Industry

ASEG Victoria 2022 Technical Meeting Series

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aseg-vic-technical-meeting-night-tickets-282327708777

Title: Loop – an interoperable, integrative, probabilistic 3D geological modelling platform.

Presenter:  Dr. Laurent Ailleres

Date: Tuesday 15th March from 6pm

Location: The Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Place, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Abstract:

With the current need for critical metals (including Cu), the ability to be predictive undercover and to improve mining of known resources, requires the ability to better predict sub-surface geology at multiple scales. Geologically consistent mine models should equate to better resource models and consequently a more economical way of producing the required resources for a greener future with increased recovery rates and reduced number of resources required and waste produced.

We present the current state of the Loop project, an open-source interoperable, integrative, probabilistic 3D geological modelling platform. We have implemented the use of all structural geological data (e.g., fault kinematics, fold axial surfaces, fold axes, deformational overprinting relationship) in the modelling process. We have automated the building of 3D geological models from geological survey served geological data including automatic geological map topological analysis and geological history building. As a proof of concept, users can now draw a polygon on a map and generate 3D models in just a few minutes using the map2loop and LoopStructural libraries (github.com/Loop3D). We are integrating geophysical constraints and modelling as early as possible in the modelling workflow. Model uncertainty is characterised and an integral part of the modelling process.

The main outcome of the development of the structural modelling method (LoopStructural) is the definition of structural frames which allow the definition of a curvilinear and conformable to layering, rectangular coordinate system throughout the models. We present the concept for LoopResources, the property modelling library for the Loop platform. Using this deformed cartesian coordinate system, we propose to adapt geostatistical and interpolation methods to curvilinear coordinate systems using classical approaches of UVW transformations. This will ensure that lithological anisotropies are enforced during resource estimation and property modelling.

Loop is a OneGeology initiative, initiated by Geoscience Australia and funded by Australian Territory, State and Federal Geological Surveys, the ARC and the MinEx CRC with the participation of BHP, Anglo American and GSWA. The project is led by Monash University and involves research groups from the University of Western Australia, the RING consortium at the Universite de Lorraine, Nancy, France and RWTH Aachen in Germany. In-kind research is also provided by Natural Resources Canada (Geological Survey of Canada), Geoscience Australia and the British Geological Survey. Other partners include AuScope and the USGS

Bio:

Initially trained as a structural geologist, Laurent was awarded his PhD in 1996, in structural geology, having worked in the French Alps and from an office only meters away from the development of the Gocad 3D modelling package. Since 1996, he has been a research fellow at Monash University. He introduced Gocad to the Australian mining industry, academia and many governmental organisations. Laurent is interested in the evolution of tectonic processes through time and their effect on multi-scale mineralisation processes. He specialises in structural geology and geophysics as well as multi-scale 3D geological modelling applied to tectonics and minerals exploration. He teaches field mapping at undergraduate level in poly-deformed metamorphic terranes and advanced structural mapping and structural geophysics at postgraduate level. His geological experience spans multiple scales across Africa, Europe, Australia and the Americas. He leads the Loop initiative to develop the next generation of 3D geological and geophysical modelling tools and champions structurally-ruled probabilistic geological modelling. Laurent is also managing director of PGN Geoscience Pty Ltd, a small consulting company providing services to the minerals exploration and mining industries, from global scale project generation, to litho-structural interpretations of geophysical data, to smaller-scale structural analysis of mineralisation controls at the deposit scale.

Note: Light refreshments will be served during the evening.

Title: Geophysical vectors for iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) exploration: Cloncurry METAL project.

