The final report of the Murray Basin Mineral Sands Infrastructure Planning Study was presented to Senator Nick Minchin and the three State Ministers responsible for Mines and Energy Resources on 3 August at Mildura. The study, by consultants Sinclair Knight Merz, has identified the need for infrastructure investment to facilitate development of exciting heavy mineral sands discoveries in the three States covered by the Murray Basin - SA, NSW and Victoria. Australia is the world's leading producer of titanium and zircon minerals but to remain in that position will require continuing successful exploration and mine development. The industry, which had its origins in the east coast beaches of Australia in the 1930s, is now predominantly active in WA, and in 1999 accounted for 26% of the world's titanium feedstocks and 38% of the world's zircon. The industry is worth $1.2 billion in annual export income and provides direct employment to more than 3000 Australians. The study has defined five zones in the Murray Basin which already show potential for mineral developments, although it is acknowledged that the region is still relatively unexplored and the selection of zones, to add focus to the report, should not be a limitation on exploration.