This report deals with the results obtained in tests with the electrical resistivity method on the brown coalfields at Morwell and Traralgon, Victoria, in an attempt to develop a rapid method of determining the presence of the coal and its depth below the surface. These tests were carried out in the latter part of 1943 by the Geophysical Section of the Mineral Resources Survey at the request of the Victorian Electricity Commission. Thirty-four resistivity-electrode separation tests were made over a wide variety of geological sections in the parishes of Maryvale, Hazelwood and Loy Yang. These tests were preceded by a number of tests by specific resistivity made on various types of overburden and on coal exposed in the open cuts at Yallourn. This report discusses the results of these tests although verbal information concerning them has already been made available to the Commission's officers. It will be shown that under certain conditions, the predictions of the depth to coal are reliable within fairly narrow limits while under other conditions the predictions are misleading. It is proposed in the first instance to outline the method and apparatus used in these tests. In addition, it is considered advisable to outline the methods of interpretation employed in order that the conclusions reached will by fully appreciated. In addition to discussing the resistivity results, the report deals briefly with the possibility of using gravity methods on the same prospecting problem. Calculations have been made of gravity anomalies to be expected from certain coal sections and it is shown that under favourable conditions this might prove of value in determining the presence and position of the coal.

This report summerises the kinds, sources, and handlers or processors of asbestos in Australia, 1944.

A report on the Lake Cargellico magnesite deposit following a visit on 30th May, 1944.

King Island Scheelite Mine is located on the east coast of King Island and is sixteen miles by road from Currie, the principal port on the island. The open cut method of mining is employed and the mine is an important producer of scheelite. There is scope for greatly increased production from the open cut area alone and with a view towards assessing the full possibilities of the area as a whole, geological and geophysical surveys were started concurrently by the Mineral Resources Survey Branch in June, 1942. The geophysical field work was conducted between 19th June and 10th July, 1942.

During the period August 1942 - August 1943, a boring campaign was conducted in the Coorabin section of the coalfield by the Commonwealth Coal Commission. The boring was done by the Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission of New South Wales under the supervision of the Mineral Resources Survey Branch of the Department of Supply and Shipping. When the Coal Commission withdrew, and before the plant was removed from the field, an additional bore was put down by the Department of Supply and Shipping in the Oaklands section of the field. This report contains the results of analyses of the bores.

Results of a microscopic examination of cores from bores Nos. 153, 155, 169, and 171, parish of Maryvale, Nos. 99, 103, and 109, parish of Loy Yang and No. 31, parish of Hazelwood.

On the 5th February, Mr. A. A. McLeod, General Superintendent of King Island Scheelite, N.L., telegraphed that it was desired to obtain further information about the ore structure to the north-east of cross-section line 13, and suggested the drilling of two diamond drill holes. Three possible sites and holes were discussed. In response to a request from Mr. McLeod, a visit was paid to the mine on the 26th and 27th ultimo, when returning from Mount Bischoff mine, Tasmania. The whole position regarding the above portion of the deposit and open cut were reconsidered, and problems regarding drilling further west on the northern side were also investigated. A short statement was prepared while at the mine which forms the basis of the remainder of this report.

This report deals with an investigation of the electrical resistivities of a variety of wet surface soils, gravels and sands. The work may be regarded as preliminary to an investigation by Mr. R.F. Thyer into the detection of electrically resistive bodies buried in wet soils at shallow depths. It was required to determine the range over which the resistivities of surface soils vary, and also the changes that may be expected in any one type of soil between measurements made within any 1 foot of each other. Measurements were made in four localities, three being in the bed or on the banks of the Molonglo River, where the surface materials are sand, gravel, silts, and in some places, clay. The fourth locality was near the head of Sullivan's Creek, where the soil is a heavy black clay.

An examination of samples from the depth of 100 feet down to 850 feet.

A geological survey of the mount Bischoff Mine area was commenced in January, 1944, with the objects of delimiting the known ore shoots, determining the field relationships of those and so arriving at an understanding of ore occurrence which could be applied to the location of possible new shoots. By April the open cut area had been surveyed accurately and in detail, a general geological reconnaissance made and detailed geological mapping carried out of half of the open cut and a considerable part of the area outside the open cut. This report comprises a discussion of existing and suspected ore reserves. The report includes an assay plan and a diagram of assay sections of the Greisen orebody.