Geological Survey of Western Australia (1897 - )

Summary

The Geological Survey of Western Australia provides objective and authoritative geoscientific data, information and services to support the responsible use of the State's natural resources. It was established in 1897 after Andrew Gibb Maitland was appointed Government Geologist in November 1896 with instructions from the Minister of Mines to draw up plans for a Survey. Before then several people had been appointed Government Geologist to report to the government on specific issues. Maitland's report included the staff required (geologists, assayers, topographic surveyor, lithographic draftsmen), and the need for a laboratory, library and museum. The Survey was established within the Department of Mines a year after Maitland's appointment, the office of Government Geologist being integral to the Survey from this point. In Maitland's view, the main objective of the Survey should be the systematic geological mapping at appropriate scales of the whole of Western Australia, wherever possible before prospecting activities, and the publication of the results of this work. By the time he retired, more than half the state had been mapped, and 91 Bulletins published. Those who joined the Survey included mineralogist Edward Simpson, Harry Woodward, John Jutson, Ludwig Glauert, and Henry Talbot, all of whom had distinguished careers while with the Survey and afterwards. Maitland was succeeded in 1926 by Torrington Blatchford whose tenure was marred by the prevailing economic conditions. Staff numbers and research outputs were greatly reduced. It was not until after WWII, and the realisation that exploration for minerals was likely to increase, that the Survey was able to increase its staff numbers and activities, including publishing research reports and geological maps.

Related entries

Published resources

Edited Books

• Johns, R.K. ed., History and role of government geological surveys in Australia (Adelaide: South Australian Government Printer, 1976), 111 pp. Details

Journal Articles

• Blockley, John and Riganti, Angela, 'The glass-negative collection of the Geological Survey of Western Australia', Newsletter, Earth Sciences History Group, 43 (2013), 41-7. Details

See also

• Blatchford, T., Honman, C. S., Simpson, E. S., Farquharson, R. A., The geology and mineral resources of the Yilgarn Goldfield, part III : the gold belt north of Southern Cross, including Westonia (Perth: Government Printer, 1917), 321 pp. Details
• Clarke, E. de C.; petrology by R. A. Farquharson, mineralogy and underground waters by E. S. Simpson, The geology and ore-deposits of Meekatharra Murchison goldfield (Perth: Government Printer, 1916), 342 pp. Details
• Honman, C. S., The geology of the country between Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie: with a petrological contribution by R.A. Farquharson, and a mineralogical contribution by A.J. Robertson (Perth: Government Printer, 1914), 83 pp. Details