Single Page PDF - Australian Institute of Geoscientists

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Single Page PDF - Australian Institute of Geoscientists
AIG News • No 119 • March 2015
What reporting Portable XRF or
any other Assay Results to 2012
JORC Code Standards should mean
Inside this AIG News...
What reporting Portable XRF or any other Assay Results to 2012 JORC Code Standards should mean •
Australia’s Unique National Rock Garden • ASEG 2015 Lindsay Ingall Memorial Award presented to prominent WA geophysicists
Plastiglomerate • The constancy of change and the new catastrophism: a personal reflection on crisis-driven science •
4th Annual Meeting of the Australasian Universities Geoscience Educators Network (AUGEN) • Geoscientists’ Employment
concerns realised with unemployment again on the rise • AIG/IAH Field Trip 2014: Ballarat Area, 28th & 29th November •
Mining Booms in the History of Western Australia • And more...
AMC Specialist Technical Workshops January – December 2015
AMC Consultants Pty Ltd (AMC) is a leading independent mining consultancy, providing services exclusively to the minerals sector. We are pleased to announce dates for our specialist technical career development workshops. Participants on all workshops will receive a bound, full‐colour workshop manual. AMC can also run these workshops in‐house and tailor them for your specific needs. Discounts are available for participants who attend several workshops in the same week (March, June, August, November). JORC 2012—Complying with the Code in the Reporting Environment Delivering High‐quality Grade Estimates Brisbane: 3 March, 23 June, 25 August, 17 November Presenter: Alex Virisheff Brisbane: 4 March, 24 June, 26 August, 18 November Presenters: Peter Stoker and Mark Berry This one‐day workshop will present fundamental considerations and understandings in carrying out grade estimation in completing a mineral resource estimate. It is designed to provide guidance on setting grade estimation parameters, selecting grade estimation methods, and completing validation of grade estimates. This half‐day workshop will present the fundamental
requirements of the JORC Code, including new and changed
provisions adopted in 2012. Examples of compliant and non‐
compliant reports will be reviewed, including case studies. This
workshop is designed for existing and intending Competent
Persons and management staff at all levels. Assessment of Geological Uncertainty in Mining and Management of Risk Lessons Learnt from Auditing Mineral Resource Estimates Brisbane: 6 March, 26 June, 28 August, 20 November Presenter: Mark Berry Brisbane: 5 March, 25 June, 27 August, 19 November Hong Kong: 21 March (in conjunction with PACRIM 2015) Presenters: Peter Stoker and Mark Berry This one‐day workshop will identify and assess the sources of geological uncertainty that feed into mineral resource and ore reserve estimates, with implications from pit to port. Case studies and a range of risk management strategies will be presented. This workshop is designed for geologists, engineers, metallurgists, and management staff at all levels. This one‐day workshop will present key learnings from AMC’s
extensive international audits of mineral resource estimates. It
is designed to provide new and senior geological staff with
insights into best practice and common problems. Topics
covered will include drill programme design and drilling,
surveying, sample preparation and analytical techniques,
logging and related processes, geological interpretation and
domaining, geostatistics, estimation, classification, reporting,
QA/QC processes, and data management. Excellence in Mineral Resources Estimation Brisbane: 4–8 May, 12–16 October Presenters: Peter Stoker, Mark Berry, Alex Virisheff, Brian Hall, and other industry specialists Preparing Appropriate Inputs for Robust Grade Estimation This five‐day workshop provides geologists with a comprehensive review of all inputs into resource estimation, from data collection to reporting. Case studies are used extensively to illustrate and reinforce concepts. The workshop is presented by AMC principal consultants, supplemented by guest presentations covering topics such as sample preparation and analysis issues. Brisbane: 2 March, 22 June, 24 August, 16 November Presenter: Alex Virisheff This one‐day workshop will present fundamental considerations
and understandings in preparing information as inputs for
completing a mineral resource estimate. It is designed to provide
guidance on addressing issues associated with data inputs to
grade estimates and grade estimation tasks. Register online at www.amcconsultants.com/training For more information, contact: Alana Philips: (T) +61 7 3230 9000 (E) [email protected] www.amcconsultants.com 2
AMC ‐ the business of mining AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Inside this AIG news...
4
From Your President 6
Institute News
WA Branch News
Education News
10
Membership Updates 10
Registered Professional Geoscientists Approvals & Applications 11
What reporting Portable XRF or any other Assay Results to 2012 JORC Code
Contents
11
NSW Branch News
Standards should mean
17
17
Australia’s Unique National Rock Garden
19
ASEG 2015 Lindsay Ingall Memorial Award presented to prominent WA
geophysicists Michael Denith and Stephen Mudge
24
Plastiglomerate
25
The constancy of change and the new catastrophism: a personal reflection on
crisis-driven science
19
28
4th Annual Meeting of the Australasian Universities Geoscience Educators
Network (AUGEN)
31
Geoscientists’ Employment concerns realised with unemployment again
on the rise
24
Cover photo: Niton XL2 950 GOLDD Mining
Analyser (Photo credit: photos from PAS)
34
AIG/IAH Field Trip 2014: Ballarat Area, 28th & 29th November 2014
36
Mining Booms in the History of Western Australia
38
Book review: GSWA publication “Australia goes it alone”, the emerging island
continent 100 Ma to present, by AE Cockbain
39
Readers Letters
40
AIG Council & AIG News
41
Events Calendar
AIG Secretariat
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Contact: Ron Adams
c/- Centre for Association Management
Ph: (08) 9427 0820
36 Brisbane Street, Perth WA 6000
Fax: (08) 9427 0821
PO Box 8463, Perth Business Centre,
Email: [email protected]
Perth WA 6849
3
From Your President
Wayne Spilsbury
President’s Report
W
elcome to our first fully digital
arrangements, role and performance of
edition of the AIG News and
quarter survey results, I pointed the finger at
Native Title Representative Bodies is reviewed
welcome to our new editor and
state governments’ lack of action to reduce
and that the financial and development
publisher MRGraphics, a small and dynamic
compliance requirements and impediments
requirements of Prescribed Bodies Corporate
Victorian business owned by Fiona Makin,
to land access. As an example, a WA-
are examined with a view to recommending
specialising in publications and graphic
focussed exploration company with which I’m
Prescribed Bodies Corporate business models
design. Fiona is a geoscientist applying her
associated pegged a tenement in a new “hot’
that are self-sustaining and productively
skills in a novel way and is assisted by Wency
area in September 2013 but the tenement was
integrated into the local economy.” We wait
Luong, a talented graphic designer. Fiona
not granted until January 2015 – 16 months.
with bated breath for some action.
and Wency provided the design and technical
Time is money: monthly administration
implementation of the current AIG web site.
costs continued and several fund raising
dust) that had some good recommendations
They have some innovative ideas for the AIG
opportunities went by as we waited.
was the Ministerial Inquiry into Greenfields
News, which you will experience in coming
editions.
Another government report (now collecting
Where was the hold up? It wasn’t really the
Exploration in Western Australia (Nov
Department of Mines who took 22 days to
2002 aka Bowler Report). One of its
approve the work program (although it only
recommendations was “Provide a counter-
results of our December quarter employment
takes at most 2 hours to read the document).
cyclical geological-skills retention fund. This
survey (p.31). Once again about one-third of
The problem seems to be due to processes
would reflect the level of activity within the
the 666 members who responded are either
within other State Environment agencies and
exploration industry, thus countering the
unemployed (15.5%) or underemployed (16.4%).
Commonwealth Native Title agencies (e.g. 4
boom and bust nature of the exploration
The root cause is easy to attribute to low metal
months to get through the Heritage Protection
industry to retain geological skills in WA. The
and energy resource prices, but it is worth
process). Investors are naturally concerned
fund would be for labour intensive projects of
noting that a large part of the fall in commodity
about the “burn rate” of exploration capital,
geoscience data collection, management and
prices followed the onset of the employment
by junior companies especially and these are
analysis, and would decrease in boom periods
decline and that this suggests that other
factors directly contributing to overhead costs
and increase as the bust period extends” What
factors are affecting the ability of explorers
incurred by companies that governments have
a great suggestion! Imagine if all geological
to raise capital needed to fund exploration, or
the ability to influence or, hopefully, even resolve.
surveys modified their current programs to
Probably by now you would have seen the
producers to invest in operational improvements
4
In my comments on the 2014 September
Governments recognise the problem. For
have lots of boots on the ground – that would
or expansions. While there is little our
example, the WA Government Submission
lower our unemployment rate.
governments can do to change the minerals
to the Productivity Commission Inquiry on
and energy commodity cycle they have the
Non-Financial Barriers to Mineral and Energy
are probably having a hard time finding that
capacity to soften the blow by focussing on, and
Resources Exploration In Australia (April
first job. When I graduated in the early 70’s the
acting to eliminate impediments to investment
2013) made the following recommendation
minerals industry was in a similar downturn
in the sector. In the following paragraphs, I’d
“The native title and Aboriginal heritage
and after a year of odd jobs (including digging
like to explore what governments can do and
market is a substantive barrier to mineral
for clams) I changed professions and became
provide some suggestions on what students
and energy resource exploration in Western
a school teacher. When the market turned
and recent graduates might do to get through
Australia. The Western Australian Government
(as it always does) I completed an advanced
this downturn.
recommends that the income/funding
geoscience degree. In hindsight, I wish
If you are a student or recent graduate you
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
and then graduate into a better employment
your network within the industry.
On to some house-keeping matters. Geoff
geoscience professions within AIG. So rather
than the usual exploration case studies
market. So if you are a recent graduate
Turner who formed the AIG Victorian Branch
and geochemical/geophysical techniques
who can’t find work this is the right time to
Committee in 1996 and was an AIG Councillor
we would have sessions on hydrogeology,
complete that Honours or advanced degree.
from 1999 to 2006, has decided to hang up his
environmental geoscience, coal and CSG,
Another option for recent graduates, is to
boots and hammer. Geoff also wishes to retire
Professionalism, Geotourism, Geohazards,
swallow your pride and take on a field hand
as Chair of Reciprocal Recognition Working
teaching of geoscience and so on. Ultimately,
or geotech position. Sure the pay is less, the
Committee. This committee evaluates other
the organising committees for each session
work might be a bit boring but you will be
professional bodies internationally towards
will be the start of permanent Specialist
learning valuable skills. It might just give you
granting reciprocal rights to each other’s
Groups with AIG. If you are interested in
a leg up with that company when they start
members. The Chair position is open to any
joining the Conference Organising Committee
hiring geos again and it won’t hurt your CV
member. If you are interested please contact
drop me a line.
to show that you are not afraid to get your
me [email protected].
hands dirty. I have heard, anecdotally, of a
I’m always interested in the history of
junior explorer offering “junior geologist work
exploration and mining. In this issue you will
experience” with remuneration a nominal
find a short article by Dr Phil Playford (p.36)
$50 per day. I don’t recommend doing this.
on the history of mining in WA and how much
To my mind this company is being unethical
mining has contributed to our standard of
by taking advantage of the situation. Also,
living. If you have a historical note you would
I think the Fair Work Ombudsman would
like to share, contact the editor and maybe
have something to say about an employer
this will become a regular feature.
that is paying less than the minimum wage
held at the Irish Club, in
superannuation payments and WorkCover.
Subiaco on 20 May at
the MEGWA talk. Seven
volunteering” for a defined period with willing
position for Council
companies as a way to get a “foot in the
are open nominations.
door”. This is not unlike the growing trend in
Nomination forms
Australian universities of internship courses
will be mailed to all
where students prepare a CV, hunt out relevant
members over the next
companies, apply for and get the (unpaid)
few weeks and must
job and then write a report at the end of it. I
be submitted to the
support internships as a way of providing
Secretary [email protected]
valuable experience for the student even when
before 30 April.
outback is not for them.
