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) bristraining@amcconsultants.com 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: aig@aig.org.au 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 president@aig.org.au. 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 aig@aig.org.au 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 info@aig.org.au). 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: smudge@vecresearch.com.au 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: rglogan@bigpond.net.au 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! Corporate Mining Services Offering: - Tenement Management - Company Secretarial and CFO - Serviced head office facilities Contact: 344 Queens St, Brisbane 4000 Eden Hodson Ph: (07) 3221 2249 Email: eden@utmglobal.com.au 8 MEGWA is looking healthy for the first Glenn Coianiz MAIG RPGeo M: 0412 409 760 glenn@exploris.com.au 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 gly, bal try. the mng an roeviibibe hip ga % of me n’s hip rens. red ns. the s. try age in his an e of au) alia ent Rob her and rg). try has mic 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 SPECIALISING IN RECRUITING PROFESSIONALS & EXECUTIVES FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY Suite 2, 47 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Rowley Pennock David Pennock 14 Phone: (08) 9226 1022 Fax: (08) 9226 1040 rowley@pennock.com.au david@pennock.com.au 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 …because because mining g M&A & iss the t e riskiest s est and a d most expensive activity most of us will ever undertake. undertake WEB WEB: o MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS Valuation (what you get) Pricing (what you pay) Transaction data & analysis o DUE DILLIGENCE Technical reviews Competitor analysis Devil’s advocate o ANALYSIS Country and sector reviews Endowment profiling White papers o EDUCATION Training Mentoring Peer review www.alexanderresearch.com.au l d h EMAIL info@alexanderresearch.com.au EMAIL: i f @ l d h Semper p Sursum 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: info@portableas.com 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 Tammy@paydirt.com.au 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 kim@exploregeo.com.au Phone E-mail Riaan Mouton Consulting Geophysicist +61 (0) 8 6201 0715 riaan@exploregeo.com.au ▲ 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: omap@iinet.net.au 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. Terra Search Pty. Ltd. 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 globally to exploration companies through the MRA. 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: admin@terrasearch.com.au PERTH Dave Jenkins T: (08) 9472 8546 E: tswa@iinet.net.au BATHURST Richard Lesh T: (02) 6337 3133 E: richard.lesh@bigpond.com 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, CSA Global cover all stages of the exploration and mining cycle. Our broad experience and integrated approach results in high quality solutions for our clients in areas such as: EXPLORATION - RESOURCES - MINING - DATA - CORPORATE Perth • Brisbane • Darwin • Adelaide • Horsham • Jakarta • Johannesburg • Vancouver • Moscow Head Office Level 2, 3 Ord Street, West Perth Western Australia 6005 T +61 8 9355 1677 E csaaus@csaglobal.com 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: augenmail@gmail.com, 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 Project Management Field- and Minesite-Ready Resource and Data Geology • Compliance, planning, reporting and complete management solutions • Independently audited safety procedures • QA/QC • Greenfield and brownfield mapping • Senior First Aid • Drill programmes • 4WD certified and experienced • Linking resource grade patterns and geology • Lithology and structure logging • MARCSTA • 3D visualisation of geology • Geochemical sampling • Drug and alcohol screen • Wireframing • Prioritised target generation info@sjsresource.com.au AIG NEWS Issue 119 · March 2015 • Project evaluation • ArcGIS, Micromine, Leapfrog and SpaDIS software www.sjsresource.com.au +61 8 9364 7098 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 ASD TERRASPEC Mineralogy at your fingertips Portable Analytical Solutions are the Exclusive Distributors for the complete ASD Product Range. The popular TerraSpec HALO Hand-held mineral identifier, with in-built library of over 130 minerals, and the proven