Aeromagnetic surveys in Otago and Canterbury have restarted
NZP&M’s aeromagnetic survey in northern Otago/southern Canterbury has restarted after a two week break.
The northern Otago and southern Canterbury areas are expected to be completed by March 2017 before moving to Tasman and other parts of Otago and Southland.
Aeromagnetic data is used to understand the geology of an area. It helps with identifying mineral deposits, and provides information on faults, aquifers, and soils. The data gathered will be available free to industry and valuable information for potential investors that can help sway investment decisions.
The surveys are part of an $8 million government investment in new data, announced in budget 2014.
The data gathered is also valuable to local authorities. Marlborough District Council and Venture Southland (representing Environment Southland, Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council and Gore District Council) have partnered with NZP&M on the project, which will assist them to map geological hazards (including fault lines); understand regional water resources; and gather information on climate, soil and geology.