Aeromagnetic surveys in Otago and Canterbury
NZP&M’s aeromagnetic survey project is set to start in northern Otago/southern Canterbury.
The survey is set to restart in mid-August after a winter break. The areas to be surveyed, in northern Otago and southern Canterbury are expected to be completed by by March 2017 before moving to 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 last year’s budget.
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.