For its part, the AIG does offer a waiver of
Silver Sponsor of the
AIG Education Endowment
Foundation
Finally, I have
mentioned before
that one of my goals
membership fees for those members doing
during my presidency
it tough (contact [email protected]). We will
is to see established a
continue to provide low-cost seminars and
biennial AIG National
workshops through the State Branches. I
Conference. My vision
encourage unemployed members to attend,
for the conference
not only to advance your professional
is for it to showcase
development but also as a way to keep up
the wide range of
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
President
1800 WST just before
have the time you might consider “strategic
some might discover that swagging it in the
Wayne Spilsbury
The 2015 AGM will be
and probably not providing insurances,
If you are a second or third year student and
President’s Report
someone had told me just to “stay in school’
5
Institute News
Institute News Snippets
Energy controversies:
A frack too far - Yearnings to tap
gas threaten to split a state in two
New addition to the Victorian
Branch Committee
http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21645228-
We’d like to welcome a new member to the Victorian Branch
yearnings-tap-gas-threaten-split-state-two-frack-too-far?fsrc=sc
Committee. Our treasurer Gayle Tolland’s new addition Ivy May was
n%2Ffb%2Fte%2Fpe%2Fed%2Fafracktoofar
born 11th December, 2014.
AIG National Graduate Group
Launch and QUT-UQ Geoscience
Student Presentations
Tuesday 18 November at the Theodore Club, Brisbane
AIG Queensland’s November technical meeting was hosted by the
AIG National Graduate Group (NGG). The night began with a short
presentation on the goals of the NGG, followed by talks from some
of QUT and UQ’s brightest Honours, Masters and PhD geoscience
students, presenting summaries of their projects.
The 7th Bowen Basin Symposium
will be held at the Brisbane
Convention & Exhibition Centre
from 7 - 9 October 2015
The Bowen Basin Symposium is held once every 5 years and has been
a resounding success since its inception in 1985. The Symposium
attracts up to 550 delegates and aims to foster the exchange of
From left to right: Derek Hoy (UQ), Isaac Schultz (UQ), Matthew
Campbell (UQ), Rod Carlson (AIG QLD Chair), Taylor Down (QUT),
Sarah McGill (QUT), Nicholas Josephs (QUT), Josh Leigh (AIG National
Graduate Committee Chair)”
ideas for the solution of common problems and challenges; and to
maintain an awareness of new technologies provided through formal
presentations and Trade displays.
The theme of the 7th Bowen Basin Symposium is “Bowen Basin and
Beyond”. As the theme and logo suggest, the Symposium will extend
Vector Research Pty Ltd
ABN 80 086 727 273
Stephen T. Mudge
its focus beyond the Bowen Basin to the many other coal Basins
throughout Australia - placing a strong emphasis on both the coal
mining and coal seam gas industries.
BSc (Hons), Dip Comp Sc, FAusIMM, FAIG
Consulting Geophysicist
•
•
•
•
•
Magnetics, gravity, radiometrics, EM, resistivity, IP
Survey design, project management, data interpretation
Geophysical data processing for exploration targeting
TargetMap TM targets linears, patterns and textures
TargetMap TM targets conductors in airborne TEM data
PO Box 1133, Nedlands WA 6909, Australia
Web: www.vecresearch.com.au
6
Phone: +61 (0)8 9386 8894
Email: [email protected]
i
For more information go to www.bbsymposium.com.au
Registrations opening soon
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
NSW
NSW Branch Report
12th of December was a great success, with a
organising events during the year. These
good turnout and nice weather for a lovely day
include one day seminars, student information
out on the harbour.
nights and the fabulous bi-annual Mines and
Wines Conference, as well as joint events with
other societies.
Institute News
The NSW Branch of the AIG is active in
This year SMEDG has put aside $8000 to
support AIG Education Scholarships.
We take a leading role in organising Mines
Currently the NSW branch is in planning
and Wines every two years. Advanced
mode for 2015, with a number of possible
preparation for Mines and Wines 2015
workshops under discussion including:
‘Uncorking the Tasmanides’ is underway,
Geochemistry; Career support for
with venues booked and a great speakers
Geoscientists (how to write a good CV etc.);
list taking shape. The exciting program will
Core logging at Londonderry; Valuation and a
include technical presentations on exploration
JORC update.
from the Eastern Australian Tasmanides, field
In December all NSW AIG members were
trips to the Lake George Mine at Captain’s Flat
contacted with a reminder of the closing date
and the Dargues Reef Gold Mine and local
for submissions to the NSW draft Minerals
winery tours. It will be held in Queanbeyan
Industry Action Plan, and directed where to
from 2nd till 4th September, with the Mines
email their submissions.
and Wines Dinner at Old Parliament House in
AIG NSW has a close association with
Canberra. Registration will most likely open on
SMEDG. SMEDG meetings are held every
the 1st May. For more information, go to
month, generally on the last Thursday of
www.minesandwines.com.au.
the month at the Rugby Club. SMEDG is an
The NSW branch committee meets every
acronym for Sydney Minerals Exploration
two months in Sydney – visitors, guests,
Discussion Group and discussion is exactly
members and potential committee members
what happens at the meetings. Any geo or
are always welcome.
minerals person passing through Sydney is
The branch committee continues to assist
NSW AIG provides funding support for
in the assessment of applicants from NSW
volunteered to give a talk. Gatherings are very
young and for unemployed geoscientists.
seeking Registered Professional Geoscientist
informal with a free bar at the beginning. For
Limited funding is available to provide NSW-
status with the AIG.
more details go to the SMEDG web site
based AIG members
www.smedg.org.au and scroll down to “Join
with opportunities
the SMEDG mailing list” to register for your
to participate in
free membership. You will then receive an
professionally organised
email once a month reminding you of the
geological field trips,
meeting and the topic.
conferences and
SMEDG also hosts their legendary harbour
courses (see the AIG
cruises in July and December each year,
web site under the
offering a unique Sydney experience and
Education tab, NSW AIG
an opportunity to catch up with friends and
Support Fund).
colleagues. The 2014 Christmas Cruise on the
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Ross Logan and Associates
AIG, GSA, SEG
Geological Consultants
ABN 87 082254457
• Hands-on project management and evaluation from
grass roots to feasibility
• Target generation, brown and greenfields exploration
• Extensive exposure to Carpentarian Sedex lead-zinc
• Copper and gold experience throughout Australia
• 30 years in the resource sector, Australia and Argentina
P.O. Box 1277
Coorparoo DC Qld 4151
Phone +61 7 3891 7075
Email: [email protected]
www.users.bigpond.com/rsquared
7
WA
WA Branch Report
Institute News
Suzy Urbaniak
2014 finished off in spectacular style with
West Perth, it’s purpose was based on ‘big
going to be showcased at this event. Never
our annual end of year river cruise. Packed
picture – value adding’ objectives, focusing
again, will such a historical assemblage
to capacity, the event was enjoyed by all.
on establishing some long term strategies
of ‘geological’ expertise occur. Core to the
Some patrons continued to celebrate at the
and new pathways for WA members as well
seminar, these geologists are going to share
Celtic Club in West Perth, finishing off the
as developing ideas to be shared with Federal
with the audience their skills, exploration
year in true geologist fashion! I won’t say
in a bid to raise the professional profile of AIG
‘secrets’ and strategies which supported their
who! Thank you to all our members who
members. Sub-committees were established
progress and development of Yilgarn mineral
attended our functions, enjoyed the seminars
to facilitate and evolve these aspects,
resources throughout the latter part of the
and conferences and contributed in some
namely the NGG WA’s mentoring program,
20th Century. So March for professional
way to the functioning of the WA branch. In
registered professional development for all
development is looking exciting and original.
particular, I extend my gratitude to the 2014
AIG members and AIG service and recognition
WA committee for their great effort.
awards.
2015 began with an extraordinary Strategy
part of 2015 and our first seminar, loosely
Coming up in March and in conjunction
titled “The Proterozoic in WA” is scheduled
Meeting at the end of January. Held at the
with Geosymposia are the Big Data and
for May 25th 2015. Our collaboration with
new, contemporary Mine Space Offices in
Yilgarn Retrospective seminars. I am told that
ASEG is strong having co-chaired the ASEG
the abstract volume for
– ‘Geology for Geophysicists’ workshop.
Yilgarn Retrospective
50 delegates were exposed to fundamental
is ‘amazing’ some
geological processes associated with ore
of the best content,
deposit formation supporting the notion that
knowledge and value
a good geophysicist is also a good geologist.
produced to date. Some
Future collaborations are scheduled so that
50 years of geological
all geoscience members benefit from valued
development of one of
professional development and networking
the world’s richest gold
opportunities.
and nickel provinces is
Looking forward to the year ahead!
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8
MEGWA is looking healthy for the first
Glenn Coianiz
MAIG RPGeo
M: 0412 409 760
[email protected]
www.exploris.com.au
Need maps produced but don’t have time, skills
or staff. ExplorIS can do that for you.
1 hour minimum charge out.
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Education Report
February 2015
Bursary Program
The AIG wishes to than the following individuals
and organisations for their support of the
Geoscience Student
Bursary Program
DIAMOND
Institute News
EDU
AIG Bursary Sponsors –
February 2015
• CHRIS BONWICK
Sponsoring the Bonwick-AIG Geoscience Student
Kaylene Camuti
Chair, AIG Education Committee
Bursaries
•
Sponsoring the Davis-AIG Geoscience Student
This year’s AIG Student Bursary Program is underway and
application forms will be distributed to students and universities
next month. This year we will again be offering bursaries to third
Bursaries
• MACQUARIE ARC CONFERENCE – GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY NSW
year, honours and postgraduate geoscience students enrolled at
Sponsoring the Macquarie Arc Conference-AIG
Australian universities.
In addition to AIG bursaries offered in all geoscience fields,
the AIG also offers a number of sponsored bursaries to students
Geoscience Student Bursaries
•
Sponsoring the SMEDG-AIG Geoscience Student
enrolled at specific universities. These sponsored bursaries include:
offered to geoscience students working in all fields of
geoscience (funded by the AIG State Branches and Federal
Council).
Bursaries
PLATINUM
• AIG STATE BRANCHES
•
projects in the Lachlan Orogen, in or around the Macquarie Arc.
• The SMEDG – AIG Bursaries: offered to NSW geoscience
students working on projects related to mineral exploration.
Student Bursary
• SA DEPARTMENT OF STATE DEVELOPMENT (DSD)
Sponsoring the DSD-AIG Geoscience Student Bursary
•
Bursary
enrolled at JCU or UWA to assist with costs associated with
If you know any current geoscience students working in these
areas please let them know about the AIG Bursary Program and
encourage them to apply for a 2015 bursary.
TERRA SEARCH PTY LTD
Sponsoring the Terra Search-AIG Geoscience Student
• The Davis – AIG Bursaries: offered to geoscience students
field work.
