Minerals exploration and mining are often confused. Though both are essential stages along the path to developing a resource, the process and scale are very different.
In Minerals Exploration Explained, a minerals explorer outlines in their own words what they do, the techniques they use, how they select a site and how it is restored.
Mineral explorers use low-impact methods to understand local geology and look for evidence of minerals over a large area, then typically focus activities on a smaller zone.
It typically involves mapping, water and soil sample testing, surveying the ground from the surface or air and targeted drilling.
For more information and to view the video, go to: https://agriculturevictoria.cmail20.com/t/r-l-tdlulhht-udhklujhll-m/
Subsoil help for dryland grain growers
Grain growers considering subsoil amelioration on their farms are encouraged to visit Agriculture Victoria’s new dedicated webpage and support guide to help navigate the decision-making process.
Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Adam Buzza said subsoil amelioration is a land management practice where organic matter is typically injected into the subsoil using a specialised deep ripping machine.
“Our online resources provide decision support on when to consider subsoil amelioration, when it’s least effective, what it costs and guides on how different subsoil types respond,” Mr Buzza said.
“Subsoil amelioration aims to improve nutrient availability, water movement and root development for better crop growing conditions and a higher yield at harvest time.
“Research shows that subsoil amelioration can increase grain yields by an average of 12 per cent, but its effectiveness is dependent on factors such as average annual rainfall, subsoil type and any constraints such as salinity or water logging.
“It’s important to note that amelioration upfront costs can be above $2000 per hectare and for some subsoils this is not a cost-effective option.”
The decision support guide is available in the grains, pulses and cereals section of the Agriculture Victoria website.
Give a young person a head start
The National Farmers’ Federation's flagship gap-year program, AgCAREERSTART, is looking for employers/farmers who:
- Are able to offer a safe and positive experience for a young Australian.
- Have the capacity to teach and support someone who might have limited experience in agriculture.
- Are able to offer full-time paid employment for a period of 10 to 12 months in 2025.
- Can offer flexibility to your participant so they can undertake training and attend industry events.
- Can provide accommodation or assist in finding accommodation off-farm.
When you sign up you will:
- Receive a $2000 grant.
- Get support from the AgCAREERSTART team to mentor and train your participant.
- Gain access to industry events and the broader NFF network.
Participants must be paid at (or above) award wages. All host farms must provide a signed employment contract to AgCAREERSTART before the placement commences.
Participant applications for 2025 will be open from July 22 to September 29.
More information for employers is available at: https://agriculturevictoria.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tdnuity-udhklujhll-q/
Push to crack open container scheme
Container deposit schemes should be expanded to include milk, wine and spirit bottles to prevent more waste ending up in waterways.
A parliamentary inquiry examining plastic pollution has called for container deposit schemes to be harmonised across states and territories to increase the number of materials to be recycled.
A container deposit scheme allows for people to return plastic bottles, cartons or aluminium cans to collection points in exchange for 10 cents per item, although standards differ between jurisdictions.
The inquiry's final report, handed down to federal parliament, recommended a unified scheme be implemented as well as boosting the number of items that can be handed in at collection sites.
Glass bottles or milk bottles are unable to be collected, but the committee said a unified scheme should include more items to increase recycling.
It was one of 22 recommendations put forward by the inquiry, which included simplifying labels on packaging to make it clearer what could be recycled.
