Australian Bureau of Statistics
Celebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013

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Note: An error has been detected in previously released data which led to an overstatement of the expected expenditure figures in table 1 in the December Quarter 2005 issue of this publication. The figures overstated are for Petroleum Onshore and Offshore expected expenditure 2005-06 and June half 2005-06 expected expenditure. All other figures in table 1 and remaining tables are unchanged.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Esther Lauw on Sydney (02) 9268 4357.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS


MINERAL EXPLORATION (OTHER THAN FOR PETROLEUM)


TREND ESTIMATES

The trend estimate for total mineral exploration expenditure increased by 4.4% to $302.3m in the December quarter 2005. The estimate has risen in the last eight quarters and is now 19.2% higher than the December quarter 2004 estimate.

Mineral Exploration, Seasonally adjusted and trend series

The trend estimate for metres drilled increased by 0.4% this quarter. The current estimate is now 4.9% lower than the December quarter estimate for last year.

MINERAL EXPLORATION (OTHER THAN FOR PETROLEUM)


EXPLORATION EXPENDITURE

The seasonally adjusted estimate of mineral exploration expenditure increased by $26.8m (9.3%) in the December quarter 2005. South Australia had the largest increase (of $11.4m or 45.2%), while Western Australia had the only decrease (of $2.3m or 1.5%).

In original terms, mineral exploration expenditure increased by $35.6m (12.2%). Exploration on areas of new deposits increased by $12.3m (11.7%), while expenditure on areas of existing deposits increased by $23.2m (12.4%).

In original terms, the largest increase by minerals sought came from expenditure on coal exploration (up $13.8m or 42.9%), with the largest increase occurring in Queensland.

The only decrease came from expenditure on gold exploration (down $0.9m or 0.9%).

Mineral Exploration, Original series

Metres Drilled, Original series

Expenditure on exploration on production leases increased (by $87.0m or 99.8%), while exploration on all other areas decreased (by $42.5m or 21.8%) this quarter.

There was an increase of $25.7m (12.7%) in offshore exploration, while onshore exploration expenditure increased by $18.8m (23.6%).

Petroleum Exploration, Original series