ALEXANDER RESEARCH – JONATHAN BELL
Sponsoring the Alexander Research-AIG Geoscience
• The Macquarie Arc Conference-GSNSW – AIG Bursary: offered
to geoscience students working on mapping-based honours
SYDNEY MINERAL EXPLORATION DISCUSSION
GROUP
working in specific fields of geoscience or geological terrains, or
• The AIG Third Year, Honours and Postgraduate Bursaries:
GEOFF DAVIS
GOLD
• GNOMIC EXPLORATION SERVICES PTY LTD
SILVER
•
CRYPTODOME PTY LTD
BRONZE
Student Bursary Programme
•
DOUG YOUNG
www.aig.org.au/education-training/student-bursary-programme/
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
9
Membership Update
We welcome all new members to the AIG
New/Upgrades November 2014
• Holland Chloe Natalie • Jamieson Stuart •
Fellows
Oliver Nicholas Harrie
Ketheson Annelly • Khimasia Anant • King James
Members
Bampton Matthew Dean • Belcher
Robyn • Bubak Johnny • Buerger Richard John •
Bull Matthew Norman • Buswell-Smith Simon
James • Card Daniel John • Crook David John
Membership News
• Davis Barry John • de Joux Andrew James •
McAleese Shannon • Neill Louise • Pall Jodie Rae
Mr Andrew John Nelson of Perth, WA, in Hydrogeology • Ms
• Sheard Benjamin Robert • Verma Aditi • White
Lauren Kate Elliott of Essendon, Vic, in Mining • Dr Emmanuel
Vanessa Catherine • Yeung Serena Joy
John Carranza of Belgian Gardens, Qld, in Mineral Exploration,
Geochemistry and Information Geoscience • Mr Roderick John
New/Upgrades February 2015
May • Hatton Daniel James • Healy Robert William
Fellows
Menzies John • Vigar Andrew James
• Hodgson Katharine Ann • Khakimzhanov Marat
Members
Berrell Rodney William • Bizhanov
Azamat • Bryans Christopher • Chemillac Remy
Leaman Peter William • Oates Meagan Jane •
Darayev Assan • Dasari Naga Sridhar • Davangiri
Palani Harikesavan • Proctor Kelly Byron • Raine
Inayatulla • de Paor Angela • Druzik Dmitriy •
Matthew David • Raymond Christopher Rodney
Edmonds Samuel Trevor • Ezzy Timothy Robert •
• Re Maurice Domenic • Ross George Barnaby
Frew Maxwell Rex • Guru Ashutosh Indra • Hawke
• Segizbayev Kairat • Sharp Timothy Robert •
Margaret Louise • Hinde James Steven • Kanekar
Smith Peter Anthony • Spanswick Nicholas Ross •
Venkatesh • Leahey Trevor Allen • Marshall
Stitt Peter Henry • Tuck Dean • Ussoltsev Igor •
Derek Edwin • Matus Catherine • Maxwell Lauren
Vallerine Benjamin Mathew • Winchester Stuart
Ann • McChesney Russell • McLintock David •
John • Wright Paul
Moumou Abdelaziz • Muir David John • Newson
Graduates
Andrew • Newton Philip Gregory Nugent • Pena
Cunningham Toby James • Dean
Haselden of Unanderra, NSW, in Geotechnical & Engineering
CANDIDATES APPROVED BY AIG
COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY 2015
Mr Graeme Luther of Clayton South, Vic, in Geotechnical
& Engineering • Mr Shu Zhan of Waterford, WA, in Mineral
Exploration • Mr Alan Hawkins of Wembley, WA, in Mineral
Exploration • Mr Lynton Bourne of Bentleigh East, Vic, ii
Environmental Geoscience • Mr Cameron Cairns of East
Brunswick, Vic, in Mineral Exploration • Mr Justin Legg of
Brisbane, Qld, in the additional field of Mining
NEW CANDIDATES PUBLISHED FOR PEER
REVIEW BY THE MEMBERS OF THE AIG
Rodney • James Adam • Marshall Zac • Pocock
Alberto • Razvi Zameer • Robeck Eric Dean •
Michael Ernst
Rosagro Christopher Martin • Saleem Ahmad •
seeking registration in Coal • Mr Troy Crozier of Mt Colah,
Sambhaji Mayur Jayant • Sawadogo Francois
NSW, is seeking registration in Geotechnical & Engineering • Mr
Janvier • Smurthwaite Anthony John • Stuff Rob •
Timothy Ezzy of South Brisbane, Qld, is seeking registration in
Telfer Andrew • Tisdall Michael William • Varley
Hydrogeology • Mr Graham Rolfe of Ferny Hills, Qld, is seeking
Raymond John • Winterbottom Stephen John
registration in Mineral Exploration and Industrial Minerals.
Students
Braz Carmen Lorraine • Cream
Danielle Elizabeth • Crellin Liam • Deng Derui •
Egan James Francis • Hardiman Luke Alexander
• Harman Bianca Jane • Heng Daniel Yixian •
Henman Samuel James • Hewson Kaitlin Paige
10
Alexander • Lee Sarah • Leonard Jonathon •
CANDIDATES APPROVED BY AIG
COUNCIL IN NOVEMBER 2014
Gatehouse Simon Geoffrey • Gilgallon Karen
• Kovalenko Denis • Lacorde Mathieu Jean •
RPGeo Approvals and
Applications
Students
Mr Ganzurkh Chuluunbaatar of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is
Sparks Darren James
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
ay.
the
ing
the
on’s
ers
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for
995
ere
in
AG
of
cil,
to
of
GEEA. Rob’s main areas of expertise at SRK are applied geochemistry
studies on uranium, exploration geochemistry (especially for uranium),
environmental geochemistry of mine waste and waters, and
geometallurgy.
AUSTRALIAN
INSTITUTE OF
GEOSCIENTISTS
AIG Notebook
Reporting Portable XRF
What reporting Portable
d Geochemists
XRF or any other Assay
Results to 2012 JORC Code
Standards should mean
Scott Long
Scott Long has more than 20 years of geological and geochemical experience in
mining projects in North and South
America, Asia, Australia and Africa. He is
a specialist in analytical chemistry, geochemical/geologic fieldwork and computer-based analyses, forensic database
investigations and assay quality control,
and he has conducted numerous workshops in quality control of geologic and
assay data. His career as an industry geochemist includes a long period as a conThese
rne et al.and
(2014)
sultant for Newmont,
fromprovided
1994 to some
the present, he has
beenbase
the metals are determined by
chief geochemist for AMEC. Scott has an MS in geochemistry from the
XRF
by most laboratories that perform XRF
recent advice
concerning
use of
New Mexico Institute
of Mining
and Technology
and is
a long-time
member of AAG.
Scott Long
Consultant Geochemist
A
“stand alone” portable XRF (pXRF)
assays:
THE
25thinINTERNATIONAL
APPLIED
results
public release documents.
GEOCHEMISTRY SYMPOSIUM (22–26 AUGUST 2011)
Resource estimates and press releases
Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn.
In spite of the current darkness, thick snow cover and cold temperatures,
thatand
report
assay
results
have
relied
a sunny
warm
summer
and
the generally
next AAG’s
biennial International
Applied Geochemistry Symposium (IAGS) are fast approaching.
Other
elements
determined by XRF analysis
upon assays
performedand
by commercial
assay
Preparations
are underway,
the organizers
are working
hard
to
make the 25th IAGS in Rovaniemi, Finland, a success. The technical
by some laboratories include:
laboratories. Using pXRF for such purposes
program features six keynote lectures and many special sessions, and
will is
take
place
on
August
22–26.
Sunday,
August
21,
is
reserved
for five
a radical departure that introduces new
pre-symposium workshops, and several days (from one to five), before,
during
and
thedata
symposium,
are planned
The
Bi,venue
Ce, Cl, Co, Cs, Er, Eu, F, Ga, Gd, Hf,
risks
toafter
assay
quality used
in thesefor excursions.As,
of the symposium will be the University of Lapland, located near the
Lu,Arctic
Mo, Nb, Nd, Pr, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se,
applications.
Requiring
thatofquality
control
centre
of Rovaniemi,
the capital
Lapland
and situated onLa,
the
Circle. The excursions will cover large areas in northern and eastern
Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, U, W, Y, Yb, Zr.
reports
is not Russia and Sweden.
Finland
and accompany
will include such
visits data
to Norway,
The necessarily
theme of the
is “Towards
Sustainable
Geochemical
ansymposium
adequate safeguard
if there
is
Exploration, Mining and the Environment.” The theme mirrors the
no guidance
constitutes
adequate
present
situation on
in what
Finland
and in many
other parts of Commercial
the world, laboratories offering an “XRF
where exploration is very active, new mineral deposits are being found,
package”
of elements will include elements
and mines
adequate
of quality.
and quality
many new
willmeasurement
be opened to feed
the increasing
demand
for metals and raw materials on global markets. The European Union
in this largest group, but which elements are
Recent studies of pXRF performance (Hall,
(EU) realizes that it is highly dependent on imports of economically
important
raw
materials
and
has
started
the
implementation
the by laboratory, as do claimed
includedofvary
2014) and common sense both indicate that
Raw Materials Initiative. Consequently, the EU will promote research
projects
– including
the European
Technology
Platform on
Sustainable
detection
limits.
elements
not reported
by commercial
assay
Mineral Resources, which focuses on innovative exploration and extraction laboratories
technologiesusing
– thatlaboratory
will maximize
economic
and
environmental
XRF is more effective for heavier elements
XRF instruments
benefits. In addition, new technologies and methods in data analysis
exceeding 0.01 percent
be accurately
measured
pXRF,
and cannot
interpretation
are needed
to find using
potential
areas forwith
newconcentrations
mineral
resources and, at the same time, to improve the care of mining envi(100
ppm)
although some elements are
and should
therefore
neverareas,
be used
as the
ronments
and other
industrial
for the
benefit of all.
Now
is the
time for applied geochemistry and geochemists to come forward.
122
basis for reporting in press releases nor for
resource estimation purposes. The most
grades occurring in most ore samples.
Even at unusually high concentrations for
rocks, light elements such Al, As, F, Na, Mg,
and Si may not be amenable to determination
by pXRF.
For those elements that commercial
assay laboratories determine using XRF
instruments, one can expect the precision
and accuracy of pXRF results to be inferior to
results obtained from samples that have been
more rigorously prepared and analyzed using
laboratory XRF instruments and procedures,
and pXRF detection limits are typically much
higher. Accuracy is the critical consideration,
but precision is also important, because poor
precision makes the assessment of accuracy
difficult and in extreme cases impossible.
As a general guideline, “quantitative”
results have a relative standard deviation
of 10 percent or smaller (Curie, 1968); i.e
repeated measurements of the same material
reported with detection limits of 1 ppm.
produce a standard deviation equal to 10
Count times become too long to obtain
percent of the mean, or less. This must be
Cont’d on page 123
measurements for elements such as Pd at
evaluated over the grade range of interest,
routinely report XRF results for rock samples
concentrations of economic importance (e.g.
either by routinely including a suite of certified
for the following major elements,
A pr il 2011 usually
0.5 to 50 ppm) on laboratory XRF instruments,
reference materials (CRMs) interspersed with
expressed as oxides:
which generate much higher signal/noise than
sample readings, or by submitting at least five
pXRF. The X-ray source in pXRF instruments
percent of the samples contained within all
is too weak to generate sufficient signal
“mineralized intercepts”, together with blind
to reliably measure precious metals at the
inserted CRMs, to a commercial laboratory.
widely known commercial assay laboratories
Al, Ba, Ca, Cr , Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Si, Ti, V.
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
11
Reporting Portable XRF
“
of the certified value produce quite different
providing quality data in a more timely fasion,
estimates of the uncertainty of the certified
and the check assays providing later data that
value (i.e. the confidence), if the uncertainty
addresses concerns about the project mineral
is even calculated. Sometimes the analysis
matrix differing from that of the CRMs, and
of the round robin data is flawed, as can
the anonymity of inserted control samples.
happen by grouping weak and strong acid
Geology CRMs vary in quality. Most
.. the standard
deviation of a sampling
of laboratories (...) is not
an unbiased estimate of
the population standard
deviation, and must
therefore be corrected for
the sample size ...”
12
Often both approaches are used; the CRM
digestions when the means for the two
commercial vendors of these CRMs do
different procedures differ significantly (e.g.
not expend time and money on measuring
Ni assays of rocks high in olivine with Ni
the heterogeneity of their material before
concentrations less than 0.1%), rejecting
distributing it in a round robin. Some vendors
data as outliers that should be retained,
screen the material (typically at 106 or 200
or retaining outliers (e.g. obvious sample
microns) to remove any coarse particles
mix-ups) that should have been discarded or
whereas others do not; screening should be
corrected.
regarded as essential if concentrations of less
Commercial vendors provide proficiency
than 10 ppm are important. CRM certificates
reports that show laboratories in the round
by different authors use different methods
robin what their Z-score is (the number
of calculating the certified value; in most
of standard deviations their laboratory’s
cases the different approaches produce a
average result is away from the mean of
very similar final certified value. However, the
the round robin’s laboratories), but most
varying methods of calculating the uncertainty
certificates do not provide the standard
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
deviation used to calculate that Z-score,
nor explain how to calculate the Z-score,
arguably the most important value for
assessing both the laboratory and the quality
of the CRM. Furthermore, the methods of
calculating the standard deviation vary. For
Reporting Portable XRF
example, many certifiers regard the individual
results in a round robin as the samples, but
it is more logical to regard the laboratories
as the samples, leading to a substantial
difference in the calculated uncertainty of
the mean in those round robins where each
laboratory reports more than one result.
