We started the WAMT program to map the conductivity of Western Australia. This program builds on a national survey called the Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project AusLAMP, which collects MT data across Australia.
WAMT uses long-period magnetotelluric (LPMT) equipment set up on a 40 km by 40 km grid, to match the WA Array passive seismic survey sites. Each month, the equipment is rolled forwards and will eventually cover the whole State.
A schematic diagram that shows the typical site setup for LPMT equipment.
WAMT progress
Since Western Australia hasn’t been thoroughly mapped with this method before, WAMT provides important new information about the State’s deep (> 30 km) geology. The project also supports resource exploration and contributes to Australia’s geodynamic framework and electrical infrastructure security.
Key outcomes of the project include:
- More geoscience data to lower the risks of resource exploration.
- A world-class dataset to attract resource investment.
- A detailed model of the lithosphere (Earth’s outer shell) to complement the WA Array seismic project.
- Statewide conductivity data products to go along with recently collected airborne electromagnetic survey data.
The data collected helps explorers, researchers, and the community better understand what lies beneath the surface.
Phase 1
31 stations were collected in the region of Phase 1 by Geoscience Australia. Another 10 stations were collected by Moombarriga Geoscience contracted by GSWA. Initial observations using these datapoints are included in the WA Array Phase 1 Report which is available in our eBookshop. Further models will be generated once the missing points have been infilled.
Access the data from Phase 1.
Phase 2
To best utilise the access to the land, WAMT moved with WA Array into the Phase 2 region, Esperance – Goldfields - Geraldton. Deployment started in March 2024, and the final stations were completed in March 2025. Data and models will be available in March 2026.
Phase 3
The third phase of WA Array was deployed in May 2025 across the Mid West and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia. Phase 3 builds directly on the coverage established during Phase 2, providing continuity of data across the northern Youanmi and Narryer terranes of the Yilgarn Craton, and Southern Carnarvon Basin, traversing several major crustal boundaries. Fieldwork in these areas involves both remote access logistics and close coordination with landholders and Traditional Owners. Equipment is deployed via helicopter and 4WD requiring significant effort from ground crews.
The WAMT component of Phase 3 commenced in September 2025.
See this map for locations of WA Array Phase 3.
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