TS4 Hi-Res Spectrometer TerraSpec HALO & TerraSpec 4 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 and Hyperspectral www.PortableAS.com SYDNEY • MELBOURNE • PERTH Phone: +61 2 4381 2844 Fax: +61 2 8088 4386 Email: info@portableas.com 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: rrmckenzie@bigpond.com 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: Phil.PLAYFORD@dmp.wa.gov.au 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 editor@aig.org.au 23-24 June 2015 Crown Perth, Western Australia www.amecconvention.com.au Exploring the future of mining The AMEC Convention is organised by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), Australia’s peak industry body for the mining and exploration industry. In 2014 there were over 640 registered delegates and 55 exhibition booths. Attendees included: • mining and exploration companies • service providers • investors, • government, • media. Exhibition booths now available! Top five reasons to exhibit at the AMEC Convention: 1. Increase brand and product awareness 3. Launch new products, projects or services 4. Generate sales leads 5. Meet existing and potential customers, suppliers and networks CONV15-003 2. Generate investment opportunities in your projects Email: events@amec.org.au | Phone: 1300 738 184 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, president@aig.org.au AIG Council & AIG News Vice President: Kaylene Camuti (07) 4772 5296, education@aig.org.au Treasurer: Steve Sugden 0419 490 527, treasurer@aig.org.au Secretary: Ron Adams (08) 9427 0820, aig@aig.org.au contacting the Editor at least several days beforehand to advise submission of items for the newsletter. Issue Date Contribution deadline February January 31st May April 30th August July 31st November October 31st 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 exec@aig.org.au 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. Councillors Adrian Diaz 0427 986 919, adrian.diaz@aig.org.au Andrew Waltho 0412 426 764, andrew.waltho@aig.org.au Anne Tomlinson 0400 183 679, anne.tomlinson@aig.org.au Graham Teale (08) 8269 7188, sa@aig.org.au Heather Carey 0477 988 810, heather.carey@aig.org.au The business address of AIG News is: PO Box 8463, Perth Business Centre, Perth WA 6849 Tel: (08) 9427 0820 Fax: (08) 9427 0821 Email: aig@aig.org.au Web: www.aig.org.au Please use these contacts for all matters relating to advertising accounts, changes of address, AIG News distribution, or membership. The editorial address is: Editor: Fiona Makin Ian Neuss (02) 9660 5849, ian.neuss@aig.org.au Email: editor@aig.org.au Jonathan Bell 0427 621 322, jonathan.bell@aig.org.au Please submit all articles, letters and advertisements to the above Katarina David 0412 080 360, katarina.david@aig.org.au Martin Robinson (03) 9248 3365, martin.robinson@aig.org.au Mike Erceg 0458 051 400, rpgeo@aig.org.au Tel: (03) 5422 3337 email address. SUBMISSION FORMATS Text: Word Files (Please DO NOT EMBED pictures in Word, supply as separate files.) Pictures, Logos, Maps, Diagrams: Resolution 300dpi. Photoshop EPS, Tiff, Jpeg or press-optimized PDF files in Grayscale/Bitmap. Please provide Registration Board images of all pictures separate to text. Please EMBED ALL FONTS in EPS and PDF files. Mike Erceg 0458 051 400, rpgeo@aig.org.au ADVERTISEMENTS Complaints Committee Andrew Waltho 0412 426 764, andrew.waltho@aig.org.au AIG News provides an ideal opportunity to advertise your company and services to the AIG membership throughout Australia (and some overseas). There are over 2,800 members who receive the newsletter four times per year. Please contact the Editor for further details or to book advertising. Note: All advertisements are mono, no bleed or trim marks. Prices are Ethics & Standards Committee Michael Edwards 0419 997 778, michael.edwards@aig.org.au Education Committee Kaylene Camuti (07) 4772 5296, education@aig.org.au Membership Committee inclusive of GST Per Issue. Full page 264 mm (h) x 188 mm (w) $545 Three quarter page 200 mm (h) x 188 mm (w) $458 Half page 130 mm (h) x 188 mm (w) or 264 mm (h) x 90 mm (w) $372 Third page 90 mm (h) x 188 mm (w) $273 Quarter page 75 mm (h) x 188 mm (w) or 130 mm (h) x 90 mm (w) $198 Business card Members 90 mm (h) x 55 mm (w) $25 Non Members 90 mm (h) x 55 mm (w) $125 Anne Tomlinson 0400 183 679, anne.tomlinson@aig.org.au 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
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