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Untapped mineral resources in the Far North potentially worth more than $30 billion will be geophysically surveyed by air if the district council or a partner can stump up half the estimated $4.6 million survey cost.
A proposed GNS Science aerial survey would involve detailed mapping of the
Far North's land area and its resources by fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter, seeking to confirm earlier estimates of the district's wealth of non-metallic and metallic mineral deposits.
A study report issued in May last year by GNS Science and the NZ Institute of Economic Research, on behalf of the Northland minerals sector group, estimated the Far North held more than $30 billion in mineral resources and deposits with a potential flow-on effect worth more than $300 million annually to the district's economy.
The report said the Far North was known to have most of Northland's minerals, some of which include industrial raw materials already being mined and used such as china clay, silica sand, aggregate and limestone.
It said there was also potential for metallic deposits including gold, silver, aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, mercury and nickel.
Peat and coal are also present.
A consultant geologist has told the Far North District Council that Northland is currently the fifth biggest mineral producing region in New Zealand, with potential for up to $10 to be generated for every dollar spent on exploration.
Geologist Richard Barker said the Otago Regional Council, in conjunction with a private partner, was the only council in New Zealand to have invested so far in a geophysical survey.
It had "completely rewritten" the geology of the region, he said.
In the Far North, the district council is now investigating sources of funding for proposed aeromagnetic, radiometric and electromagnetic surveys which will cost about $4.6 million.
Resulting data could be used for mineral exploration, geological mapping, groundwater identification, geological hazard assessments, and for investigations into forestry, agriculture and horticulture ventures.
The Far North, Northland Regional and Whangarei District Councils, Enterprise Northland and New Zealand mineral industry representatives are members of the Northland minerals sector group.
A council spokeswoman says it's possible some sort of cost-sharing arrangement may be worked out among members to meet half the survey costs as the Far North looks for a partner to take the proposed survey further.
Far North Mayor Wayne Brown is enthusiastic about the mineral survey technology.
"It's an opportunity too good to miss.
"The difference between Australian and New Zealand gross national product comes down to minerals extraction,"
He said the district might be sitting on billions of dollars worth of minerals with a potential to create up to 1600 jobs within 15 years.
It had the potential to add growth and wealth.