Systematic testing of South Stradbroke Island was started on 5th January, 1948. The boring and concentrating of samples were carried out by Associated Minerals Pty. Ltd., Southport. Sitting, levelling and mapping of boreholes was carried out by the Bureau of Mineral Resources. Between January and June, boring was directed towards the high active dunes adjacent to the east coast, and the areas of fixed, vegetated dunes west of the active dunes. The results of the testing work are recorded in this report. The occurrence of heavy minerals has been tabulated. Eight accompanying locality, section, and contour plans are included.

This was the first study of its kind, by the Commonwealth team. The study included demonstrations of the dithizone tests for traces of some heavy metals in the field environment, of operational and sampling procedures, and geochemical reconnaissance. Several reconnaissance traverses were sampled and examined. Extractable forms of copper and, in a very presumptive manner, extractable forms of lead and zinc were sought in the test materials. In addition, tests for copper, lead and zinc were made in some ignited and fused specimens. The testing procedure and results are described in this report.

The field season in the Kimberley Division of Western Australia for the year 1948 extended from May 2nd to October 15th. It is estimated that about four weeks of this time was spent in activities not directly related to geological work. Three distinct areas were covered during the season, these being Dampier Land, Mt. Ramsay Area, and Nerrima Structure. An account is given of the personnel involved and the work completed within each area.

The four field parties and the Airborne Geophysical Section continued operations in the area during the quarter ending 30th September, 1953. This report provides a summary of the geological and geophysical operations carried out during this period, and an overview of the staff and housing situation.

The Trough Area extends parallel to and 200 to 300 feet west of the eastern beach from approximately 4800 feet north of the zero line shown on the locality plan, to 6000 feet south of the zero line. It has a flat sandy floor 150 to 200 feet wide, and a foot or two below water level. The "trough" is bounded on the east by the fore-dunes, and on the west by an area of shifting sand which rises sharply to elevations of 25 to 35 or 40 feet. Deposits of heavy minerals occur at or near the surface at several localities along the western edge of the trough. This report gives an estimate of the quantities of heavy minerals occurring from 2100 feet north to 1100 feet north.

The features of the single-point resistance log, obtained in A.A.O. No. 2 Bore, Roma, are described. Single-point resistance, self-potential and geological logs of the lower section of the boreholes are shown. The results indicate that electrical logging can be effectively used for correlation problems and that salt water sands in the reservoir rocks can be detected with reasonable certainty.

The deposits of heavy-mineral sands which are at present being exploited along the East Coast occur on or within a few hundred feet of the ocean beaches. The occurrence of this deposit at a distance of nearly 1.5 miles from the beach suggests the possibility that other deposits may be found at some distance from the coast line. Of incidental interest is the possibility that the deposit, which presumably was formed by wave or surf action, may be at slightly higher level than the deposits adjacent to present day beaches. The locality, examination process, origin, and nature of the deposits are discussed in this report. The results, including estimates of the quantities of heavy mineral concentrates and the grades of the mineral bearing sands, are tabulated here.

One gram of sample No. 1 and 2 grams of No. 2 were dissolved in about 100mL of hot water. After dissolving the soluble portions the solutions were filtered and the undissolved portions dissolved and weighed. This weight subtracted from the original weight of the sample gave the amount of soluble salts. The filtrate was diluted to 250 mls with distilled water, 100 mls being used for Ca and Mg determination. The results of this experiment are given in the report.

At the request of the Broken Hill Proprietary a geophysical test survey, employing gravity and magnetic methods, was carried out near Wollongong, N.S.W. by geophysicists of the Bureau. The area over which these tests were made is part of the Southern Coalfield of N.S.W. and plans are being made to develop a colliery in it. The subsurface geology is known in part from five drill holes, namely, Nebo No. 2, 5, and 6 and Wongawilli No. 7 and 8. Basalt sills of considerable thickness were encountered in Nebo No. 6 and Wongawilli No. 8. The proximity of sills to the coal seams has resulted, in parts of the Southern Coalfield, in the cindering of the coal, and for this reason it is a matter of considerable importance in planning a colliery to know the area occupied by the sills. The technical aspects of testing, results, and conclusions are discussed in this report.

In November, 1947, at the joint request of the Queensland Government and four companies which are associated with the search for oil in the area, the Bureau commenced geophysical work in the Roma district of Central Queensland. During the first phase of the geophysical operations, gravity and magnetic methods were applied in the reconnaissance of a large area. The object of these operations was to disclose gravity or magnetic anomalies which might be related to geological structures, indicate the broader structural elements of the sedimentary basin in which the oil and gas occur, and enable areas to be selected for investigation by more exact methods. The purpose of this report is to state clearly the geological problem and the geophysical methods adopted in the attempt to solve it. The geology of the area, possible oil-bearing structures, and the application of geophysical methods to date, are discussed. A sketch map and geological section plan are included.