Industry

WA Branch's upcoming event where Mustafa Sari will talk on Geomechanical and petrophysical properties of rock salt for energy/gas storage.

Title: Geomechanical and petrophysical properties of rock salt for energy/gas storage

Presenter: Mustafa Sari, CSIRO Energy

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aseg-wa-branch-event-sept-2022-tech-night-tickets-401605391537

Date: 29/09/22

Time: 1730 - 2000 AWST

Location: The Shoe Bar and Cafe, 376 - 420 Wellington Street, Perth, WA 6050

About this event:

We evaluate of the suitability of the Frome Rocks salt dome for waste disposal or energy storage in deep boreholes, i.e., depth > 600m in the Canning basin, Western Australia(McNee et al., 2021). This evaluation involves the characterization and testing of the petrophysical, mineralogical, microstructural and geomechanical properties of rock salt samples from two contrasting facies in this formation: a shallower (800m) heterogeneous facies with 40% halite and 38% of dolomite inclusions (mm to cm in size, see figure); and a deeper (1100m) homogeneous, halite-rich facies. The petrophysical testing involves porosity, and gas permeability estimation as a function of effective confining pressure; and the geomechanical testing involves multi-stage triaxial testing at four distinct effective confining pressures (see figure), one of which corresponds to the estimated in-situ effective pressure prevailing at the depth of recovery of each sample (purple curves, see figure). The other stages simulate possible stress perturbation associated with drilling/excavation operations in the native formation.

During each stage of the multi-stage triaxial test, additional gas permeability tests are conducted under hydrostatic and deviatoric stress conditions; and creep tests are conducted under deviatoric stress corresponding to 75% of the yield stress at that depth. The laboratory data show that the homogeneous (heterogeneous) salt facies exhibit a porosity in the range 0.8-1.1% (0.2-0.3%), and a gas permeability in the range 50-500 mD (1-20 mD) in the confining pressure interval 0-16 MPa. Subsequent triaxial testing of the samples lasted about 80 days for each facies sample, essentially due to the time-consuming nature of the multiple gas permeability and creep tests conducted during each test.

Sub 22 Conference at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide, November 28th-30th

The symposium will deliver a diverse program of workshops, presentations, panel discussions, informal roundtables and networking opportunities, providing attendees with the chance to contribute and gain interdisciplinary insights into a wide range of scientific concepts, among them:

•   Extracting additional information from data so that complex models of subsurface processes can be better constrained.
•   Obtaining information about the processes governing the formation, evolution and properties of resources of all types.
•   Objectively accounting for petrophysical information in the inversion of geophysical data.

Register at http://sub22.w.tas.currinda.com/

South Australian Exploration and Mining Conference on the Friday the 2nd of December at the Adelaide Convention Centre

SAEMC is an annual collaborative event that brings together both the exploration and mining industries in South Australia.

Now in its 19th year, it is an opportunity for active mineral explorers and miners to present succinct technical updates of their activities on their flagship South Australian mines and exploration projects.

Register at http://saemc.com.au/

GSSA Discovery Day on the 1st of December at the Adelaide Convention Centre

Discovery Day is the best way to engage with the Geological Survey of South Australia (GSSA) and our collaborative partners as we deliver new data and insights into the regional geology of South Australia.

The day will summarise some of the big projects the GSSA have been working on over the last year, along with some new research being undertaken with collaborating organisations including MinEx CRC, University of Adelaide, CSIRO and Geoscience Australia.