Presenter: Dr James Austin (CSIRO)

Date & Time: Wednesday 16th February 2022 at 1800

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bLEg37-vT_Gnf2Zm8Dw_Lg

Abstract:

The classic Status Quo of IOCG exploration is “the combined gravity-magnetic high”. Whilst historically successful for IOCG exploration, it is not useful for many Cloncurry “IOCGs”, which may be magnetite-, to hematite- or pyrrhotite-dominated or have negligible dense or magnetic minerals. Many Cloncurry IOCG’s don’t have significant gravity anomalies, some do not have significant magnetic anomalies, and some neither. IOCGs do however have predictable geophysical zonation related to alteration zonation. They tend to form on redox and/or pH gradients and they are structurally controlled. This talk will outline three novel geophysics-based approaches to IOCG exploration. It will explore how metasomatic processes can be translated into geophysical parameters, propose methods to map redox gradients/structures using integrated geophysics and petrophysics and illustrate how anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data integrated with quantitative mineralogy can objectively map structural controls and predict ore body geometries.

Bio:

Jim studied structural geology and applied geophysics at Macquarie University, in the halcyon days, late last millennia. He gained employment as a cartographer and illustrator on the Australian Geographic Magazine in 1999 and commenced a PhD on the Cloncurry Lineament in 2003. Post PhD Jim worked in mineral exploration, geophysics consulting, and hydrocarbon exploration across Australia. Since joining CSIRO in 2011 Jim’s main passion has been integrating petrophysics with mineralogy, structural geology, and geophysics to better understand the inner workings of mineral deposits. Jim was part of the organising committee for the inaugural AEGC conference in 2018, sat on the ASEG Fedex in 2019, and was president of the NSW branch of the ASEG up until a few moments ago.

The 2022 AGM of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (ASEG) will be held on Thursday, 7 April 2022

Join Zoom Meeting at: 17:30 AEST, 18:00 ACST & 15:30 AWST.

Face to Face:  XXXX Brewery, Level 1, Cnr Black &, Paten Street, Milton QLD 4064, 5pm arrival for 5.30pm start

In order to participate in the Zoom AGM 2022, please register no later Friday, 1 April 2022. 

Online - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtde-gpzsuE9Zyv6QoglSQ5TQqbyAVmnmI

In person - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aseg-agm-and-talk-role-of-the-oil-and-gas-industry-towards-net-zero-tickets-304470859537

The business of the Annual General Meeting will be:

• To confirm the minutes of the last preceding general meeting.
• To receive from the Federal Executive reports on the activities of the Society during the last preceding financial year.
• To receive and consider the financial accounts and audit reports that are required to be submitted to Members pursuant to the Constitution and to law.
• To report the ballot results for the election of the new office holders for the Federal Executive.
• To consider and if agreed approve changes and adopt the ASEG Constitution.
• To confirm the appointment of financial auditors for 2022.

The AGM will commence with a scientific presentation from Dr. Taku Ide, Head of Carbon at Cleanaway Waste.

Title: The Role of the oil and gas industry towards a net zero future

Reducing, and ultimately reaching net-zero CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are critical to solving the climate challenge. 

Science shows that if we do not achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, many of the climate events we are witnessing – severe weather events, rising sea levels, ocean acidification and rising temperatures – will continue and likely accelerate, and negatively impact many of the world's key infrastructure, farming practices, and ecosystems that support the modern day economy. Worst impacts will tend to fall on those least responsible for the problem (IPCC 2018) who may not have the means to adapt to the changing world. These implications are motivating companies to reduce their emissions and position their portfolio of goods and services to a 1.5C aligned world. 

There are exciting roles that geophysicists can play in this transition, ranging from developing cost-effective methods to monitor efficacy of carbon capture and storage (CCS), identifying ideal sites for underground hydrogen (H2) storage, reducing uncertainties around rate of sea level rising, and studying other planetary bodies for habitability. 

The talk will share latest findings from climate science that are driving the shift towards decarbonisation, and explore emerging areas where geophysics expertise are critical.

Bio: Dr. Taku Ide holds a BS in Chemical Engineering, and a Masters and Ph.D in Petroleum Engineering, all from Stanford University. Upon graduating, he founded and ran a consulting firm specialised in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and associated risks for global firms, states, and Native American Tribes in the United States. He currently serves as the Head of Carbon at Cleanaway Waste Management to develop its carbon management strategy. 

