The Geology Division forms part of the technical divisions of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE). The Division is responsible for:
- Onshore and offshore geology,
- Baseline data for economic geology,
- Identification, conservation and exploitation of natural resources (minerals)
- Seismicity and volcanic activities of the Solomon Islands
- Geothermal resources development
- Coastal management
- Legal frameworks of these areas with its administration and management.
- Public awareness, education on risks and hazards associated with geologic events (earthquakes, tsunami inundation, flooding, and volcanic eruptions).
- Collaboration with stakeholders on related subjects and matters of interest
- Establishment of a database for geological and related information and data
The Directorate Office
The roles and responsibilities of the Directorate Office include:
- Administration and coordination of the Division’s duties and that with other stakeholders.
- Establishment of Policies.
- Member of the Mines and Minerals Board.
- Co-opted member of the National Disaster Committee (NDC).
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Regional Mapping Section
The Regional Mapping Section is one of the Geosciences Sections of the Geological Survey Division. The Section’s roles and responsibilities include:
- Regional geological mapping of rocks and geochemistry
- Reconnaissance mapping and provision of baseline data for stimulation of investment in the mineral sector,
- Provision of baseline geo-technical and geo-chemical data and information
The Section carries out its roles and responsibilities through a number of mineral reconnaissance programs and initiatives that include:
- A National Geological Mapping Reconnaissance Program
This geological reconnaissance program aims to systematically produce geological maps of the Solomon Islands on standard scale maps of 1: 50,000.
- A National Geochemical Mapping Reconnaissance Program
This geochemical reconnaissance program will be carried out simultaneously with the National Geological Mapping Reconnaissance Program.
- A National Geophysical Mapping Survey
This geophysical reconnaissance mapping program aims to carry out a nationwide geophysical airborne survey.
The Section is also involved in energy resources related mapping activities such as the Geothermal Energy Mapping and Research Program which proposes to systematically map out all geothermal resources locations throughout the Solomon Islands.
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Geochemistry Section
The roles and responsibilities of the Geochemistry Section include:
- Operation and maintenance of Geo-chemical laboratory
- Collection of geochemical samples (water, soil, sediments, rocks)
- Analysis of trace and major elements in geochemical samples for geological and environmental purposes.
- Collation and archival of data
- Interpretation of geochemical data
Seismology & Vulcanology Section
The roles and responsibilities of the Seismology & Vulcanology Section include:
- Surveillance and Monitoring of earthquakes and volcanoes
- Advocacy of early warnings, public education and awareness on geo-hazards
GIS, Publication & Technical Records Section
The roles and responsibilities of GIS, Publication & Technical Records Section include:
- Geological map sales /Administration of Ministry Server
- Scanning &Photocopy Services for the Ministry
- Digitising, publication and promotion
The Section is also involved in work on a geosciences database which aims to capture all data sets held by the Geological Survey Division.
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International Cooperation and Affiliations
The Geological Survey Division involved in joint collaboration activities with most commonwealth institutions in researches particularly in the field of earth sciences. Some of the main Institutions are the United States Geological Survey(USGS), British Geological Survey (BGS) International Data Centre (IDC),an auxiliary technical member of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), National Earthquake Information Centre (NEIC), Smithsonian, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Leicester University, University of Texas Institute of Geophysics (UTIG) and other regional organisations such as the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC/SPC) and the regional technical Ministries and departments of geology.
Related Links
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
British Geological Survey (BGS)
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC)
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC)