New releases
Metallogenic map of New South Wales 1:1,500,000 – 2nd edition
A completely revised and updated 2nd edition of the Metallogenic map of New South Wales was released in June 2025 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Geological Survey of New South Wales (GSNSW). The map builds on the first edition map (released in 2011) and features updates to the major metallic mineral districts and occurrences, and revisions to the mineral systems classification scheme. The map also features a revised and updated base geology map derived from the New South Wales Seamless Geology dataset.
The rear of the map contains a concise illustrated history of GSNSW and its contribution to the knowledge of the state’s geology and mineral resources. Further information on the concepts and methodology of the map can be found in an accompanying GS report.
The map can be viewed online via Canto or DIGS and is available to purchase for $19.80 in folded or flat format through the Shop Regional web site.
Quarterly Notes no.158
Also released in conjunction with the GSNSW sesquicentennial, this issue defines the geological provinces and tectonic cycles used in the NSW Seamless Geology dataset and value-add products. It reflects advances in the understanding of the state’s geological history from internal and collaborative projects, building on the seminal works of Scheibner and Basden (1998) and Glen (2005).
This latest publication is available for free from Canto or DiGS. Links to all previous editions can be found on the Quarterly Notes webpage.
Seamless Geology of NSW
Version 2.5 of the NSW Seamless Geology dataset is available for free download in various GIS formats. This package represents the latest seamless statewide compilation of the best available NSW digital geology mapping.
A simplified Seamless Geology for mobile devices can also be used on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets using the ArcGIS Field Maps mobile application.
The NSW Seamless Geology Project is an ongoing initiative that commenced in late 2013. Version 2.5 was released in May 2025 and is the 7th update of the Seamless Geology dataset (Version 1.0 was released in October 2018). It includes new mapping data from the Lachlan Orogen, New England Orogen, and attribute updates and error fixes to all layers.
Soil gas surveys for hydrogen and helium in NSW report
Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of New South Wales collaborated on a project to look in NSW for evidence of natural hydrogen and helium in different geological settings that maybe conducive for the generation of these two gases. The main objective of this work is to improve the understanding of natural hydrogen and helium prospectivity in NSW. Finding near-surface occurrences of natural hydrogen and helium, in soil gases, could potentially lead to the discovery of deeper natural hydrogen and helium gas fields. See the outcomes of this project.
Advanced mineral projects and exploration highlights in NSW
Discover recent exploration results along with resource figures for operating mines with the latest advanced mineral projects and exploration highlights map, available for free from Canto or DiGS.
Mineral resource projects map of NSW
Released in February 2025, the mineral resource projects map is available for free from Canto or DiGS. Updated yearly, this 1:1.5 million scale map includes operating coal, metallic and mineral sand mines, major industrial mineral operations, opal and gemstone producing operations, inactive mines, advanced projects, geologically significant deposits and infrastructure. Mineral deposit data was extracted from the NSW MetIndEx database with production based on royalty data.
New, detailed statewide geophysical imagery
High resolution open-file company data have been merged with regional government data to create new, improved statewide magnetics and gravity images. They provide greater detail of magnetic and gravity anomalies at the camp and prospect scales. Images and grids of total magnetic intensity, first derivative, second derivative, tilt-angle filter and isostatic residual gravity can be viewed in MinView and downloaded into your GIS targeting projects.
Cobar–Yathong seismic data release
The Cobar–Yathong seismic survey was conducted and completed in 2023. The survey was designed to address knowledge gaps in the Yathong Trough and Cobar Basin. The Yathong Trough was surveyed to improve our knowledge of rock units that could host deep-groundwater. The Cobar Basin was surveyed to map fault networks and structures controlling mineralisation. The survey was extended to Nyngan to improve our understanding of the Hermidale Terrane and to further image deep geological structures. The data has been processed using 2 different methods for hard-rock and fold-belt regions. The data has been interpreted and the results will be published soon. The data is available via DIGS and the seismic surveys layer on MinView.
Central Lachlan Orogen mineral potential mapping project
The central Lachlan Orogen mineral potential mapping report and data package have been released. Three significant mineral systems were analysed in the central Lachlan Orogen mineral potential study: Granite-related Sn–W in the central Lachlan Orogen and Cobar Cu–Au and Cobar Pb–Zn systems of the Cobar Superbasin. Spatial modelling experts Kenex Pty Ltd and the GSNSW Mineral Systems section used a weights-of-evidence approach, creating up to 225 predictive maps for each mineral system, and up to 9 maps for the final models. Data is being released as a mineral potential atlas that can now be downloaded through DIGS.
MinView updates
MinView is a public map viewer, provided by the Geological Survey of NSW, with free access to view, search and download a range of geoscientific data for NSW.
Functionality and data that have been added recently include:
- NSW Seamless Geology version 2.5
- 70 new stratigraphic unit notes (linked to the Seamless Geology) covering parts of the Cobar Supergroup and the Macquarie Arc
- 2024 statewide airborne and ground gravity images
- 2025 statewide radioelement images
- High resolution (10m cell size) geophysical images of the central NSW area
- Aster satellite imagery (via Geoscience Australia web services)
- SEEBASE depth-to-basement images
- Additional HyLogger information sheets and CSV raw data for NVCL drillholes.
Periodic table of mobile phones
The Geological Survey of NSW has released a great new teaching aid, focussing on metals found in mobile phones. It includes a map showing areas in NSW that produce, or have the potential to produce, some of these metals. There’s also a build-it-yourself mobile phone display sheet. Add your own mobile phone parts and learn about the metals in them!
Download the Periodic Table of Mobile Phones (PDF, 2.51 MB) resource.
For more information about high-tech metals see our High-tech metal resources of NSW map.