Tengraph mapping system should boost exploration

A new system of recording mining tenement information is expected to give a significant boost to mineral exploration.

Mines Minister Gordon Hill said Tengraph, which involved the computerisation of the State's 9,000 tenement maps, would substantially reduce the time taken to record, display and appraise tenement applications.

It would also eliminate the problems associated with multiple maps.

"Topographic and land tenure information will be added to the tenement boundaries which will be directly linked to a statistical data base," he said.

"When fully developed, Tengraph will rapidly identify ground left available for exploration and will provide title information such as ownership, survey details and area.

"The new maps will also show a tenement's proximity to areas of Aboriginal or conservation value.

"Information will be accessible in regional offices across the State."

Mr Hill said Tengraph would initially be installed in the Kalgoorlie Mining Registrar's office early next year.

A series of seminars would be held in Perth in mid-April to enable the mining and exploration industry to see the system's progress at first hand.

The seminars would be held at the department's head office, at 9 am, 10.30 am, 1 pm and 2.30 pm, on April 13, 14 and 15.

For more information, contact Erica Theedom on 222 3423.