Also, the standard deviation of a sampling of
laboratories (rather than the entire population
of all acceptable laboratories and analytical
methods) is not an unbiased estimate of
the population standard deviation, and must
therefore be corrected for the sample size
(NIST, 2006), particularly for round robins
smaller than 10 laboratories. The sample
standard deviation to population standard
deviation conversion factor for n = 10 is 0.973;
Niton XL3t 950 GOLDD+ with Extend-a-pole and Soil Guard (Photo credit: photos from PAS)
the factor decreases with decreasing n). This
issue is best avoided by utilizing CRMs that
have round robins larger than 10 laboratories.
The mean of the pXRF readings for each
material (heterogeneity), partly due to the
For quantitative work, sufficient CRM
general level of accuracy within the industry
results must be collected over the course of
CRM should be compared to its certified value
(i.e. existence of larger disagreements
the reporting period so that the mean result
in two ways: the percent difference, and the
between laboratories, typically on elements
of each CRM has an uncertainty of less than
Z-score. The percent difference provides a
less commonly assayed and reported
five percent (the 95% confidence). This can
practical measurement: differences less than
on). Typically, elements less scrutinized by
be achieved in theory no matter how poor
five percent are widely accepted for resource
proficiency testing, such as tantalum, show
the precision is, by making a large enough
estimation, whereas differences exceeding
wider disagreement between laboratories, a
number of readings of the CRM, because
10 percent are seldom considered acceptable
strong indication that feedback does improve
the confidence (uncertainty) of the mean
except for minor byproducts or credits. High
quality over time (if measured as agreement
decreases proportionally with the square root
biases may be reduced downward but low
between laboratories). Unlike commercial and
of the number of measurements. However,
biases can very rarely be adjusted upward
mine laboratories, such proficiency testing
the number of needed readings may be
unless there is strong supporting evidence
does not include pXRF users.
impossibly large if the pXRF precision is very
such as a production history.
The Z-score provides a sense of how
The astute project manager obtains CRMs
poor. One cannot determine accuracy from a
that not only match the mineral matrix of
set of random numbers because there is no
anomalous a pXRF mean result is in
project samples, but also have a round robin
signal, only noise.
comparison to the laboratory means of the
standard deviation (standard deviation of the
CRM’s round robin. This provides a necessary
round robin’s laboratory means) that is five
rejected if the batch runs associated with
context because CRMs vary substantially
percent or less than the certified value, so that
those readings are also rejected and re-
on how widely the round robin laboratories
a bias of 10 percent also corresponds to an
done. Outliers are typically identified using
disagree, and partly due to the quality of the
anomalous Z-score of at least 2 (i.e. |Z| > 2).
a statistical test for outliers, such as Grubb’s
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Aberrant readings (outliers) can be
13
Reporting Portable XRF
test or Dixon’s Q test. Overall accuracy can
When selecting samples for check assay,
to the “original” of the duplicate pair (Figure
be shown using a “least-squares” fit using the
a project manager should randomly select
1), discarding pairs where the original result
certified values as the independent variable
geologically defined mineralized intercepts, or
is below a particular value produces a sub-set
and the pXRF mean for each CRM as the
randomly select samples within mineralized
of the data that tends to produce a higher
dependent variable. Individual results can
zones, without regard for the assay grade of
mean for the second result than the first.
be used for the fit if the number of results
the individual samples. One should not apply
Just the opposite is occurs if all the highest
for each CRM is approximately equal. The
a fixed lower cut-off value as a criterion for the
original results are discarded; then the check
estimated bias should be reported as a range
sample selection. If the agreement between
result average tends to be higher. Similarly,
that reflects the uncertainty in the mean
laboratories is poor (i.e. an xy plot shows
sub-dividing the check results into grade
(usually the 95 percent confidence level
high dispersion, or scattering), imposing such
ranges using the original results rather than
is used, and this should be stated) or the
a selection criterion will result in the check
using the pair means will produce a flawed
uncertainty in the fit of the slope in the case
assays having a significantly lower mean than
analysis (Figure 2). This is a possible artifact
of fitting a line. If the trend is not linear, which
the mean of the original results. This artifact
users of pXRF instruments can introduce if
occurs when there are calibration issues,
occurs because some of the check assay
they separate their check results into grade
a single linear fit must not be used; grade
results will fall below the cut-off value. This
ranges of original results as a consequence
ranges with different linear trends should be
is easily seen using a set of duplicate results
of changing instrument settings: the mean of
identified instead.
that have poor precision by applying a cutoff
the check assay results for the highest grade
group will be lower than the original, and the
mean of check assay results for the lowest
grade group will be higher, compared to the
mean of original results for that group.
The quality of the sample preparation
usually controls the precision of
measurement; using pXRF rather than XRF
does not change this fact. If the sample
that is presented to the instrument is not
representative, the likelihood of a systematic
error (a bias in the average result) is very
high. On surfaces cut by a rock saw, the
cutting action varies by mineral composition,
Figure 1: Applying a Cut-off to the “Original” of Duplicate Results That Have High Dispersion Creates
an Apparent Bias
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AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
and reading such surfaces is very dependent
upon proximity of the surface, which can be
highly variable on a cut surface compared to
a pressed or fused pellet. A rough rock face
is much worse. A reading from a bag of rock
chips may depend more upon how coarse the
Reporting Portable XRF
chips in the vicinity of the reading are than
in their grade. Settling of finer rock particles
that vary in density between ore and gangue
minerals can also produce highly biased
results, either low or high, depending upon
where the reading is taken.
Inadequate sample preparation and the
risk of non-representative sampling that is
often part of pXRF measurement programs
in many geologic settings likely presents
the greatest risk of producing imprecise and
Figure 2: Dividing “Original” Results Into Ranges
Creates False Apparent Biases
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AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
15
Biography
inaccurate results. This cannot be adequately
addressed by readings of CRMs that are
Scott Long has more than 20 years of
prepared differently than samples. This is
geological and geochemical experience
a fundamental flaw that is often overlooked
in mining projects in North and South
when using pXRF readings of CRM samples to
America, Asia, Australia and Africa.
validate instrument accuracy. In such cases
Reporting Portable XRF
a percentage of samples must be prepared to
the same quality as the CRMs and compared
to their original results, in order to detect any
systematic errors caused by substandard
sample preparation.
He is a specialist in analytical chemistry,
Niton XL3t 950
geochemical/geologic fieldwork and
GOLDD+ Mining
computer-based analyses, forensic
Analyser
database investigations and assay
(Photo credit:
quality control, and he has conducted
photos from PAS)
numerous workshops in quality control
of geologic and assay data. His career as
an industry geochemist includes a long
REFERENCES
period as a consultant for Newmont,
Arne, Dennis; Jeffress, Graham; Sergeev, Nikita; and Margereson, Andrew (February, 2014): What reporting portable xrf data to 2012
JORC code guidelines means. AIG News No.; 115,.
and from 1994 to 2015, he was the chief
geochemist for AMEC. Scott has an MS
Currie, Lloyd (March 1968): Limits of qualitative detection and quantitative determination, application to radiochemistry. Analytical
Chemistry Vol. 40, No. 3, pp 586-593.
in geochemistry from the New Mexico
Hall, Gwendy; Bonham-Carter Graeme; and Buchar, Angelina (March 4, 2014): Evaluation of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) in
exploration and mining: Phase 1, control reference materials. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis.
Institute of Mining and Technology and
is a long-time member of Association of
Lindstrom, Richard: Limits for Qualitative Detection and Quantitative Determination, in A century of excellenence in measurements,
standards, and technology, a chronicle of selected NBS/NIST publications, 1901 – 2000, NIST Special Publication 958.
Applied Geochemists (AAG).
NIST Handbook (2006): Process or Product monitoring and control, sect 6.3.2: What are variables control charts?
Pushing the boundaries,
to bring you the
best technologies
REE and PGE Calibrations
available from PAS
Niton, TerraSpec, Progeny, Nano available for SALE & RENT from PAS
PAS offers you full sales, in-house service, warranty, user training, technical and application support and rentals on all products.
Talk to PAS about your application needs and utilising complementary techniques such as NIR, XRF, Raman and Hyperspectral
www.PortableAS.com
SYDNEY • MELBOURNE • PERTH
Phone: +61 2 4381 2844 Fax: +61 2 8088 4386 Email: [email protected]
16
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
National Rock Garden
The Federation Rocks
Australia’s Unique
National Rock Garden
Ken McQueen, AIG Representative
National Rock Garden Steering Committee
I
n 2010 the Geological Society of Australia
There has already been significant
initiated the plan for a National Rock Garden
progress by the National Rock Garden
representing 4.5 billion years of Earth history,
to highlight and celebrate the rich geological
Steering Committee. On the 20th October
five excavated gorges displaying rocks from
heritage of Australia. A 5 hectare site was secured
2013, the site was inaugurated with the
different periods of geological time, an entry
on the western shore of Lake Burley Griffin in
unveiling of the Federation Rocks as part of
structure and, surrounding these elements a
Canberra, below the National Arboretum and
the centenary of Canberra. The Federation
Geological Walk along which large rocks will
with views to Black Mountain and across the
Rocks comprise eight large iconic rocks
be displayed in naturalistic settings. It will be
lake to the heart of the national capital.
representing each of the states and territories
a uniquely Australian display of diverse rocks,
of the Commonwealth. In November 2014
fossils and ores, to be developed over time
is to demonstrate the diversity of rocks and
a Masterplan, developed by well-known
to include more than 100 specimens from all
minerals that contribute significantly to the
landscape design consultants Taylor Cullity
areas and geological settings of Australia.
nation’s landscapes, culture and prosperity.
Lethlean, was launched. The plan can be
The site will be of national significance with
viewed on the NRG website at http://www.
generating a lot of interest by visitors to
unique educational and recreational value,
nationalrockgarden.org.au/
Canberra, as well as locals. In its short history
The aim of the National Rock Garden (NRG)
particularly for school groups as well as the
The key elements of the proposed NRG
for public events, a 120 m long gallery wall
The National Rock Garden is already
to date the site has also had some challenges,
general public. No other country has a national
plan include an excavated gallery about the
such as the theft of the Victorian Federation
rock garden, making our National Rock
size of a soccer field displaying some of the
rock (a large piece of quartz reef from
Garden for a whole continent a world first.
most spectacular exhibits, an amphitheatre
Bendigo), apparently stolen by a misguided
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
17
miscreant who may have mistaken ‘fool’s
gold’ for the real thing. Fortunately it has
been possible to replace this specimen with a
piece of ‘fool proof’ quartz reef from Ballarat,
courtesy of Castlemaine Goldfields Ltd.
There is much more work to be done by
the Steering Committee and supporters of
National Rock Garden
the National Rock Garden to bring the vision
to fruition. Although a Masterplan has been
developed, detailed planning for the proposed
elements remains to be completed and
the Steering Committee welcomes further
interest and suggestions from across the
earth science community, including members
of AIG. Significant funding is also required
to construct the Garden and suggestions for
potential funding sources and donations are
welcome (all donations are tax deductible).
18
Planned layout of the National Rock Garden
The current aim is to begin construction
The plan can be viewed on the NRG website
within the next two years.
at www.nationalrockgarden.org.au
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
2015 Lindsay Ingall Memorial Award
Australian Society of Exploration
Geophysicists (ASEG) 2015 Lindsay
Ingall Memorial Award presented to
Prominent WA Geophysicists
Mike Smith
Past President AIG
ASEG 2015 Lindsay
Ingall Memorial
Award presented
to prominent WA
geophysicists
Michael Dentith and
Stephen Mudge.