Invitation for candidates for the Federal Executive  

Members of the Federal Executive serve in an honorary capacity. They are all volunteers and ASEG Members are encouraged to consider volunteering for a position on the Executive or on one of its committees. Current members are listed in Preview; please contact one of them if you wish to know more about volunteering for your Society. Self- nominations are encouraged.  

Thank you for your continued support.

Documents:

• Agenda
• Proxy form
• Proxy form (corporate members)
• ASEG Constitution and By Laws April 2022
• ASEG Accounts 2021
• 2021.04.06 ASEG AGM 2021 Minutes

The AAPG Asia Pacific Region will hold a 2-day Geological Technical Workshop (GTW) in Sydney from 6-7 July 2022.   The theme is Structural Geology and our Future – The Role of Tectonic Geoscience in Energy Transition, Focusing on the Asia-Pacific Region.

The proposed sessions/sub-themes:

1. Regional tectonic settings - Plate movements within the region; tectonic history; palaeo-tectonic reconstructions
2. New structural and tectonic techniques: remote sensing; potential fields; digitalisation; data integration; modelling and simulation
3. Tectonic stresses, faulting and fracture systems, including implications for CO2 sequestration and geothermal/thermodynamic energy
4. Geomechanics and prediction of trapping configurations
5. Fold and Thrust Belts in the Asia Pacific Region
6. Structural controls in base metal, rare Earth, and mineral exploration
7. Tectonic settings and structural regimes key to Hydrogen and Helium exploration
8. Impact of tectonics on geohazard assessment and geo-engineering
9. Structural and fracture understanding for groundwater management

ASEG members are able to register at the AAPG member rate. Additional details can be found here.

The AAPG Asia Pacific Region will hold a 2-day Geological Technical Workshop (GTW) in Sydney from 6-7 July 2022.   The theme is Structural Geology and our Future – The Role of Tectonic Geoscience in Energy Transition, Focusing on the Asia-Pacific Region.

The proposed sessions/sub-themes:

1. Regional tectonic settings - Plate movements within the region; tectonic history; palaeo-tectonic reconstructions
2. New structural and tectonic techniques: remote sensing; potential fields; digitalisation; data integration; modelling and simulation
3. Tectonic stresses, faulting and fracture systems, including implications for CO2 sequestration and geothermal/thermodynamic energy
4. Geomechanics and prediction of trapping configurations
5. Fold and Thrust Belts in the Asia Pacific Region
6. Structural controls in base metal, rare Earth, and mineral exploration
7. Tectonic settings and structural regimes key to Hydrogen and Helium exploration
8. Impact of tectonics on geohazard assessment and geo-engineering
9. Structural and fracture understanding for groundwater management

ASEG members are able to register at the AAPG member rate. Additional details can be found here.

ASEG Victoria is super delighted to announce the return of in-person branch events with an upcoming technical meeting night! You are invited to join us for a special presentation by Ian Nielsen (Chief geologist, First AU and Director of PGN Geoscience) on Thursday November 25th from 6pm at The Kelvin Club. This will be the last technical meeting night of the year for Victoria branch so come along and get busy sharing lockdown dramas with your peers over a drink or two.

The Land that Time Forgot: The Victorian Eastern Goldfields

Emerging geological models for evolution of the Eastern Australian continental margin involving accretionary orogenesis of the Southern Tasmanides has transformed Victoria gold and base metals prospectivity. Recognition of the same prospective Ordovician terrane that hosts significant central goldfields deposits at Bendigo and Fosterville in Eastern Victoria was proposed by various researchers over the past decade in which the formation of an orocline was established to constrain the relative rotation of the terrane about the Selwyn Block, now situated in Gippsland. A ground package was pulled together in 2017 with high-graded areas pegged during 2018 and 2019 by Victorian Goldfields Pty Ltd. The portfolio comprises several hundred historic high-grade gold workings amongst a myriad of complex litho-structural settings that includes several unique porphyry copper-molybdenum projects – further demonstration of the significant upside potential of the area.

