MinEx CRC

Now in its seventh year of research, MinEx CRC is focused on a new set of exploration tools and new ways to deploy those tools that recognise the fundamental importance of collecting quantity and quality data from the subsurface. MinEx CRC is focused on developing more productive, safer and environmentally friendly drilling methods to discover and drill out deposits. This includes pioneering work on coiled tubing (CT) drilling technology and innovations in diamond and RC drilling techniques aimed at improved drilling optimisation and automation. In parallel, MinEx CRC is developing new technologies for collecting data while drilling. This is being undertaken in four separate industry-led projects utilising geophysical, seismic, downhole analytical and 3D modelling improvements. A National Drilling Initiative (NDI) is well underway, with drilling programs completed in 2020-2024. The NDI is a world-first collaboration of Geological Surveys, researchers and industry, to undertake drilling in under-explored areas of potential mineral wealth and provide a test-bed for new mineral exploration technologies. MinEx CRC is the world’s largest mineral exploration collaboration bringing together Industry, Government and Research Organisations, backed by: $50M cash from the CRC Program $49M cash from geological surveys and industry $59M non-staff in-kind $75M staff in-kind TOTAL $233M