David Mason, director of the Geological Survey of Queensland, indicated the Queensland Government was keen to be involved with the project and planned to be a key participant, as the project would provide an improved understanding of the geology of the Bowen and Surat Basins. The two parties are currently negotiating an agreement for the transfer of ownership of the project from SRK to the Department, on behalf of the Queensland Government, four years after the commencement of the study. New geophysical data to be collected by the Department under the Smart Exploration Program will be immediately available to industry as well as being an input into the collaborative study.

Dr Peter Williams, managing director of SRK Consulting, said “this type of study represents a major advance in structural assessment of the basins and should provide new concepts for exploration and development opportunities”

“More effective exploration and mining risk assessment work can lead to incremental and significant project cost improvements for clients,” he said.

The Bowen and Surat Basin study will not be the first of its kind for SRK. Last year, the geoscience and engineering consultancy firm developed and released a similar study of the Sydney Basin, which was well received by sponsors. This coincided with SRK’s 30th year of operation globally and 10th year in Australia.

For this new study, SRK has provisionally divided the basins into two main areas, namely the northern and central Bowen Basin area (or Northern module), and the Surat Basin and underlying southern part of the Bowen Basin (or Southern module). Subject to project sponsor priorities and financing, the model and information base could also be released in two stages.

SRK proposes to develop the Bowen and Surat Basin models at initial scales of 1:500,000 (basin-wide) and 1:100,000 (sub-regional areas, subject to data resolution) and draw data from public domain and other available non-confidential data sets.

A range of data sets have been used over time to help understand local geology and structural risk issues in the Bowen and Surat Basins. Most recently, the Geological Survey of Queensland has complemented existing open file and private or company data with a series of regional airborne geophysical surveys, which are expected to greatly contribute to the new study.

SRK says the study will compile and enhance where necessary, geophysical (magnetics, radiometrics, gravity, seismic) and remotely sensed data (Landsat, ASTER), as well as geology map and borehole data. All data are integrated into a single geographical information systems (GIS) work platform, enabling interrogation of data and an iterative geological and structural interpretation process. An added advantage of using a GIS is it allows the addition of other data sets, such as geotechnical, hydrogeological, coal quality and gas composition or distribution data, at a later date, while it allows local operators to add in their own confidential information for more detailed mine-scale studies.

Interrogation of multiple data sets is expected to enable development of a four-dimensional regional structural model for the basin. Specifically, this will include an interpretation of basement geology, likely depth to basement, the initiation and reactivation of structures, in terms of ages, displacement and geometry, across the basin, and the development of a 3D basin shape.

“The resulting information base is a powerful data interrogation and viewing tool that can be readily updated or broadened with new information,” said Woodfull.

“Once compiled, the data can be rapidly and effectively analysed. The information base can support a range of geological, mining or other natural resource assessments.

“If there is sufficient interest, the database can be broadened to include a selection of key planning and environmental management data sets relevant to resource assessment, such as attributed location data of significant flora and fauna or archaeological sites in the region, to assist with environmental impact studies.”

Project deliverables proposed to complement the GIS database and structural framework include tutorials, seminars and a summary report.

The SRK project team will consist of three of the company’s principal consultants and other key staff from its Sydney and Brisbane offices, with the additional involvement of associate staff.

Australia's Mining Monthly