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Key Aspects Of 2015
Award Citation
The Lindsay Ingall Memorial Award is
Mike Dentith is Professor of Geophysics
awarded for actively promoting geophysics to
at The University of Western Australia. He
the wider community. On 16 February 2015,
has been an active researcher and teacher
the award was made jointly to Dr Michael
of university level applied geophysics and
Dentith and Mr Stephen Mudge, for their
geology for more than 25 years, and he also
combined effort in promoting geophysics to
consults to the minerals industry. Mikes
the wider community through their authorship
research interests include geophysical
of the new textbook “Geophysics for the
signatures of mineral deposits, petrophysics
Mineral Exploration Geoscientist” published
and terrain scale analysis of geophysical data
in 2014.
for exploration targeting. Mike has also been
19
2015 Lindsay Ingall Memorial Award
a great contributor to the ASEG over many
Whilst the new textbook explains how
For Mike and Steve, this book has been a
years, on conference committees, editor,
geophysics may be used in the search
labour of love. The ten years effort shows a
and hao been a board member of the ASEG
for mineral deposits, oil and gas, and for
strong commitment and passion to educate
Research Foundation from its inauguration to
geotechnical and environmental applications,
the wider geoscientific community about the
the present.
the importance of this contribution lies in the
great benefit of geophysics and
Steve Mudge is a member of the AIG and
careful linking of geology and geophysics.
its applications.
has worked as an exploration geophysicist in
Mike and Steve advise that this book was
Australia for more than 35 years. He currently
specifically written for geologists who would
succeeds comfortably in crossing traditional
works as a consultant in his own company
like to know more about using geophysics and
geoscience boundaries. The writers have
Vector Research. He has worked in many
also for geophysicists who would like to know
shown that they also share Lindsay Ingall’s
parts of the world and has participated in a
more about the interpretation of geophysical
capacity to relate technically and effectively
number of new mineral discoveries. Steve
data. It presents modern practice in geophysics
with other professionals. Mike Dentith and
has a keen interest in data processing
in a way that will undoubtedly assist
Steve Mudge are worthy recipients of
techniques for mineral discovery and has
exploration geologists to better communicate
this award.
produced several publications reporting
their aims and goals to geophysicists. At the
new developments. Through his series of
same time, the books helps geophysicists
articles on geophysical techniques that were
to better understand the geological and
published in ASEG’s Preview magazine over
commercial implications of their results.
several years, Steve was able to present an
Like the career of Lindsay Ingall, this book
But above all, it is a book directed at the
understanding of the techniques in a way
wider geological community to facilitate
that both geophysicists and geologists could
mutual understanding of both the benefits and
readily comprehend.
pitfalls of geophysical surveying.
Lindsay Ingall: A Founding Father of the AIG
LINDSAY INGALL WAS ONE OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF AIG.
HE SERVED AS PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
Lindsay Ingall passed away at his home in
representing geoscientists from all fields of
the Blue Mountains of New South Wales on
practice. Lindsay was one of the founding AIG
21 May 1999 whilst working on the affairs
councillors in 1981, served as AIG President
of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists
in 1989/90, was the long-term Honorary
(AIG) as he had done for 20 years. Among
Treasurer and Chairman of the Membership
many scientific achievements, Lindsay’s
Committee. He had great communication
contribution to the completion of the gravity
skills, which contributed to his capacity
map of Australia is memorable. Lindsay
to relate technically and effectively with
always volunteered to help others and helped
other professionals, regardless of their own
found the Australian Society of Exploration
understanding of the principles of geophysics.
Geophysicists in 1970. He was President of
The ASEG award honours Lindsay Ingall for
that body in 1971/72 and 1978/79. During
his capacity to comfortably cross geoscience
this time, he worked with others from several
boundaries and for his enduring commitment
institutions to establish the Australian Institute
to assisting all geoscientists in Australia.
of Geoscientists as the professional body
20
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Review of “Geophysics for the Mineral Exploration Geoscientist”
by Michael Dentith and Stephen T. Mudge
Yet again another, and very welcome,
final appendix listing journals and magazines
published with a goal of wider appeal,
addition and update of practical
and case histories etc.
however, and the authors directed their
geophysical theory and its application
One suspects adding the online appendix to
work to not only the geoscience profession
to mineral exploration by two West
the book itself might have doubled its size, but
but other mining professionals who
Australian based geophysicists. The book
it does underscore the wealth of information
need a brief but cogent understanding of
is published by Cambridge University
the authors have brought to bear on the
geophysical methodologies. But first and
Press. Michael Dentith is Professor of
subject.
foremost, the book was written for the
Geophysics at the University of Western
The book then gets into specifics and
younger generation of mineral explorers
Australia while Stephen T. Mudge is a
follows on with substantial chapters on
who are now faced with ever increasing
consulting geophysicist practising in
gravity, magnetic, radiometric, electrical
demands to embrace technologies more
Perth. The book was supported by many
electromagnetic and lastly seismic methods.
rapidly than their predecessors, and in
of the big names in the mining industry
Each main chapter is ended with a number of
times of a ballooning demand for new
including AngloGold Ashanti, Carpentaria
review questions, and a list of references for
mineral discoveries. As the authors
Exploration, Rio Tinto, St Barbara Limited,
further study, making this book an excellent
also state in their “about this book”
MMG, First Quantum Minerals and the
university text for both undergraduate
section, (page 6 in the introduction),
Centre for Exploration Targeting. The
and graduate geoscientist. The book was
their explanations are first and foremost
book is handsome and constructed out of
Book review
Louis Hissink, MAIG
(cont,. next page)
durable paper with easy to read fonts and
detailed coloured graphics and figures.
The book is laid out with an emphasis on
the practical application of physical theory
to mineral exploration and apart from
its general introduction, starts off with
the most important part of geophysical
methodology, data acquisition, with some
seventy pages devoted to this crucial
process. This book is unusual however as
it starts off with the appendix at the front,
listing on online appendices, rather than
at the end as is the usual practice. This
appendix adds to the following general
areas of geophysical methodology by
including the less well known methods
including vector theory, waves and wave
analysis, magnetometric, magnetotelluric
electromagnetic, radio and radar frequency
and seismic refraction methods, with a
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
21
presented from a perspective relevant to a mining industry geologist.
In that sense the authors have omitted the older and more out of
date techniques, as well as techniques not in wide use, (those being
described in the online appendices), so this book is as applicable
to both the young and older mining industry geologists, the latter if
they need to get up to speed with the latest geophysical exploration
techniques.
An important set of data is Table 1.2 which lists the locations of
deposits and mineralised areas from which geophysical data are
presented in the book. A surprising omission was the Kambalda nickel
13 & 14 April 2015
deposits that started the 1960’s mining boom, but as this writer worked
at Kambalda during the early 1970’s, the omission is not surprising
considering corporate politics at the time then, and now. Still, the
+
premier Australian nickel mining camp and it’s not referenced? Another
interesting omission from the table are the various case histories
of the worlds major diamond deposits and again, having worked in
“
The most crucial stage
of geophysical processing
15 April 2015
is deciding on the data and
Adelaide Convention Centre
here the authors may have
wandered inadvertently into
a mine-field of unexpected
consequences.
Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities
are available by contacting Tammy on
(+61) 8 9321 0355 or
email [email protected]
this specific industry, its omission is also unsurprising but perhaps
not for corporate reasons, but geophysical, where, for example, the
magnetic responses for the kimberlites comprising the Jwaneng
204592
field in Botswana range from positive to zero to negative magnetic
responses, hardly a useful property if one were focussing on magnetic
methods. Of course most of the world’s kimberlites were not found by
geophysics, so maybe I am being too picky.
The most crucial stage of geophysical processing is deciding on
the data and here the authors may have wandered inadvertently
into a mine-field of unexpected consequences. Data processing is
described in section 2.7 covering topics such as data reduction,
de-spiking, levelling, and micro levelling. The worrying aspect if the
process of data reduction that “involves a manual assessment of the
data to remove readings that are obviously unsuitable”. A fair enough
procedure if it’s noise and other instrumental corrections but every so
w w w.sares o urc e s c o nf.c o m
22
often one comes across anomalous data but rejecting these data on
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Chapter Two finally closes with section 2.9 and a general
bath water, since it’s the anomalies in the data that are important as
discussion of data interpretation covering some twenty plus pages,
clues to a hidden mineral deposit or target geophysical feature.
resulting in a very thorough treatment of the most crucial process in
Take for example a downhole orientation survey I had to deal with
a few years back. The project was located east of Port Hedland and
the geophysical data acquisition timeline.
The rest of the book details the various mainstream geophysical
focussed on buried BIF and hematite derivatives, as well as magnetite
methods using clear narratives and equally clear cartoons and
deposits. The geophysical target itself is well known and is considered
diagrams. The authors have not shied away from admitting
the most intense magnetic anomaly in Australia. This anomaly was
that geophysical interpretation is difficult, and as this writer has
also associated with a deeper gravitational one, again of significant
frequently encountered in the diamond exploration industry, often
intensity that deep drilling was a, so-called, no brainer. Angled diamond
quite problematical. All in all, though, this latest book on geophysics
cored holes were used to test the geophysical interpretations and the
for the mineral exploration geoscientist is an excellent update for
drilling procedure was to roller-cone down to fresh bedrock (overburden
both the undergraduate, graduate and post graduate members of
here being flat lying sediments of the Caning Basin), underlain by BIF’s
the mining and exploration professionals. It’s well written, copiously
and associated sediments. Once bedrock was reached casing was
illustrated with relevant images and cartoons, and in this writer’s
run down and seated on fresh rock, and diamond coring commenced.
experience, will be an indispensable addition to one’s professional
Down-hole orientation surveys were conducted at appropriate intervals,
library. Highly recommended!
Book review
the basis of unsuitability may be also throwing out the baby with the
and to the driller’s and my astonishment the downhole survey showed
positive dips at 90 and 120 metres depth (+36 degrees) followed by
expected hole dips as we left the overlying Canning Basin sediments.
Of course we triple checked the survey instrument and it was working
perfectly, so its measurements at the 90 and 120 metre downhole
The book is published by Cambridge University press and is
available online at www.cambridge.org/9780521809511,
and from your usual technical bookseller.
depths were quite anomalous. These near surface gravity readings
were repeated in nearby following holes, so it was not a once-off
anomaly but something persistent in this area. And it goes without
saying that the consulting geophysicists were lost for words, and
hence explanations, and decided to reject the data. As an aside the
drilling program did not discover any source rocks for both the magnetic
and gravity anomalies either. Clearly our understanding of both gravity
and magnetics remains incomplete but understanding the geological
nature of these geophysical anomalies remains a future task, if ever.
Once the data have been “culled”, as it were, of unwanted glitches
interpolation is next discussed and the various methods detailed. The
crucial step is to produce a regular grid of data points from the raw
irregular spaced measurements that can then be further manipulated.
The underlying assumption in interpolation is that geophysical
properties are spatially continuous. The authors discuss this topic
in detail, noting that interpolation of data can be done statistically or
using a simple mathematical function, the difficulty with the latter
being that the function needs to be based on physical reality rather
than mathematical elegance. Additional topics of data set merging,
data enhancement, filtering, etc and followed by various examples
of enhanced data using case histories. Finally the authors describe
how geophysical data could be displayed and presented including
image processing and the myriad of techniques available to “enhance”
anomalies.
