A source-first route through national datasets, state geological portals, open-file reports and family collections.
“When you are handling an archival record you are usually handling the only copy that exists.”
— National Archives of Australia
Begin with a place and its aliases
Write down the locality, mine, field and company names you already know. Historic spelling and renamed operations can send the same search down several paths.
Use the national index for orientation
Geoscience Australia’s OZMIN layer helps establish a location, commodity and broad status. Treat it as the beginning of the trail, then move to the responsible state archive or survey.
Move into state records
State portals hold richer local material: reports, plans, project layers and open-file exploration records. Access conditions and licences differ, so check the record page before reuse.
Reconnect the paperwork to people
Family diaries, annotated maps and photographs often supply context that formal datasets omit. Preserve provenance and obtain permission before publishing personal material.
Questions people ask
What is OZMIN useful for?
It is a national discovery layer for mineral deposits and mines, useful for orientation and cross-checking names and locations.
Where are NSW mine reports?
The NSW DIGS system provides access to geological and exploration records; check the portal for current access guidance.
Where are WA open-file reports?
WAMEX is Western Australia’s open-file mineral exploration report system.
Can I send you a family collection?
Start with the records form. Nothing is published or moved before terms are agreed in writing.