BHP Billiton will operate the acquisition of airborne gravity data using the Falcon system over onshore and offshore areas in L-6, which is a coastal block with about 30% of the area being onshore.

Gippsland, which will earn a 60% equity share in the block by spending $US1.9 million ($A2.4 million) on the geophysical exploration program, will become operator for the joint venture.

It said the Falcon technology would be key to linking the onshore geology to the offshore and helping to unlock the basin’s structural setting.

Over 6000 line kilometres are to be flown covering the area in the survey, which is expected to take about three weeks to complete.

Participants in the Block L-6 joint venture are operator Gippsland, which holds a 60% interest and Pancontinental (40%).