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
23
Plastiglomerate
Plastiglomerate
Source: LiveScience
http://www.livescience.com/46056-plastiglomerate-found-on-hawaii-beach-photos.html
T
he new type of material will stay
when “plastic melts on rock and becomes
in the Earth’s rock record forever,
incorporated into the rock outcrop,” lead
according to a new study, and will one
author Patricia Corcoran told LiveScience.
day act as a geological marker for humanity’s
Clastic plastiglomerates (pictured above)
impact on the planet.
instead form as loose rocky structures,
The research from the University of
“
has only been found at
when a combination of shells, coral, basalt,
Western Ontario in Canada has revealed
woody debris and sand are glued together by
plastiglomerates form when melted plastic
melted plastic.
rubbish on beaches mixes with sediment, lava
Hawaii’s Kamilo beach,
which is considered
Plastiglomerate was first discovered by
fragments and organic debris to produce a
oceanographer Captain Charles Moore, who
whole new type of rock.
thought that molten lava had melted the
So far the material has only been found at
So far the material
one of the dirtiest in
the world ...”
plastic to create the new rock material. But, as
Hawaii’s Kamilo beach, which is considered
LiveScience reports, the researchers revealed
one of the dirtiest in the world, but the unique
that the lava hadn’t flowed since before
geological material likely exists in many
plastics were first invented, suggesting our
other locations, as Joseph Castro reports for
waste was definitely to blame.
LiveScience.
It’s not great news, especially given the fact
Research on the plastiglomerates from
today is World Environment Day. Hey Earth, to
Kamilo Beach have found there are two types:
celebrate, we’ve made you a new type of rock
In situ and clastic. The results are published in
that will NEVER break down. You’re welcome.
GSA Today.
But perhaps there will be some practical uses
The in situ variety is rarer, and forms
for the material in future?
Peter Komyshan
BSc (HonS), MAuSIMM, MAIG
Co n s u lta n t G e o lo G i s t
GEOPHYSICAL CONSULTANTS TO EXPLORERS
Kim Frankcombe
Senior Consulting Geophysicist
+61 (0) 8 6201 7719
[email protected]
Phone
E-mail
Riaan Mouton
Consulting Geophysicist
+61 (0) 8 6201 0715
[email protected]
▲ Project and Target Generation
▲ Project Management
Phone
E-mail
www.exploregeo.com.au
PO Box 1191 Wangara WA 6947 Australia
Unit 6, 10 O’Connor Way, Wangara WA 6065 Australia
24
▲ Corporate Advice
Omap Pty Ltd (ACN 154 607 977)
Perth Western Australia
Mobile (+61) 414 918 515 ▲ Telephone (+61) 8 9447 1142
Email: [email protected]
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
The constancy of change and the
new catastrophism: a personal
reflection on crisis-driven science
Nick Eyles and Andrew D. Miall
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto
Catastrophism
Disclaimer: The article was originally published by the Geological Society of America
and is reproduced here with the consent of both GSA and the authors. This article is a
guest reflection piece and is not intended to represent the AIG or GSA.
I
n 2010, we published what is now a best-
crisis; we seemingly stagger
selling (and award-winning) book Canada
from one widely proclaimed
Rocks-The Geologic Journey aimed at
crisis to another each one (so
telling the dramatic story for a public audience
we are told) with the potential
of how Canada (and North America) has
to severely curtail or extinguish
evolved over the last 4 billion years. It was a
civilization as we know it. It’s an
milestone in our professional and personal
all too familiar story often told
lives as we went on many field trips to fill in
by scientists who cross over
gaps in our own understanding and in the
into advocacy and often with the
process stepped well beyond our own areas
scarcely-hidden sub-text that
of expertise. We learned much about this
they are the only ones with the
fantastic country and its geology.
messianic foresight to see the
What is patently obvious from reviewing
problem and create a solution.
Canada’s ancient history is that scientists still
Much of our science is what we would call
threatening and due to our activities, usually
do not have an adequate understanding of
‘crisis-driven’ where funding, politics and the
with the proviso of needing ‘to act now to save
Earth’s complex systems on which to base
media are all intertwined and inseparable
the planet.’ Honest scientific discourse and
sound economic and environmental policy.
generating a corrupting and highly corrosive
debate is often rendered impossible in the
From the upper reaches of the atmosphere
influence on the scientific method and its
face of the ‘new catastrophism.’
to the depths of the oceans onwards to the
students. If it doesn’t bleed it doesn’t lead is
deep interior of the planet our knowledge
the new yardstick with which to measure the
of Earth’s immensely long and complex
of complex earth systems is still rather
overall significance of research.
history we appreciate that environmental
Trained as geologists in the knowledge
Charles Darwin ushered in a new era of
change is normal. For example, rivers and
inaccessible and are little known scientifically.
thinking where change was expected and
coastlines are not static. Those coasts, in
There is still also much to learn from reading
necessary. Our species as are all others, is
particular, that consist of sandy strand-plains
the rock record of how our planet functioned
the product of ongoing environmental change
and barrier-lagoon systems are continually
in the past.
and adaption to varying conditions; the
evolving as sand is moved by the waves
constancy of change. In the last 15 years or
and tides. Cyclonic storms (hurricanes), a
so however, we have seemingly reverted to
normal component of the weather in many
And yet……
a pre-Darwinian mode of a fixed ‘immutable
parts of the world, are particularly likely to
Scarcely a day goes past without some
Earth’ where any change beyond some sort of
cause severe erosion. When recent events
‘norm’ is seen in some quarters as unnatural,
such as Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy cause
rudimentary. Huge areas of our planet are
In so many areas, we simply don’t know
enough of how our planet functions.
group declaring the next global environmental
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
25
living in places that, while attractive, such
as floodplains, mountain sides and beautiful
coastlines, are especially vulnerable to natural
disasters. Promises of a more ‘stable future’
if we can only prevent climate change are
hopelessly misguided and raise unnatural
expectations by being willfully ignorant of the
natural workings of the planet. Climate change
is the major issue for which more geological
Catastrophism
input dealing with the history of past climates
would contribute to a deeper understanding
of the nature of change and what we might
expect in the future. The past climate record
catastrophic damage, and spring storms
probability and long term climate cyclicity.
suggests in fact that for much of the Earth’s
cause massive flooding in Calgary or down
Such events have happened in the past
surface future cooling is the norm. Without
the Mississippi valley, and droughts and
as part of ongoing changes in climate but
natural climate change Canada would be
wildfires affect large areas of the American
affected fewer people. That the costs of
buried under ice 3 km thick; that is it normal
SW these events are blamed on a supposed
weather and climate-related damage today
state for most of the last 2.5 million years
increase in the severity of extreme weather
are far greater is not because of an increased
with 100,000 years-long ice ages alternating
events brought about by climate change. In
frequency of severe weather but the result
with brief, short-lived interglacials such as the
fact, they just reflect the working of statistical
of humans insisting on congregating and
present which is close to its end.
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Mineral Exploration and Data Management Specialists
www.terrasearch.com.au
Current Major Collaborative Projects in 2014
In addition to our standard array of exploration services, Terra Search has a strong history of collaboration with Government
agencies to provide pre-competitive exploration data sets.
PNG MINERAL RESOURCES AUTHORITY (MRA) PROJECT
Terra Search and Klondike Exploration Services are undertaking a comprehensive
Strengthening Technical Assistance Project (MSISTAP) in PNG, Terra Search has
study of the geology and metallogeny of gold-bearing magmatic hydrothermal
commenced a 12 month contract designed to add sigificant further historical
systems incorporating:
Geological and Geochemical Data to the over 450,000 data points already
captured by Terra Search during the 1st MSISTAP in 2002-2005.
With over 15 years of experience providing database services to government and
industry, Terra Search is well placed to deliver the best possible outcome for the
MRA.
All data compiled and validated during this project will be made available
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Terra Search Pty. Ltd.
Specialists in Mineral Exploration,
Geology, and Computing
for over 25 years
26
INTRUSION-RELATED MINERALIZATION SYSTEMS IN NE QLD
As part of the World Bank sponsored 2nd Mining Sector Institutional
• A new metallogenic database of the Charters Towers Region, GIS data package
and map
• Metallogenic model documenting genetic types & spatial controls in Charters
Towers region
• Revision and update of the geology of the Charters Towers District
• Templates of geophysical & geochemical signatures of deposit styles
This study is a part of a North QLD research initiative in collaboration with local
Industry, EGRU (James Cook University) and the Geological Survey of QLD, funded
through the Queensland Government Future Resources Program.
TOWNSVILLE
Simon Beams, Travers Davies
T: (07) 4728 6851
E: [email protected]
PERTH
Dave Jenkins
T: (08) 9472 8546
E: [email protected]
BATHURST
Richard Lesh
T: (02) 6337 3133
E: [email protected]
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
uninformed by geologic science.
repercussions of transforming a natural
debate concerning environmental change
The way forward it strikes us is for
largely lacks an understanding of natural
more scientific honesty and less politics,
simple technological fix either. Satellite and
variability. Since the last Ice Age ended, some
less grandstanding. ‘We don’t know’ is an
other monitoring data for example still has to
12,000 years ago, Earth has been through
honourable credo for scientists. In this
be collected, interpreted, ground truthed, and
several periods lasting hundreds of years and
regard, we need more science to be directed
acted on; steps available only to wealthier
possibly longer when it was either warmer or
to the environment, particularly toward
countries. In large areas of the planet the lack
colder than at present. Several earth scientists
better planning of the world’s communities
of human and financial resources, equality
have suggested that a study of natural
to make them more resilient in the face of
and personal freedoms and political choices
variability over recent geologic time should
change. And it is an increasingly urban face
trump any global environmental concerns
be completed in order to provide a baseline
that our planet presents. The many large
and hobble international co-operation. To
against which anthropogenic change may be
supercities of the rapidly-approaching future
these people our obsession with saving the
evaluated, but this important history has not
world will be absolutely massive consumers
environment must ring hollow. The onus here
been introduced fully into the public debate,
of resources and producers of wastes; they
is on the wealthiest nations with the largest
and is a long way off. It has to be said that
will be the biggest determinants of our global
scientific academies to put forward credible
the natural variability of the last few thousand
environmental footprint; and it is surely there
notions of how our planet is changing and to
years or hundreds of years or tens of years
that much of our effort should be spent.
discuss the possible origins in an intellectual
has formed almost no part in the ongoing
Today, the rate of change of some parts of
environment where data gaps are fully
discussion of climate change which in some
the world, especially in regard to urbanization
acknowledged free of catastrophic overtones.
circles assumes that any change since
and the ‘rush to the city’ is taxing our abilities
First published on the Geological Society of
1940 is largely man-made. This opinion is
simply to map and assess the environmental
America’s Guest Blog 10th October, 2014.
CSA Global
Resource Industry Consultants
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
environment to a built landscape. There is no
Catastrophism
It is self-evident to us that the public
For expertise and services from project
generation through to mine production,
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exploration and mining cycle.
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27
AUGEN Meeting Update
4th annual meeting of the
Australasian Universities
Geoscience Educators Network
(AUGEN)
T
he Australasian Universities
Geoscience Educators Network
Sandra McLaren, University of Melbourne
Marion Anderson, Leslie Almberg, Monash University
(AUGEN) successfully held their
4th annual meeting at the School of Earth
Melbourne, Victoria, 12-13 January 2015
Sciences at University of Melbourne in
January 2015. The network is an informal
group interested in improving geoscience
teaching and learning at our universities.
Around 40 delegates participated in the
lively, workshop-style two-day meeting, with
attendees from across Australia, from New
Zealand and from both the University and
professional geoscience sectors.
The meeting was jointly hosted by the
University of Melbourne and Monash University
and was officially opened by Professor
Richard James, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
and Director of the Centre for the Study of
Higher Education at the University of Melbourne.
The meeting included a full program of
talks and demonstrations and, in a first for
AUGEN, two invited keynote speakers from
the higher education research disciplines:
Associate Professor Caroline Steel from
La Trobe University (Victoria) and Dr Erik
Brogt from Canterbury University (New
Zealand). Both gave very interesting and
enlightening perspectives on general teaching
issues, focussed on communication and
learning and teaching in the digital age –
Intense competition as AUGEN workshop delegates try out the new Mineral supertrumps card
topics highly relevant to many aspects of
game, developed by Carl Spandler at James Cook University for use in undergraduate mineralogy
geoscience education. Both also participated
classes. (Photo credit: Leslie Almberg)
enthusiastically in the program and in
various discussions, taking away some new
geoscience knowledge of their own!
