Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics
BMR · Bureau of Mineral Resources
20 March 1946 – August 1992
Previously Mineral Resources Survey (1941–1946). Renamed Australian Geological Survey Organisation in 1992.
The Commonwealth's geological survey, which mapped Australia's geology, carried out airborne and ground geophysical surveys and assessed the nation's mineral and petroleum resources.
Names over time
- Mineral Resources Survey1941–1946
- Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics1946–1992
- Australian Geological Survey Organisation1992–2001
- Geoscience Australia2001–present
How it came into existence
Established in 1946 in the Department of Supply and Shipping, with Harold Raggatt as its first director, from the wartime Mineral Resources Survey, which had assessed strategic minerals for the war effort.
Changes during its life
- 6 April 1948Moved to the Department of Supply and Development.
- 16 March 1950Moved to the new Department of National Development.
- 19 December 1972Moved to the Department of Minerals and Energy.
- 22 December 1975Moved to the Department of National Resources.
- 20 December 1977Moved to the Department of National Development.
- 8 December 1979Moved to the Department of National Development and Energy.
- 11 March 1983Moved to the Department of Resources and Energy.
- 24 July 1987Moved to the Department of Primary Industries and Energy.
How it ended
Renamed the Australian Geological Survey Organisation in August 1992, which took over all its functions.
Main functions
- Regional geological mapping
- Airborne and ground geophysical surveys
- Assessment of mineral and petroleum resources
- Mineral resource statistics and advice
- Geological work in the Commonwealth territories
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Primary Industries and Energy.
Lineage
Loading lineage…
Sources
Government records and websites
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.