THE RUSH OUT WEST

WESTERN AUSTRALIA MAY BE SEEING A MODERN-DAY GOLD RUSH, AS GEOLOGISTS UNLOCK A MAJOR EXPLORATION DEVELOPMENT.

- 

A geoscientific breakthrough is poised to reshape Western Australia's gold exploration landscape and potentially spark a new era of major discoveries across the state.

In a move hailed as a potential catalyst for a modern-day gold rush, geologists from the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA), part of the newly formed Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration within the WA Government, have identified a distinctive chemical fingerprint that could lead explorers straight to untapped gold deposits.

The breakthrough comes after years of detailed geochemical analysis made possible through the WA Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS), which has long been credited for encouraging innovation and supporting data-driven exploration strategies.

"(The) GSWA's identification of these chemical fingerprints will undoubtedly have global impacts for geochemical data usage, reinforcing WA's position at the forefront of geoscientific research," WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said. "Our ongoing investment in mineral exploration is creating jobs and delivering lasting benefits to regional communities across the state."