Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have shown the country’s mineral exploration expenditure has risen, enjoying a record-high March quarter. Total mineral exploration expenditure clocked in at $910.4 million for the quarter, despite a decrease in greenfield and brownfield exploration. Expenditure on greenfield exploration to discover new deposits decreased by 23 per cent to $278.6 million, while brownfield exploration decreased 16 per cent to $789.4 million. This is typical of the March quarter, as the wet season restricts exploration activity across much of Northern Australia. South ... (full story)