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EPISODE 9
A ship named CRAESTAR (part 2)
Duration - 30 mins
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Last week, we learned about the beginnings of the MV CRAESTAR...a fishing trawler retrofitted with a helicopter and analytical laboratory, used as a floating exploration base by CRA in the mid 1960's to explore for copper deposits in the SW Pacific. This program was born out of a necessity, a need to innovate...traditional methods of exploring the islands were too slow so CRA needed to find a new way. The result was the CRAESTAR. 

In part 2 of this story, we find out more...was the CRAESTAR program a success in the end? Did it accomplish what it set out to do? And what lessons did CRA learn about how to innovate when it comes to mineral exploration.

TOP: the SW Pacific islands covered by the CRAESTAR (from New Guinea to Vanuatu; roughly 4000 km long by a few 100 km wide) in ~4-5 yrs. BOTTOM: the MV Craestar. Photo courtesy of Bill Johnston.
Ditching the shell of the early Bell D1 helicopter overboard somewhere in the Pacific. Photo courtesy of Bill Johnston.
CRAESTAR approaching a dock in the Solomon islands. Photo courtesy of Bill Johnston.
The helicopter leaving the CRAESTAR for another reconnaissance trip into the jungle. Photo courtesy of Julius Marinelli.
The MV CRAESTAR anchored off the coast of Guadalcanal. Photo courtesy of Julius Marinelli.
Ian Whitcher, one of the early members of the CRAESTAR team. Photo courtesy of Julius Marinelli.
The CRAESTAR team on Santa Isabel Island, Solomon Islands. From L to R are: John Weir, Jacob Rebek and Kerry O'Sullivan. Photo from CRA Gazette 09/08/1974.
The CRAESTAR team with some locals on the Santa Isabel Island in the Solomon Islands. Photo from CRA Gazette 09/08/1974.
Jacob Rebek (left) with a local, showing the fashion in the field at that time. Photo from CRA Gazette 09/08/1974.
From L to R: Kerry O'Sullivan, John Weir and Graham Kemp carrying out field works in the Solomon Islands. In the background, is the helicopter used. Photo from CRA Gazette 09/08/1974.
For Tomorrow, a 1966 documentary covering CRA's discovery of Panguna in Bougainville and their exploration activities in the Pacific Islands. The ship CRAESTAR makes an appearance at 25:35 in the video.

WHAT WE REFERRED TO

Bougainville Mine 
Wikipedia
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFO

For Tomorrow 
Documentary - YouTube Video

The hope factor by Anthony R. Hope
Book


People, Prospects and Persistence - A history of Rio Tinto Exploration
Book

CRA Gazette from 09/08/1974
Magazine article.


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