28
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
We were also privileged to have a remote
presentation from Associate Professor Eric
Riggs (Texas A&M University), a renowned
geoscience educator in the USA, delivered
flawlessly using Skype – another first for
AUGEN Meeting Update
the network. Eric spoke of the challenges
and achievements of engaging indigenous
communities in geoscience teaching and
learning, using case studies from the
western USA.
Other highlights of the technical program
included a demonstration of the Macquarie
University based Virtual Petrographic
Microscope by Nathan Daczko, and the
debut of a highly entertaining card game for
teaching mineralogy, Mineral Supertrumps,
developed by Carl Spandler at James Cook
Intense competition as AUGEN workshop delegates try out the new Mineral supertrumps card
game, developed by Carl Spandler at James Cook University for use in undergraduate mineralogy
classes. (L-R) Pat James, Andrew Drinnan, Patrick Keleher, Janet Hergt, David Phillips, Leah Moore,
Andy Hammond. (Photo credit: Sandra McLaren)
University. Pat James of UniSA used a
spectacular array of food and household
meeting. Michael’s award is for an innovative
was cancelled due to the unseasonably
items in a fascinating hands-on, audience-
project to explore immersive visualisation in
wet Melbourne summer. But this change in
participation session to demonstrate one
the Earth Sciences and marks the first formal
schedule did allow more time for discussion
example of flipping the classroom without
collaboration between network members.
and several formal poster presentations.
technology.
Michael’s project is based on photogrammetric
As in previous meetings, issues of field and
The Melbourne workshop followed on
methods and sets out to develop an open
from highly successful previous meetings
first-year teaching were popular presentation
access digital atlas of Australia, containing
in Adelaide (2012), Townsville (2013) and
and discussion themes. Other topics included
photo realistic 3D models and ‘deep-zoom’
Brisbane (2014) and is testament to the
innovative course delivery, the development
imagery from a wide range of key geological
commitment and enthusiasm of the informal
of new teaching tools and curriculum,
field sites across the country. Michael
network. Like each meeting before it, the
assessment and image interpretation.
presented an update on this project during the
Melbourne workshop was characterized by its
workshop and many delegates have already
relaxed informality, and collegial discussion
national Office for Learning and Teaching
shown their support for the work by offering to
and collaboration as delegates shared their
grant awarded to Michael Roach (University of
contribute field photos and site suggestions.
challenges, achievements and enthusiasm
Another highlight was discussing the
Tasmania) and collaborators within the network,
announced just three weeks before the
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Unfortunately the local field excursion
planned for the last afternoon of the meeting
for geoscience teaching and learning at the
tertiary level.
29
Once again the workshop enjoyed generous
support from a range of professional
geoscience groups: the Australian Geoscience
Council, the Minerals Council of Australia,
the Australian Institute of Geoscientists,
AUGEN Meeting Update
the AusIMM and the Geological Society of
Australia (Victorian Division). Support was
also provide by the University of Melbourne
and Monash University. All sponsors are
sincerely thanked for their support. The
organizers also thank all meeting attendees
and presenters for making the two days such
a success.
We look forward to seeing you all at
the next AUGEN workshop in Canberra
in 2016. If you wish to be added to the
mailing list for updates on the next
workshop, please register your interest
One of a series of presentations by delegates using a variety of household objects to illustrate
difficult concepts in the geosciences. Here Bob Smith from the AusIMM shows ideas from the
geophysics group on how to illustrate gravitational v. inertial acceleration using only a brick, a
children’s toy plane and a slinky spring! Paul Larkin, Chairman, AIG Victorian Committee, third from
left. (Photo credit: Sandra McLaren)
at: [email protected], see also the
AUGEN website at www.augen.edu.au
30
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Employment Survey
Geoscientists’ Employment
Concerns Realised With
Unemployment Again On The Rise
Friday, 13 February 2014
A
n improvement in employment
prospects for Australia’s
geoscientists evident in the
September Quarter 2014 AIG Australian
Geoscientist Employment Survey results
proved to be short lived with unemployment
and underemployment rising again in the
December quarter.
Australia’s geoscientists continue to
struggle in response to a sustained downturn
in employment prospects.
The unemployment rate amongst
Australia’s geoscientists at the end of
December 2014 was 15.5%, a full 2.0% higher
than the rate at the end of September. The
underemployment rate in the latest survey
amongst self-employed geoscientists rose to
16.9% from 15.4% in the previous quarter.
The unemployment rate of 15.5% was the
second highest recorded since the Australian
Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), Australia’s
leading professional institute exclusively
representing professional geoscientists,
commenced this survey series to initially
measure the impact of global financial crisis
on employment prospects for geoscientists
in June 2009. The combined unemployment
and underemployment rate of 32.4% was also
the second highest recorded by this survey.
Self-employed geoscientists continued
to struggle with more than a third unable
to secure more than 10% of their desired
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
31
workload. Were these self-employed
geoscientists to be considered to be
unemployed, the overall unemployment rate
would be a staggering 21.3%; more than 1 in
every 5 professional geoscientists in Australia
today. This rate was up from 18% in the
September quarter.
Employment Survey
In the latest survey, 12.2% of unemployed
geoscientists lost their jobs in the previous 3
months. Almost 40% had been unemployed
for more than a year.
More than 66% of unemployed and
underemployed geoscientists were not
confident of returning to full time employment
in their chosen field within 12 months. Six
percent were seeking alternate employment
outside their profession.
“The increase in unemployment amongst
Australia’s geoscientists in the final quarter
of 2014 will be seen as very disheartening
by many in the profession” AIG President,
Mr Wayne Spilsbury, said. “The employment
downturn, since it peaked at the end of 2013
has shown little sign of improvement”. “The
GFC in 2008 to 2009 was a short, sharp
event”.
“The current, continuing downturn appears
to be a product of depressed commodity
prices contributing to a marked decrease
“
More than 66%
Western Australia recorded the highest
unemployment rate amongst Australia’s
of unemployed and
“mining states” of 15.7 percent, a full two
underemployed
percent higher than for the previous quarter.
Some 83% of respondents were in or
geoscientists were not
seeking full-time employment, while 4.2%
confident of returning to
in exploration that is essential to the
sustainability of Australia’s minerals and
energy resource industries and Australia’s
prospects for continued economic prosperity”
Mr Spilsbury said.
The following table summarises the
were in or seeking part-time work and
13% were self-employed. Some 65% of
full time employment in
respondents worked or were seeking work
their chosen field within
in mineral exploration, 15% in metalliferous
mining, 7% in coal and petroleum exploration
12 months. ”
and production, and 5% in engineering
unemployment rates observed for Australia’s
geology and groundwater resource
“mining states”.
exploration and management – levels very
similar to those recorded by the previous
survey.
State
32
Unemployed (%)
“In AIG we believe that the unemployment
Jun 2011
Dec 2013
Jun 2014
Sep 2014
Dec 2014
and underemployment rates for
Western Australia
1.7
19.6
14.3
13,7
15.7
geoscientists in Australia are a reflection of
Queensland
1.1
16.4
10.1
16.0
14.4
the overall health of Australia’s exploration
New South Wales
3.8
13.3
20.1
-
11.4
and mining industries and a barometer
South Australia
0.0
13.8
14.7
10.0
6.8
for the overall outlook for resources”.
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
“The industry is clearly suffering from flat
geological knowledge needed to both optimise
economic conditions and increasingly
the value of existing, known resources and to
onerous constraints affecting both access
make new discoveries” Mr Spilsbury said.
“Promised initiatives to promote exploration
relinquishment of land considered to be
by both the Federal and State governments
unprospective by current exploration licence
appear to be having little impact on the
holders”.
state of the mining and energy production
“We continue to see Australian-listed, junior
Employment Survey
to land for exploration and, surprisingly, the
industries”. “The storm for exploration and
exploration and mining companies that are
mining I spoke of in response to the previous
critically undercapitalised finding it difficult to
survey results three months ago shows no
attract new investment that lead to improved
signs of abating”.
For the latest
news, updates
and events visit
aig.org.au
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AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
• Project evaluation
• ArcGIS, Micromine, Leapfrog and SpaDIS
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33
AIG-IAH Field Trip 2014
AIG/IAH
Field Trip 2014:
Ballarat Area,
28th & 29th November
Paul Larkin, Chairman
Victorian Branch
T
he second annual joint field trip was
Creek Retention Basin and the Ring Road
held over two days in and around
Groundwater Wellfield.
Ballarat, examining aspects of the
On the 29th, early risers visited the Gong
hydrogeology, geology, mine and urban water
Reservoir and then were joined by the rest of
management in the area.
the group to visit Imery’s Mine (kaolin) and
On the 28th, the group visited the Black Hill
Lookout and Norman Street road cutting to
examine the local geology, the CGT Ballarat
Lal Lal falls, Mount Buninyong Lookout and
Redan Wetlands.
The field trip was ably led by Phillip
Gold project tailings dams and storm water
Kinghorn and attracted a dozen participants
dissipation dams and then urban water
all but one of whom were either AIG or IAH
supply and management facilities at the Gnar
mebers (and in many cases both).
Phil Kinghorn
Battery fade!
34
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
At Lal Lal Falls
AIG-IAH Field Trip 2014
Imery’s Mine
red
a
r
Inf logy
r
a
o
Ne chn
Te
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AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
35
Mining Booms in the History
of Western Australia
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Phillip Playford
Exports 2013 • $124.7 billion
WA Mining Booms
T
he economy of Western Australia
years of the 1930s, largely because of
has long been dependent on the
the entrepreneurial activities of Claude de
mining industry as the mainstay of
Bernales, who promoted the WA gold-mining
Other
9%
its economy. Lead mining began at Geraldine
industry on the London stock exchange.
on the Murchison River in 1849, but the first
Indeed, he was directly responsible for a minor
mining boom resulted from the discovery of
‘boom’ that kept Western Australia’s economy
gold at Halls Creek in the Kimberley region
going in those desperate years.
in 1885. That find made headline news
After World War 2 gold was still the
throughout the world, and although Halls
mainstay of the State’s mining industry, the
Creek soon proved to be only a minor field, the
only other mining activity being for coal at
resulting gold rush in 1885-86 attracted many
Collie and asbestos at Wittenoom, together
experienced prospectors to the colony. After
with minor production of tin, lead and other
the disappointing outcome at Halls Creek they
minerals.
moved on to make economic gold discoveries
of oil at Rough Range, by West Australian
the Murchison, and Southern Cross. Those
Petroleum Pty Ltd, was arguably the most
gold discoveries led on to the huge finds at
momentous event in Western Australia since
Coolgardie in 1892 and Kalgoorlie in 1893.
gold was found some 50 years before at
The population of the colony quadrupled in the
Kalgoorlie. Although the Rough Range field
decade of the 90s, turning Western Australia
eventually proved to be uneconomic, its
from being an impoverished colony into a
discovery reverberated around the world, and
wealthy state.
sparked a major boom on the stock market.
difficulty in raising capital, and in due course
significant resurgence during the depression
this led to successive discoveries during
PTY LTD
Minerals
13%
Other
87%
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Minerals and Petroleum Exports 2013 • $112.9 billion
Other
10%
Gold
12%
As a result, oil and mining companies had little
declined through to 1930. However it had a
McKenzie
Mining &
Exploration
Exports 1948 • $3.3 billion (in 2013 dollars)
The announcement in 1953 of the discovery
during the following three years in the Pilbara,
Gold production peaked in 1905 and slowly
Minerals and
Petroleum 91%
Petroleum
18%
Iron Ore
60%
Roderick McKenzie
Consultant Geologist
MAusIMM, GSA
ABN 55 003 562 365
• Due Diligence Studies
• Geological Modelling & Orebody Evaluation
• Target Generation
• Vulcan, MapInfo & acQuire Experience
• Specialising in Iron Ore & Gold
M: 0403 435 377 • E: [email protected]
12 Wellesley Road, Ringwood North, VIC 3134
36
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
and mini-booms. The mining industry in this
State, dominated by iron ore, is now one of
the largest and most diversified in the world.
