MinEx CRC has been featured in the June–July 2026 edition of Australasian Drilling, showcasing how the National Drilling Initiative (NDI) is delivering a new approach to mineral exploration in the Northern Gawler Craton.

The feature explores how the NDI has shifted the focus from drilling more metres to collecting better geological data. By integrating coiled tubing drilling with geological, geophysical and geochemical information, the program is improving confidence in undercover exploration while providing valuable pre-competitive datasets for future explorers.

The article highlights the successful deployment of coiled tubing drilling to penetrate hundreds of metres of cover and recover representative basement samples, enabling researchers to better understand the region’s geological history and mineral prospectivity.

Drawing on insights from MinEx CRC CEO Andrew Bailey, Chief Scientific Officer Caroline Tiddy and Geological Survey of South Australia Senior Geologist Claire Wade, the feature discusses how high-quality sample recovery, comprehensive data collection and collaboration between researchers, government geological surveys and industry are transforming exploration in one of Australia’s most underexplored regions.

The Northern Gawler Craton campaign has refined understanding of crustal architecture, structural boundaries and mineral systems, while identifying previously unrecognised geological events that are helping guide future exploration strategies.

The feature concludes that reducing geological uncertainty through high-quality pre-competitive data will enable exploration companies to design more targeted drilling programs and accelerate discovery beneath Australia’s extensive cover sequences.

A big thank you to Jamie Wade and the editorial team at Australasian Drilling for highlighting the achievements of the National Drilling Initiative and the collaborative efforts of MinEx CRC and our partners.