A Preliminary Reconnaissance Geothermal Mapping in West New Britain Province

Abstract

West New Britain Province which occupies the western part of New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea is ideally located within an active tectonic region that influences volcanism creating an environment favorable for geothermal activity. Geothermal mapping of surface manifestations reveal high temperature geothermal prospects along the northern coastline of West New Britain Province which are further confirmed by geochemical analysis. The occurrence of geothermal features is confined to the Quaternary Kimbe Volcanics and alluvium in lowland areas. The features in Talasea appear to be controlled by deep seated northerly trending faults while structures in Hoskins also appear to be deep seated but have not been identified. The geothermal systems in West New Britain Province have not been drilled, but preliminary reconnaissance geothermal mapping and geochemical analysis reveals four high temperature geothermal prospects suitable for further investigation and development of geothermal energy. These are the Pangalu (Rabili) and Talasea Station geothermal fields in Talasea and Kasiloli (Magouru) and Silanga (Bakama and Sakalu) geothermal prospects in Hoskins. The calculated reservoir temperatures for these fields are 300-320°C. Recommendations are made for further follow up exploratory investigations.