Registration is free at www.energymining.sa.gov.au/discoveryday

Title: A predictive anisotropic rock physics model of shale and its practical applications

Presenter: Dr. Michinori Asaka

Date: Thursday, 6th October 2022

Time: 1400 - 1530 AWST

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aHzlwiLpRRy6hKzdpx_JRw

Abstract:

Elastic response of rocks often depends on the rock’s orientation, i.e., most rocks are anisotropic. In particular, shales which are the overburden rock in most of conventional oil and gas fields, often show strong elastic anisotropy due to alignment and platy nature of its constituent mineral. Various anisotropic rock physics models have been proposed to predict the elastic anisotropy of shales, however, practical applications are limited and most of rock physics models in the past do not follow the observed internal structure of shales and bound water properties suggested by existing studies. A predictive rock physics model of shale is developed by combining existing theories. Properties of locally aligned clay platelets, called domains, are calculated using a model based on the anisotropic Hashin-Shtrikman estimates. The effect of domain orientation is then accounted for by the orientation distribution function of domains. This model is consistent with the observed internal structure of shales and allows the finite shear stiffness of bound water to be taken into account. The applicability of the model was investigated using existing core measurements. The results imply that the model can be used to predict anisotropy parameters from limited information. 

Bio:

Michinori Asaka started his career as a geophysicist with INPEX in 2009. He worked for various geophysical problems including AVO analysis/inversion, rock physics, 4D seismic feasibility study, structural interpretation, and depth conversion. In 2018, he joined the PhD programme in Geophysics at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. He completed his thesis focusing on practical applications of elastic anisotropy in rock physics, rock mechanics and seismic reservoir characterization in 2022. He is currently working for INPEX where he continues working on reservoir characterization. 

Industry Q&A Panel: Machine Learning, Carbon Capture & Future Energies

Date & Time

Thursday 18th August 2022
5.30 pm for a 6 pm start
 

Venue

Pig and Whistle, South Brisbane (whole indoor dining section)
 

Event – Industry Q&A Panel: Machine Learning, Carbon Capture & Future Energies

The AIG, ASEG, GSA and PESA are pleased to welcome students and industry at all career stages to our 2022 Industry Q&A Panel.

Come learn about several exciting and evolving career paths in geoscience: machine learning and its extensive application in industry; carbon capture storage and its potential impacts; what is the “energy transition”? What role do geoscientists play within it?

Cost

Free

Registration 

https://www.aig.org.au/events/aig-ngg-brisbane-industry-qa-panel-machine-learning-carbon-capture-future-energies/

About this event

PESA, GSA SA Division, ASEG and SPE SA Division Science Talk: “With one arm tied behind your back – Doing geology by proxy in a faraway place (Mars)” by Prof. Juergen Schieber (Indiana University).

Friday 19th August 2022 (arrive at 5:15 pm for a 5:30 pm start).

PESA, the GSA SA Division and SPE SA Division would like to invite members and guests to a jointly organised science seminar by Prof. Juergen Schieber (Indiana University), titled “With one arm tied behind your back – Doing geology by proxy in a faraway place (Mars)”.

Location: Mawson Lecture Theatre, The University of Adelaide and online via Zoom.
Date/Time: Friday 19th August 2022. Please arrive at 5:15 pm (5:30 pm to 7: 30 pm).
Cost: $15 per person

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/joint-society-talk-doing-geology-by-proxy-in-a-faraway-place-mars-tickets-374642926077

Abstract:

Doing geology on other planets, such as Mars, requires for the time being the use of remote controlled rovers. The Curiosity rover on Mars is a rather sophisticated (and expensive) piece of machinery, but geological investigations by rover are labor intensive and slow when compared how we would do comparable tasks on Earth. Although the rover allows us to “see” and “analyze”, critical facets of a geologists traditional “sensory repertoire” are not available (poking around, feel, sound, breaking stuff, smelling and licking). To make up for these deficiencies a large group of highly trained professionals do their level best to analyze the available data and try to arrive at sensible interpretations of what we see. Science by committee, however, has unique risks and “consensus” assessments can still be off-target. Thus, to have more than one well-reasoned interpretation for a single site is not uncommon. Nonetheless, the limitations of this brand of geologic exploration do not hinder progress, and at times they can give us unthought-of new perspectives on things that have become so routine on Earth that we take them for granted (even though we should not). How a limited set of observations can be used to deduce basic modes of sedimentation, diagenesis, and stratal organization in Martian mudstone successions serves as an example on how one could for example do “petrography” without the benefit of a thin section and still make substantial progress. In rover geology you either push your limits or you suffocate in your comfort zone. There is no try.

