Black coal of Permian age has been found near Oaklands and Coorabin in the Riverina District, New South Wales. The coal is low-grade compared with the bituminous coals of Permian age at Newcastle, but has significance due to its situation in the south-western part of New South Wales, near the Murrumbidgee and Murray irrigation areas, and not far from the Victorian border. This report has been compiled mainly from field observations and from the files of the Bureau. The report gives a broad overview of the situation of the field and aspects of geology. The discovery, development, and workings of the coalfield are described. The characteristics of the coalfield are discussed, including petrography, the quality of the coal, the presence of water, and the extent of the field. Extensive data on the shafts and bores are appended. Accompanying geological plans are included.

Sulphuric acid may be produced not only from sulphides but also from calcium sulphate, by the use of which portland cement can be manufactured simultaneously with the acid. For the manufacture of sulphuric acid and portland cement from calcium sulphate and aluminium silicates, a mixture of anhydrite, clay, sand, and coke as a reducing agent is usually used. The chemical fundamentals underlying the manufacturing process are discussed in this report. The chemical reactions involved in the production process and the uses of raw materials are described at length.

A survey of deposits of radio-active minerals was carried out in an area between Coongan and Yule Rivers, Pilbara Goldfield, W.A., during September and October, 1948. This was a continuation of the survey commenced in the previous year (Record 1947/078). The survey was mainly confined to an inspection of localities from which radio-active minerals had previously been reported. Some other mineral localities were inspected, and the Geiger counter was used extensively on many types of rocks and detrital materials in the areas examined. In this way an occurrence of radio-active columbite was found at Mount Francisco, and columbite and tantalite were therefore included among the minerals to be investigated. Alluvial samples were all concentrated by means of a yandie. Rough estimates of the reserves of radio-active minerals were made. The findings of the survey are outlined in this report. The geology of the area and the occurrence of radio-active minerals are described. Accompanying geological plans are included.

The authors were engaged in geological reconnaissance work in the Fitzroy Crossing - Halls Creek area, during the period 16th August to 23rd September, 1948. The principal object of the investigation was to examine the area covered by the Mt. Ramsay Sheet of the Army Series. Work was extended beyond the limits of this sheet however in order to obtain information with regard to the age relationship of some formations, and a visit was made to the Wolf Creek Meteorite Crater 63 miles south of Halls Creek. During the survey, work was concentrated chiefly in mapping the distribution of rocks and different geological periods, determining their relationships and economic possibilities, and recognising areas warranting more detailed investigations. Accompanying geological plans and aerial photographs are included.

Later in September, 1948, the writer, accompanied by L.C. Noakes and an officer of the Department of Works and Housing, Mr. F.K. Hosking, spent part of a morning examining the rock in Mt. Mugga quarry. The object of the examination was to find whether the rock was suitable for aggregate, as the presence of pyrite had been reported some years ago. A set of representative specimens was collected, and these have been studied microscopically. The geological and petrographic characteristics of the rock specimens are described in this report.

The Lesi structure, situated near the coast of the Gulf of Papua, about 100 miles north-west of Port Moresby, was surveyed by plane table. A full account of this survey work is set down in this report. The general characteristics, physiography, and regional geology of the area are described. A detailed account of the geology of the Lesi structure is given, including descriptions of the lithology, palaeontology, stratigraphy, and geological structure. The structure's relation to adjoining structures and the possibility of oil accumulation are discussed. An extract from a micropalaeontological report, geological plans, and photographs of the area are appended.

This report is a record of field work carried out by B.H. Flinter and G.E. McInnes during January-February, 1949. The area covered extends south from Queanbeyan and Mt. Stromlo to 3 miles beyond Williamsdale and represents an easterly extension of the work carried out by W.J. Orme and H.M. Harris in 1948 (Record 1948/031). The investigation was essentially of a regional character and little detailed mapping or close examination of sediments or igneous rocks was attempted. The stratigraphy, igneous rocks, structural observations, and physiography of the area are described in this report. Accompanying geological sketch and section plans are included.

For the purpose of obtaining a general understanding of the geology of North Stradbroke Island, field work was carried out on the island from January 8th to February 17th, 1948. Altimeter traverses were made from Dunwich, Amity, Point Lookout and Blue Lake, and from the connecting roads. The southern portion was covered from landing points on the west coast near Russel Island. The results of observations were plotted on to Military Map Queensland Zone 8, No. 182 (Brisbane Valley). Altimeter readings were corrected from the readings of a weekly barograph stationed at Dunwich, on the western side of the island. This report is comprised in two parts. In Part I, the physiography and the geology of the island are described. In Part II, an account is given of the history of the development of the island.

This report describes the results of a micropalaeontological examination of samples taken from bores at Bond Springs, Northern Territory.

This report describes the results of a micropalaeontological examination of samples taken from the depth of 1,260 to 1,480 feet down. This series is in continuation of that reported upon in Records 1948/065 and 1948/050.