The flagship Haunted Stream Project (EL006816) contains over one-hundred historic gold workings across an 8.5km strike length. Historic mining head grades were considerably high (>10-50g/t Au) matched with strong production rates for the late 19th century. The majority of hard-rock gold mining ceased prior to the first world war due to a number of contributing factors. Numerous gold mines were worked to depths of ~300ft, however difficulties encountered due to the ingress of water, metallurgical reconciliation and foul air, all of which were unable to be adequately addressed in the late 1890’s, drove miners out leaving an entire district poorly explored and opened at depth.

First Au Ltd acquired an 80% interest in Victorian Goldfields Pty Ltd in mid-2020 and has since spawned a new wave of exploration currently being undertaken within the district, including detailed litho-structural mapping and rock-chipping that has revealed a complex structural and mineralisation history. In-situ rock chip sampling from underground workings have returned grades in excess of 125g/t Au, underscoring the high-fertility potential of the region. A maiden drill campaign at Snowstorm earlier in 2021 produced very encouraging results with a best intersection of 3.1m @ 11.6g/t Au from 53m including 0.8m @ 33g/t Au from 54m. A follow-up drill program is currently being undertaken. First Au expects to also test a number of its copper-gold porphyry prospects in eastern Victorian during Q1 2022.

Speaker biography

Ian Neilson (BSc MSc R.P. Geo MSEG MAIG MGSA) is a structural geologist with significant global exploration and mining experience in orogenic gold, porphyry copper and base-metal deposits. He has spent the past 19-years as a consultant for Jigsaw Geoscience, Model Earth and PGN Geoscience working on numerous projects for clients that include Newmont, First Quantum Minerals, BHP, Newcrest Mining, Placer Dome, KCGM and many others. Ian’s 3D mapping and target generation resulted in the Discovery and subsequent development of the Hidden Secret UG Gold Mine in Kalgoorlie in 2016. More recently, his structural geological work and drill targeting has contributed significant value to several major Victorian gold explorers. Ian is currently a director of PGN Geoscience and Victorian Goldfields Pty Ltd. In 2020, Ian was appointed Chief Geologist of First Au Limited (ASX: FAU).

Note: The Kelvin Club operates under a strict COVID safe plan to help ensure the safety for all its employees and patrons. In-line with the directions issued by Victoria's Chief Health Officer, all visitors to the club must check-in using the QR code provided at the entrance before personally verifying their vaccination status with the attending manager on the evening. If you do not comply with this requirement, you may be denied entry to the club.

Light refreshments will be served during the evening.

Please register your interest in attending this event by using the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aseg-victoria-technical-meeting-night-tickets-206980673767

ASEG NSW Tech Talk

Presenter:James Daniell (Fender Geophysics)

Title: New insights into sedimentary processes on the margin of the Great Barrier Reef from the reprocessing of historical seismic reflection data.

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7aC3mTsMTwK4YogAYam53A

Description

Mixed siliciclastic–carbonate margins receive significant amounts of both terrigenous siliciclastic material from rivers and carbonate material from biogenic sources. The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the largest mixed siliciclastic-carbonate margin on earth and detailed stratigraphic analysis is a key tool for understanding the evolution of this sedimentary system; however, the stratigraphy of the offshore central GBR is poorly understood due to its designation as a UNSECO World Heritage Site. This designation limited the acquisition of reflection seismic data over the GBR and has prevented detailed stratigraphic analysis of the reef and its margins. Geoscience Australia conducted limited seismic surveys over the GBR during the 1970-80s though much of this data has remained unprocessed and subsequently unpublished. Key results from this research are:

1. Significant improvements can be made to the seismic reflection data by applying modern processing algorithms.
2. Shelf-edge deltas near Townsville are preserved by their deposition on to an upper slope broad, low gradient terrace which also limits the transport of coarse sediment downslope. Their ‘lobe’ shape indicates a supply dominated environment.
3. Shelf-edge deltas from the Grafton and Flora Passages are clearly incised by submarine canyons that transport sediment downslope. In the Cairns region shelf-edge deltas have a cuspate form and indicate a wave dominated environment.
4. Reef growth is common on the topsets and upper forests of these deltas indicating that these coarse sedimentary environments are favourable for coral colonisation; therefore, as the shelf extends due to lowstand delta deposition, new habitats are also created for coral reefs.
5. The process driving the clear differences between the northern and central GBR is not well understood; however, ongoing subsidence of the central GBR likely plays a significant role.

