The paper discusses the results from the GA-302 2D seismic survey and GA-2436 (RV Tangaroa) marine reconnaissance survey over the Capel and Faust basins, northern Tasman Sea. The integration of seismic, potential field and bathymetric data sets in 3D space at an early stage in the project workflow has assisted in the visualisation of the basin architecture, the interpolation of data between the seismic lines, and the iterative refinement of interpretations. The data sets confirm the presence of multiple depocentres, as previously interpreted from satellite gravity data, with a maximum sediment thickness of 5-7 km. Preliminary interpretation of the seismic data has identified two predominantly Cretaceous syn-rift and two Upper Cretaceous to Neogene sag megasequences overlying a heterogeneous pre-rift basement. The comparison of seismic facies and tectonostratigraphic history with offshore New Zealand and eastern Australian basins suggests the presence of possible Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous coaly and lacustrine source rocks in the pre- and syn-rift, and fluvio-deltaic to shallow marine reservoir rocks in the syn-rift to early post-rift successions. Preliminary 1D basin modelling suggests that the deeper depocentres of the Capel and Faust basins are within the oil and gas windows. Large potential stratigraphic and structural traps are also present.

Phosphate deposits in the vicinity of Canowindra, Molong, Wellington and Borenore were examined in company with members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Rural Industries on the 27th and 28th February, 1943. Two slightly different types of deposit occur in these localities. These deposits are described herein.

A seismic reflection survey was carried out in the Parish of Darriman, Victoria. The survey was planned to investigate a gravity anomaly, which may be an indication of a structure within the sedimentary section favourable to the accumulation of oil or natural gas. For the most part reflections were exceptionally good, and it was possible to trace one reflecting layer over most of the area. Contouring showed the presence of an anticlinal structure, plunging to the east, but rising and broadening to the west. On the flat crest of the structure, there is probable closure in two places. The thickness of the Tertiary sediments may be a maximum of 6,000 feet, but may be only 3,000 feet on the crest of the structure and 4,000 feet on the flanks.

Report on the activities of the administrative and technical sections in the Katherine-Darwin area, to August, 1954. A brief account is given of geological and geophysical operations. The results of prospecting and development work are summarised.

Sediments of the Brock's Creek Group and of the Phillips Creek Formation, and volcanics of the Edith River Formation were prospected with carborne radiometric equipment. A comparatively high background count was recorded in the Edith River Volcanics, but no significant radiometric anomaly was found. A geological party prospected ten shear zones south east of the Edith Siding, including a cupriferous one, and a strongly fractured belt near the granite contact. No radiometric anomaly was found. Future prospecting should be directed towards major faults within the sediments.

White's South prospect is situated on the southern bank of the Finniss River (East branch) about 400 feet south southwest of White's Deposit (Ward 1953). Rocks do not outcrop in the area, but low radioactive anomalies were located in this area by the Geophysical Section 1951 suggesting that the western continuation of White's Deposit after faulting might be beneath the soil cover. Low grade ore intersections were obtained in five diamond drill holes put down in the area in 1952. A plan of the area on a scale of 40 feet to 1 inch accompanies this report (Plate 1).

Brown's Deposit is the westernmost known area of mineralization in the Rum Jungle area. It is situated approximately two miles northeast of Rum Jungle Railway Siding and one mile southwest of White's Deposit in an area known as Brown's Workings, which was worked for copper in the early part of the century. In June 1950, preliminary geophysical investigations revealed that a radiometric anomaly was present at the eastern end of the old copper workings, and in October 1940, a self-potential survey (Allen 1950) indicated the presence of two distinct bodies of sulphide mineralization. During 1950 a geological map of the area on a scale of 100 feet to an inch was prepared, and in 1951 mapping of the area on a scale of 40 feet and 20 feet to an inch was commenced. This work at present remains unfinished due to other commitments. Three diamond drill holes, part of an extensive programme of diamond drilling planned for the area were drilled towards the end of 1951.

Three new, national-scale geoscience initiatives are under way in Australia with the aim to provide energy and mineral explorers with state-of-the-art pre-competitive data and information about the continent's potential resources. (1) A digital geological map provides a seamless and consistent coverage of geological units at 1:1,000,000 scale. It is underpinned by a national stratigraphic index database to ensure uniform and consistent unit description and classification and nomenclature usage. (2) An Australia-wide airborne geophysical survey that has been used to level all of Australia's public-domain radioelement data to a common datum. This enables interpreters to make accurate comparisons between radiometric signatures in different parts of the continent. (3) A low-density geochemical survey aims to provide a national geochemical data layer using consistent sampling medium and sampling, preparation and analytical methods. Large-scale geochemical patterns thus revealed are hoped to point to new areas of exploration potential. The two latter projects are funded under the Australian Government's Onshore Energy Security Program. Together, these three national geoscience datasets will help make Australia a more attractive destination for energy and mineral exploration investments.

Abstract for initial submission, pending acceptance by convention technical program committee.

High Geiger readings in the vicinity of the Number 1 prospect were first obtained by Sidney Fabian (a prospector for Northern Uranium Development) who drew my attention to this fact and showed me the area on Sunday 14th November, 1954. No detailed work was done. The area was re-visited by the author on Tuesday, 23rd November, 1954. It was on this date that the region of radio-activity and the rock responsible for it were established. The Number 2 prospect was discovered independently by the author on Tuesday 23rd November, 1954, while prospecting along the line of the South Alligator Fault Zone.