The largest contributor to the increase in the trend estimate for the quarter was Western Australia (up 6.2 per cent, AUS$22.9m). The current quarter estimate is 16.5 per cent higher than the June quarter 2018 estimate.
The seasonally adjusted estimate for mineral exploration expenditure rose 6.9 per cent (AUS$41.5 million) to AUS$639.6 million in the June quarter 2019. The largest contributor to the rise this quarter was Western Australia (up 4.2 per cent, AUS$15.7 million).
In original terms, mineral exploration expenditure rose 31.1per cent (AUS$157.4 million) to AUS$663.1 million in the June quarter 2019. Exploration on areas of new deposits rose 57.1 per cent (AUS$100.1 million) and expenditure on areas of existing deposits rose 17.4 per cent (AUS$57.4 million).
In original terms, the largest increase by minerals sought came from expenditure on selected base metals (up 47.3 per cent, AUS$60.6 million).
Mineral exploration, original series
Metres drilled
The trend estimate for metres drilled fell 1.2per cent in the June quarter 2019. The current quarter estimate is 4.7per cent higher than the June quarter 2018 estimate.
The seasonally adjusted estimate for metres drilled fell 10.6per cent in the June quarter 2019.
Metres drilled, seasonally adjusted and trend
In original terms, metres drilled rose 20.6per cent. Drilling in areas of new deposits rose 22.8per cent and drilling in areas of existing deposits rose 19.5per cent.
Metres drilled, original series
