In 1971, Ken McCracken (then CSIRO Chief) set up the division of Mineral Physics to address geophysical exploration problems peculiar to Australia. The rock magnetism and palaeomagnetism laboratory was established to assist the Australian exploration industry in processing and interpretation of aeromagnetic data. Since that time, CSIRO has maintained its position as a global leader in magnetism and palaeomagnetism, with a string of prominent scientists working at the laboratory, including Brian Embleton, Philip Schmidt and Dave Clark. The current team, consisting of: Clive Foss, Jim Austin and Ben Patterson, assist numerous explorers in the use of magnetic data for mineral exploration across Australia. They have substantial experience in magnetic modelling, depth to basement mapping and an unparalleled understanding of the magnetic signatures of ore deposits, their structural controls and exploration methodologies to find them.