Biography:

Prof. Juergen Schieber (Indiana University)

Prof. Schieber is a professor of geology at Indiana University and a specialist on shales. Published extensively (190 papers, 20 guidebook chapters, 4 books, 354 conference abstracts) he is also an invited lecturer at universities in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia; at research organizations, industry short courses, and symposia. He is the 2022 Sorby Medalist of IAS and a member of the science team that currently explores the geology of Gale Crater on Mars with NASA’s Curiosity rover.

His research is characterized by a holistic approach to shales, and consists of an integration of field studies (facies, stratigraphy) and lab studies (thin sections, electron microscopy, and geochemistry) in order to understand the various factors that are involved in the formation of shales. A key focus point is the experimental study of shale sedimentology via flume studies and related experimental work. Funding for this research is provided by government agencies (NSF, DOE, NASA), foundations (Petroleum Research Fund), and industry via the Indiana University Shale Research Consortium (ExxonMobil, Anadarko, Marathon, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Wintershall, Whiting, Equinor, Petrochina) and separate research agreements (Schlumberger/TerraTek; Pioneer Natural Resources). He consults on matters pertaining to shale sedimentology, shale fabric and pore structure, and also teaches short courses on shale sedimentology and facies analysis, as well as microscope-based petrography.

His research interests include: Basin Analysis and Sedimentology, Sedimentology, Diagenesis, and Pore Systems of Shales, the Genesis of Black Shales and Sediment hosted Mineral Deposits, Evolution of the Belt Basin and the Devonian basins of the eastern US, Geochemistry of Sediments, Planetary Geology and sedimentary geology of Mars.

When: Friday 19th August 2022. Please arrive at 5:15 pm (5:30 pm to 7: 30 pm).

Where: Mawson Lecture Theatre, The University of Adelaide and online via Zoom.

Zoom link: Details will be emailed to members prior to the meeting.

Cost: $15 per person

Please join us afterward in the Sprigg Room (top level of the Mawson Building, The University of Adelaide) for further discussions, drinks and nibbles (until 7:30 pm).

Please note that this event will be COVID-19 dependant. All COVID-19 precautionary measures will be in place, with all government restrictions adhered to. Please see the South Australian Government COVID-19 website for the most up to date information.

The 8th International Workshop on Airborne Electromagnetics will be held at Fitzroy Island, Queensland Australia, in person between the 4th and 8th September 2023. Fitzroy Island is an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The island is a National Park, with walking trails, tropical plants and animals, and abundant marine life.

The Workshop will encompass advances in airborne electromagnetic systems, modelling and interpretation. Case studies covering geotechnical, mining, energy, groundwater and environmental applications will be presented. The event will be a platform to contribute, discuss and learn about airborne electromagnetics and provide a forum for in-depth conversations on the subject area with colleagues from Australia and worldwide.

A four-day program will feature speakers from academia, government and industry, with keynotes delivered by leading experts in their respective streams.

We look forward to welcoming you to the 8th International Airborne Electromagnetics Workshop.

Key Dates

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Joint SMEDG – ASEG night on the 28th July @ 1730. 

More detail to follow. 

Title: A completely different geophysical way to explore for sulphides. Heterodyne method - latest progress and field results

Presenter: Steve Collins

Registration to virtual component: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aLKzFUIwRt2-b_UgzSVwOA

A completely different geophysical way to explore for sulphides.

Heterodyne method - latest progress and field results.

Steve Collins (presenter), Bob White, Keith Leslie, Andrew Sloot

Abstract

How many ore deposits lie at relatively shallow depths but are invisible to geophysical methods, because they are submerged in graphitic black shales? How many thousand strike kilometres of graphitic black shale are prospective for base metal sulphide deposits? The heterodyne method addresses the problem of distinguishing sulphides from graphite.

As a retirement 'project' (aka hobby) our intrepid team of wrinkly geophysicists has been researching the possibility of using the semi-conducting properties of sulphide minerals to develop an electrical method of detecting subsurface sulphide deposits which does not respond to graphitic black shale. In the future, the method also has the potential for detecting poorly conducting lead zinc mineralisation such as Mississippi Valley style or Broken Hill which may otherwise be invisible.

