For 150 years, the Geological Survey of NSW, an integral part of NSW Resources, has played a critical role in understanding our state’s unique geology, committed to scientific excellence, mineral exploration, and the preservation of NSW’s natural heritage.

In the 1840s the discovery of copper at Carcoar, Molong and Bathurst, iron ore at Berrima and unconfirmed reports of gold west of the Blue Mountains, prompted the government to take action.

On 1 March 1849, the Governor called for a Geological Surveyor to be appointed to the Colony of NSW, covering the geographic area that is currently NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

In 1850, Samuel Stutchbury arrived from England to commence his appointment carrying out a mineralogical and geological survey of the Colony of NSW. After publishing his findings, he returned to England in 1855.

After Stutchbury, there was no official Geological Surveyor in NSW until 1874, when the discovery of significant mineral resources prompted the creation of a Department of Mines, which is known today as NSW Resources.

On 1 January 1875, the Geological Survey of New South Wales (GSNSW) was established, with Charles Smith Wilkinson in charge.

It was tasked with preparing geological maps of the Colony of NSW. These maps provided information to assist in the exploration for new mineral fields and underground water resources and to collect rock and fossil samples for the Mining Museum. The scientific data were released in reports and publications, accompanied by a wide range of maps and plans.

Dr Phillip Blevin, Geological Survey Chief Geoscientist, said the GSNSW has helped shape NSW’s development by uncovering the secrets of our state’s geology leading to the development of crucial energy and mineral resources, fostering industry.

“For 150 years, the GSNSW has been at the forefront of geoscientific excellence, supporting exploration and mineral discovery in NSW. 

“From the first geological maps to cutting-edge digital datasets, the GSNSW has continually adapted to advancements in science and technology ensuring up-to-date and accessible information for industry. 

“This anniversary is not just a celebration of history but a testament to the ongoing relevance of geoscience in contributing to NSW’s future.”

GSNSW Key events in 2025 9 May Exploration in the House, NSW Parliament House. 18 June Symposium and dinner marking the 150th anniversary of the GSNSW, NEX Newcastle. 9–17 August National Science Week – a series of events supporting geoscience education and showcasing the latest geoscientific technology supporting exploration for critical minerals at the WB Clarke Geoscience Centre in Londonderry. To find out more go to: www.resources.nsw.gov.au/geological-survey

150 YEARS OF DISCOVERY

1875: The GSNSW published its first geological map. Compiled by CS Wilkinson, it covered the Hartley area.

1879: The Museum of Mining was established.

1882: The collections were devastated by fire but rebuilt and the museum re-opened to the public in 1886 as the Mining and Geological Museum.

1883: Discovery of the Broken Hill ore deposit.

1880s: The need for many materials in eastern NSW saw surveyors (geologists) from the GSNSW actively involved in helping the growing mining industry.

Late 1880s–1890s: Extensive droughts saw the GSNSW actively involved in identifying underground water supplies.

1928: A major publication The Mineral Industry of N.S.W. was issued.

1930s: Aerial mapping began and a departmental car was used in the field. The vehicle was a Chevrolet 6-cylinder roadster.

1950s: A systematic geological mapping program began mapping standard 1:250,000 sheet areas.

1970: GSNSW releases its first issue of Quarterly Notes which published a breakthrough study on the Billabong Creek Limestone formation. These findings revealed that the upper portion of this Ordovician limestone dates back millions of years to the Eastonian or Bolindian age. This refined dating, enabled by the discovery of new graptolite localities, enhanced the understanding of NSW’s ancient ecosystems and reinforced GSNSW’s role in advancing geological science.

1974: The first NSW map showing structure and tectonic history based on plate tectonic theory was published.

1995: The mining museum closed and collections were re-distributed, with the prized Albert Chapman Minerals Collection sent to the Australian Museum. The museum had been in The Rocks since 1909.

2002: Release of MinView, a web map application making geoscientific data accessible to industry, government and the public. This award-winning product set a new standard in geoscientific data delivery.

2004: The head office of the GSNSW relocated from Sydney to Maitland.

2017: Quarterly Notes releases its 150th issue reflecting on decades of groundbreaking work, from advances in digital mapping to the development of seamless geological databases and the launch of the Geoscientific Data Warehouse.

2018: Release of the first version of the NSW Seamless Geology dataset, a statewide dataset that has created a paradigm shift in the way that geological maps and associated data are created and compiled.

2023: Dr Phillip Blevin was appointed to the role of Chief Geoscientist and Head of the GSNSW.

2025: The GSNSW celebrates being an established government agency for 150 years. As it commemorates 150 years of contributions to NSW geoscience, it continues to shape the future with cutting-edge research and data-driven information and its journey of discovery is far from over.