Mineral and Geological Information System for Papua New Guinea

The implementation of the information system at the Mineral Resources Authority represents a major milestone of the project. The main goal of the GMRIS system is to provide access to geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to exploration and mining companies.
The system's core functions include:

• Collection, storage, management and quality control of digital geological, geophysical and geochemical data and related metadata.
• Production of maps and derived digital information useful to private and institutional users - on the basis of a catalogue of available data layers.
• Provision of GIS functionalities for the production of geological and other thematic maps
  in analogue and digital format.
• Query and search of the database using the Intranet or Internet.

The comprehensive archive and catalogue of all data sets available can be accessed online via http://www.mra-gmris.gov.pg/, where metadata and spatial data (maps and images) can be viewed using a standard Internet browser, including

• Remote sensing data (satellite images).
• Geological, geophysical and geochemical data and information.
• Mineral rights and titles (tenements).
• Other relevant data collected as part of other past and ongoing projects in PNG.

The GMRIS project is part of the Mining Sector Support Programme (MSSP) which was launched by the European Union with a grant from the 8th EDF under the SYSMIN initiative. The MSSP aims to sustain the country's economic performance through mineral production and exports and to alleviate poverty, increase employment opportunities and mitigate mineinduced
environmental impacts.The GMRIS project is carried out by GAF AG and its local partner Geo-Graphics Ltd. in close co-operation with the beneficiary, - the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) in Port Moresby.
The next phase of the project has commenced recently - providing intensive on-the-job training, assistance and support to local GMRIS staff at the MRA in the daily operation of the system. The project will conclude by the end of 2009. The GMRIS project is supplemented by the recently launched MSSP project focused on marketing and investment promotion of the PNG Mineral Sector.