It is not only Australia’s biggest industry, it is
also the backbone of our nation’s economy.
Without Western Australia’s mining industry
the country would be virtually bankrupt.
Australia once rode on the backs of its sheep;
it now rides on the dump-trucks of its mining
industry.
On a personal note, I decided to become a
geologist in 1948, while still at Perth Modern
School. At that time very few people had more
than a vague idea of what a geologist did for
a living. My ambition was not made on the
basis of potential income; it was because I
wanted to lead an adventurous life, with a
lot of time to spend in the Australian bush.
In that ambition I have certainly not been
disappointed.
Biography
Phil Playford was born in Western Australia. He was awarded
BSc (Hons) and honorary DSc degrees by The University of
WA, and a PhD by Stanford University, which he attended
with Fulbright and Hackett Scholarships. He has worked for
both the WA and Federal Governments and the petroleum
exploration industry, and is a former Director of the Geological
Survey of WA and Assistant Director-General of Mines.
WA Mining Booms
subsequent years, with a series of booms
His principal geological research has been in the Canning
Basin (on Devonian reefs), Shark Bay, the Perth Basin, and
Rottnest Island. Honours received include: Member of the
Order of Australia (AM); Fellow of the Australian Academy
of Technological Science and Engineering (FTSE); Lewis G
Weeks Gold Medal of APPEA; Medal and Honorary Member
of the Royal Society of WA; Gibb Maitland Medal and Fellow
of the Geological Society of Australia; Special Commendation
Award of the AAPG; Distinguished Honorary Member of
PESA; and Honorary Member of the National Trust (WA). He
is currently an Honorary Associate of GSWA and the
WA Museum.
AUSTRALIA
Exports 2013 • $262.3 billion
TAS 1%
Re-exported 5%
NT 2%
SA 4%
OREAS
VIC 9%
WA 48%
NSW
14%
QLD
17%
Certified Reference Materials
for Mining and Exploration
Raising Standards Since 1988
www ore com au
Geological Survey of Western Australia Corresponding author:
Phillip Playford, Email: [email protected]
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
37
Review of GSWA publication “Australia goes it alone”,
the emerging island continent 100 Ma to present
by AE Cockbain.
Louis Hissink, MAIG
Book review
The Geological Survey of Western Australia
drainage or otherwise. Figure 39 shows the
has published the second volume of its
of Gondwana is neatly illustrated with geo-
distribution of the regolithic materials in the
“Western Australia unearthed” series,
cartoons though one wonders about the
state which, from a simple visual analysis,
“Australia Goes It Alone”, the emerging island
evolution of the landmasses and the sea
suggests many more mineral deposits remain
continent 100 Ma to the present, AE Cockbain.
distribution in Figure 3 where it shows an
undiscovered. A very useful cross section
The publication runs to some 63 pages, in
Australia slowly rising up from the depths to its
(Figure 41) of typical regolith profiles should
colour and an easily readable narrative. “The
present-day landmass. So did the sea level drop
help new graduates understand the nature of
book is aimed at trainee and professional
or the land rise? Or a combination of both?
the regolith encountered during their first air
geologists and particularly newcomers to
And then the world-wide deposition of chalk
Western Australia”, writes Rick Rogerson,
deposits that characterise the late Cretaceous
Executive Director of the GSWA, “to enable
period, a time during which also saw the
quakes and shakes, and it appears Australia
them to quickly get a feel for the geology and
massive eruptions of kimberlite globally
is, in a tectonic sense, highly stressed, with
economic potential…of the state”. Indeed, and
and causing one to pause and wonder if a
Western Australia the most earthquake prone
good information it truly does contain.
connection exists between the deposition
region but again we also discover that there
of calcite and the eruption of CO2 fluidised
is no ready explanation for the above average
from its predecessor and then ‘cycling’ though
kimberlite; or might it have been the other way
levels of seismicity; who thought the science
the Cenozoic after firstly drifting away from
around? And why the paucity of Cretaceous
was settled!
Gondwanaland, to pass through a rather
aged kimberlite in Australia?
The book is divided into 4 sections, starting
significant tilting event of continental scope
core or RC drilling programs.
Another interesting section is lab led
The publication has an excellent, but
Interesting interpretations are offered in
concise, appendix showing maps of the
to finally settle down with the quakes and
the book, such as the assumption that some
various datasets available online from the
shakes that continue to this day. It then cycles
3km of Permian and Mesozoic strata were
department, and AIG members would be
into the evolution of a landscape that also
removed from the Yilgarn Craton before the
well advised to trawl that data for “missed”
includes offshore canyons, the fact that most
Cenozoic from fission-track dating methods.
opportunities by previous explorers. Who
of Western Australia’s mine production, and
On the other hand the low maturity of the
knows? One might find a reported remark
wealth, comes from the regolith to finally
Permian strata in the Collie Sub-basin
by one or other observant geologists who,
settle down in the Dreamtime and missing out
suggests less than 1500m of section was
at the time, may not have realised the full
being Terra Australis Incognito, that title being
removed, in some cases less than 500m. So
implications of his/her mapping or drilling.
grabbed by Antarctica.
clearly there isn’t much consensus here and
But if you thought that modern geoscience
was settled, then be prepared for a
disappointment. We’ve been mining CID
38
The geological progress from the breakup
that is a good thing, for it means science
remains alive and well in the GSWA.
This brief but information rich publication
Of particular interest are the depictions
by the GSWA is highly recommended
(Channel iron-ore deposits) for over 50 years,
of WA’s physiography under various themes
for all exploration geoscientists. The
and we still don’t fully understand their origin,
and their development over time and
book can be purchased from the GSWA
or geology. And, believe it or not, we don’t have
regolith distribution, because the bulk of
for A$33 with a discount for five or
a K/T boundary layer either, or, if we want to
mineral production comes from the mining
more copies at A$22 each. Contact the
be pedantic, “Tertiary” sediments since the
of the regolith in WA. Several scenarios are
Information Centre, Department of Mines
word “Tertiary” is now officially designated as
presented to explain the diversity of land
and Petroleum, Mineral House
“Cenozoic”; of course you might wonder why the
forms, though from this writer’s experience
100 Plain Street, East Perth WA 6004,
K/T remains K/T when it should be properly
in the Murchison region, controversy remains
Phone: +61 8 9222 3459 or online at
called K/C; thank heavens for anachronisms.
over whether one is observing inverted
www.dmp.wa.gov.au/ebookshop
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Philip Commander’s letter (AIG News 118,
new head, Dr Larry Marshall, has floated
they are under-mining the Scientific Method.
Nov 2014, p 25) raining on Louis Hissink’s
the idea of CSIRO developing some sort of
I thank the likes of Louis Hissink and others
piece on the Fourth Phase of Water (AIG
technology that would help farmers to dowse
like him who have the intellectual capacity
News 114, Nov 2013) is shallow, narrow,
for water, on the basis of his own observations
and openness of mind to join dots across
and mired in orthodoxy. Philip assumes
of practitioners with an 80% success rate.
disciplines to break new ground, and talk about
that dowsing is done with ‘forked (wooden)
(Search on ‘csiro water dowsing’ on ABC
it. We have enough ‘tradies’ of geoscience
sticks’, notwithstanding that one of the
home page).
who market orthodoxy as a career.
points in Hissink’s piece is that movement
Readers Letters
Reader’s Letters
Philip is a hydrogeologist and I suspect
of groundwater could be viewed as a flow of
that hydrogeology is probably more prone
negative electrical charge and thus create
to ‘modelling’ than any other discipline
a localised magnetic field. I happen to
in geoscience apart, of course, from that
know that Louis and a driller turned to water
new kid on the bloc – ‘climate change’. If
dowsing at Yeelirrie, WA (uranium project)
modelling has shown us anything, particularly
as a last resort and were successful. Philip
in climate studies, it is that modellers now
points out that dowsing has been studied by
tend to forsake the primacy of evidence in
the USGS and rejected but I wonder if any of
favour of their ‘black box’ projections. I’m
their investigators were aware of EZ Water.
not suggesting that Philip is captive to that
But the same cannot be said of CSIRO whose
culture, but those connections are there and
Aert Driessen, Geologist, FAIG.
Please submit all articles, letters and
advertisements to Fiona Makin at
[email protected]
23-24 June 2015
Crown Perth, Western Australia
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AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
39
AIG Council for
2014–2015
AIG NEWS
EXECUTIVE
as per the following table.
AIG News is published quarterly
Avoid disappointment by
President: Wayne Spilsbury
0418 957 089, [email protected]
AIG Council & AIG News
Vice President: Kaylene Camuti
(07) 4772 5296, [email protected]
Treasurer: Steve Sugden
0419 490 527, [email protected]
Secretary: Ron Adams
(08) 9427 0820, [email protected]
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several days beforehand to
advise submission of items for
the newsletter.
Issue Date
Contribution deadline
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May
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August
July 31st
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AIG News is published by the Australian Institute of Geoscientists to provide
information for its members and a forum for the expression of their professional
interests and opinions. Observations, interpretations and opinions published
in AIG News are the responsibility of the contributors and are not necessarily
supported by the Australian Institute of Geoscientists or the Editor of AIG News.
While the Editor and the Australian Institute of Geoscientists have taken all
Executive Officer: Lynn Vigar
[email protected]
reasonable precautions and made all reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy
of material contained in this newsletter, they make no warranties, express or
implied, with respect to any of the material published in AIG News.
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The business address of AIG News is:
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changes of address, AIG News distribution, or membership.
The editorial address is:
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Email: [email protected]
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Please submit all articles, letters and advertisements to the above
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40
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
Events calendar
March 2015
May 2015
October 2015
Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE Deposits
Core Logging using HyLogging Data
Bowen Basin Symposium 2015
CSIRO Australian Resources Research Centre
James Cook University
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
26 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington WA
1 James Cook Drive, Townsville QLD
Merivale Street, South Bank QLD
March 26, 2015 - March 27, 2015
May 1, 2015
October 7, 2015 - October 9, 2015
Yilgarn Retrospective
Hydrogeology in Mining – A One Day
2016
Tawarri Reception and Function Centre
Conference
Esplanade, Dalkeith WA
Regal Park Motor Inn
35th International Geological Congress
March 30, 2015 - March 31, 2015
44 Barton Terrace East, North Adelaide SA
Cape Town International Convention Centre
May 1, 2015
1 Lower Long St, Cape Town
April 2015
Events Calendar
Keep up to date with upcoming AIG and Geological events at www.aig.org.au/events
SOUTH AFRICA
Multi-scale Seismic Exploration for Minerals
AIG – QUT – UQ Student Industry Night
ARRC Theatre
QUT Gardens Point Campus
26 Dick Perry Drive, Kensington WA
2 George Street, Brisbane QLD May 19, 2015 | 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
August 27, 2016 - September 4, 2016
April 1, 2015 | 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
AIG Annual General Meeting
Good Colour Maps: How to design them.
Irish Club of WA - Subiaco
Woolnough Lecture Theatre, 1.07, Geography
61 Townshend Road, Subiaco WA and Geology Building, University of Western
May 20, 2015 | 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Australia
35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA
August 2015
April 2, 2015 | 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Saying Goodbye to a 2D Earth
Data Collection and Analysis – Core Logging
Quality Inn Margaret River
to 3D Modelling – 10 day course
78 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River WA Queensland Exploration Data Centre
August 2, 2015 - August 7, 2015
68 Pineapple Street, Zillmere QLD April 20, 2015 - May 1, 2015
September 2015
Joint SEG – Codes Conference: World Class
Ore Deposits: Discovery to Recovery
CODES (University of Tasmania)
Earl Street, Sandy Bay TAS September 27, 2015 - September 30, 2015
Mines & Wines 2015: Uncorking the
Tasmanides
Queanbeyan Bicentennial Hall
September 2, 2015 - September 4, 2015
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015
41
42
AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015