The research, supported by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), found the formation of ancient gold deposits during the Archean period over 2.5 billion years ago also produced distinctive patterns of chemical alteration in the surrounding rocks. 

Looking for these distinctive patterns will make it faster and more efficient for exploration companies to identify potential new deposits in the district, which has produced fewer gold discoveries than the Eastern Goldfields, despite similar geology.

CSIRO said the findings could be applied globally.

"This research project is a great example of CSIRO's close collaboration with the Western Australian Government and MRIWA, to support a productive, sustainable and globally competitive mineral resources industry for the benefit of Australia," CSIRO director of mineral resources Dr Rob Hough said.

"We have world leading research capabilities in Perth and welcome opportunities to develop minerals sector innovation in partnership with the industry and government." 

The project was sponsored by Northern Star Resources, Gold Road Resources, Ramelius Resources, Evolution Mining, Blackham Resources and Saracen Mineral Holdings.

"The new approaches developed from the project have challenged conventional wisdom, established new models for the genesis of mineral systems and provided insights into how we might navigate them," Northern Star general manager exploration Jamie Rogers said.

"Northern Star sponsored the project to help fast track and ultimately benefit from the development of new mineral exploration tools and technologies."

WA mines and petroleum minister Bill Johnston said he hoped the research would encourage investment in underexplored areas of the state.