Sedimentary processes at the margin of the GBR are clearly diverse. Documenting these differences will aid the interpretation of other modern mixed margins and those in the geological record.

It is my pleasure to invite you to our annual Student Honours Night, on Thursday 11th November at the Coopers Alehouse.

This event is always one of the highlights of the technical and social calendar for the year, one not to be missed! The SA/NT branch of ASEG offers monetary prizes to the best geophysics presentations, as voted by you, the audience!

We have three honours students who will be presenting their projects to you, Emily Lewis, Yi He and Alex Hill all from the University of Adelaide.

Emily Lewis 'Bottom-Up Exploration: Imaging Resistivity of a Mineral System from Source to Sink'

Yi He 'Curnamona Cube: 3D Lithospheric Architecture of a Proterozoic Province'

Alex Hill 'Hunting Palaeorivers in the Gibbsland Basin using 3D Seismic Datasets: Drainage Landscapes of the Southeastern Australian Continental Shelf'

Title: Student Presentation Night

Presenter: Emily Lewis, Yi He, Alex Hill

Location: Thomas Cooper Room, Coopers Alehouse, 316 Pulteney St, Adelaide

Date: Thursday 11th November 2021

Time: 5:30 pm for a 6:15 pm start

Cost: Members and students free, non-members $10, includes finger food and drinks

Click this link to register for MAG21. 

REGISTRATION and RSVP are REQUIRED on or before 19th November to give our hosts at Fraser's Kings Park enough time to properly set up their venue. ASEG WA Branch would like to give thanks to sponsors for their continuous support.

ASEG WA - October Tech Night event
Date & Venue:
Tuesday 26th October 2021
5:30 pm start - 7.30pm end
The Shoe Bar
Shop GSO7 Yagan Square
376 - 420 Wellington St
Perth CBD

Registration: here

The WA Branch of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists invites current active members to attend our upcoming ASEG WA Branch Tech night event at Shoe bar, Yagan Square, but still with the usual snacks and drinks provided. Note that there is plenty of public transportation, and, if need be, paid parking is available at nearby Wilson Parking - 427 Murray St - Google Maps. The venue has wheelchair accessibility. The details of the speech title and the author's bio are provided below.

Speech title: Petrophysics of the Paterson Orogen and Implications for Exploration
Speaker: Barry Bourne, Principal Consultant and Founder, Terra Resources and Terra Petrophysics

Talk summary: 

There is still much that needs to be understood about the physical properties of rocks in mineralized geological environments. This knowledge gap becomes more important as the transition to deeper exploration targets under cover occurs, with an associated greater reliance on geophysical exploration methods.  The Geological Survey of Western Australia's regional petrophysics project, funded by the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) and Terra Petrophysics, aims to provide a state-wide petrophysical dataset that can be used in the interpretation and planning of geophysical data. The Paterson Orogen results are discussed along with the geophysical response of known mineralization in the Paterson including Haverion and Winu.

Speaker Bio: 
 

Barry is a Principal and Founder of Terra Resources and Terra Petrophysics. Up until 2013 he was Chief Geophysicist for Barrick Gold and is now a mineral exploration consultant to private and public international exploration groups.  Barry graduated in geology and geophysics from the University of Western Australia.  He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and is currently on the technical advisory committee for UWA Centre for Exploration Targeting.  He was shortlisted for the Australian innovation Awards in 2012 and was Advance Global Australian of the Year-Mining and Resources in 2013.

REGISTRATION and RSVP are REQUIRED on or before 24th October to give our hosts at Shoe Bar enough time to properly set up their venue. ASEG WA Branch would like to give thanks to sponsors for their continuous support.

Please email wasecretary@aseg.org.au with any queries or for additional information. Kindly rsvp in the below link to get a spot as seats are limited. We are looking forward to seeing you there.