Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Surveys (GHS) Branch

BACKGROUND

The Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Surveys (GHS) Branch is one of the technical branches within the Geological Survey Division of the Department of Mining. The GHS is headed by an Assistant Director and consists of two sections, the Geotechnical Section headed by a Principal Engineering Geologist and the Hydrogeology Section headed by a Chief Hydrogeologist.

The GHS office consists of an engineering library which houses reports, technical Notes, professional Opinions and other miscellaneous publications of most of the projects in the country. It has a collection of aerial photographs dating back to the 1950s-to the present of the entire country. A soil testing laboratory is also available within the GHS Building where most of the engineering properties of the soil and rock samples are obtained.

FUNCTIONS OF GHS BRANCH

The main functions are to:

• Carry out site investigations for new infrastructure development such as for highway construction, buildings, tower, bridges, airstrips and airports etc.
• Carry out geotechnical appraisals of the conditions of existing infrastructure and make recommendations on remedial works where required.
• Carry out landslide Hazard studies in landslide prone areas through out Papua New Guinea. Identify the risks and impacts associated with landsliding and provide advise to relevant authorities and the general public. Investigate landslides and assess the damages.
• Assess groundwater potential of specific site and areas for rural and urban water supply projects. This includes geophysical surveys undertaken in conjuction with the Geological Survey's Geophysical Section.
• Supervising the drilling and pump testing of boreholes and evaluation of results.
• Maintain the Hydrogeological Database to enable us to provide the general public with information on water boreholes drilled in Papua New Guinea including groundwater quality.

STAFF

Please contact the Assistant Director for further information. For further technical queries, contact Mr. Jack Abrahams or Mr. Jim Lytham.

	Mr. Gabriel Kuna
	Assistant Director 
	Geological Survey Division
	Private Mail Bag
	PORT MORESBY

	Telephone:	675 3215888 switch
			675 3224 618	direct
	Fax:		675 3211360
	E_mail:	ghs@daltron.com.pg

ENGINEERING SECTION

	Jack Abrahams
	Principal Engineering Geologist
	Geological Survey Division
	Private Mail Bag
	PORT MORESBY

	Telephone:	675 3215888 switch
		675 3224 620	direct
	Fax:		675 3211360
	E_mail:	ghs@daltron.com.pg

HYDROGEOLOGY SECTION

	Mr. Jim Lytham
	Chief Hydrogeologist
	Geological Survey Division
	Private Mail Bag
	PORT MORESBY

	Telephone:	675 3215888 switch
		675 3224 619	direct
	Fax:		675 3211360
	E_mail:	ghs@daltron.com.pg