Aeromagnetic surveys in Nelson and Marlborough
Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges has announced that the government’s latest programme of aeromagnetic surveys will begin in Nelson and Marlborough from 27th November 2015.
The aeromagnetic survey will build on the data gathered in recent surveys of Northland and the West Coast between 2011 and 2013. New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals have contracted Thomson Aviation to complete the surveys. They will measure magnetic fields and natural radiation using a specially-equipped helicopter.
Once the survey is complete, it will take the data we have on New Zealand’s surface from aeromagnetic surveys to roughly 30% of the country.
The surveys are part of an $8 million government investment in new data, announced in last year’s budget. Of this, $6 million is tagged for aeromagnetic surveys of Nelson, Marlborough, Southland and Otago to be completed in 2017.
Marlborough District Council and Venture Southland (representing Environment Southland, Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council and Gore District Council) are partnering with NZP&M on the project.
The survey areas have been extended to support their interest in the data, which has applications for mapping geological hazards (such as fault lines); better understanding regional water resources; and providing information on climate, soil and geology to support local business.