This project, largely funded and supported by Fender Geophysics, follows up on work done by Bob White nearly half a century ago. The field operation of the method, superficially, looks like Induced Polarisation but is based on an entirely different physical property. If it can be shown to work, it is envisaged that field surveys using this technique will be incorporated into IP surveys as most of the logistics involved is identical. The method may also be amenable to airborne implementation since laboratory tests indicate that the frequencies at which it can operate extend into the range usually used in electromagnetic surveying.

Several field surveys have been run at Argent Minerals' Kempfield deposit and the latest of these strongly suggests that method works, - responding to sulphides but not to black shales. This work needs final verification but the authors of this talk feel that the Holy Grail is now within grasping distance.

The talk covers the history of development, and (in words of one syllable, where possible) the theory behind the method. The latest field results will be discussed together with plans for future work and further development.

Biographies

Steve Collins has a BSc in physics and an MSc in geophysics from Macquarie University. He has over 40 years experience as a mineral exploration geophysicist for multi-nationals and as a consultant. He has been a member of ASEG for 45 years and was on the organising committee of SMEDG for nearly two decades. He is an honourary life member of SMEDG and has been awarded the Lindsay Ingall award by the ASEG.

Bob White has an MSc degree in geology and geophysics from Macquarie University. He has more than 40 years experience as a practical mineral exploration geophysicist both as a company employee and as a consultant.

Keith Leslie currently multi tasks between his roles of CSIRO mentor, grandfather, dinghy sailor and collecting and analysing data for the non-linear sulphide project. He is also working at CSIRO with Clive Foss on characterising magnetic signatures of meteorites and some local objet d'art.

Andrew Sloot is a graduate of Macquarie University and is the owner of Fender Geophysics, a Sydney base geophysical contracting company. Fender is the engine under the bonnet of this project and provides financial, logistics and moral support. Andrew has been on the SMEDG committee since 2010 and also holds the ASEG Lindsay Ingall award.

Title: 3D geological modelling: a multi-source heterogeneous data integration tool to advance the knowledge of geological regions, mineral systems and groundwater resources. An example from NSW.

Presenter: Dr. Giovanni Spampinato

Date: 15 June, 2022

Time: 1800-1900

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qIybq1hzRq612TLzwTX-XQ

Overview:

The geological architecture and associated mineral resources in eastern Australia are largely obscured by post-Carboniferous sedimentary and volcanic cover. This poses serious challenges towards the understanding of the tectonic evolution of Phanerozoic Australia as well as the ability to find new resources undercover.

Over the past decade, 3D geological modelling has become a fundamental tool to better understand the architecture and unravel the mineral potential of buried terranes.

Recently, the Geological Survey of NSW has developed a series of interlocking 3D models of orogenic provinces, basins, major faults and thickness of post-Carboniferous cover across the state. Constraining datasets for the construction of the 3D models include surface geological mapping, geological cross-sections, well data, digital elevation models, seismic, gravity and magnetic data and 2D forward models. These synthetic 3D models consolidated the available geological datasets and refined the existing interpretations. The NSW 3D Models also establish a fundamental state-wide geological framework that will provide context for future 3D models and geological surveys.

3D modelling is now within everyone's reach. The fact that prospective rocks lie, for the most part, untested beneath cover creates a tremendous opportunity for better prediction and exploration strategies using the latest advances and technologies. The rapid development 3D geological modelling tools as well as increased computing power allow geologists to take a more robust, holistic scientific approach to geological investigation, mining exploration, project design and quantitative resource estimation.

Bio:

iovanni is an experienced geophysicist with project management background. His expertise includes processing and interpretation of geological and geophysical data, 3D modelling & inversion and large data management for mineral exploration, resource evaluation and targeting.

Giovanni completed a PhD at Monash University that contributed to a better understanding of plate architecture and evolution of the transition between Proterozoic Australia and the eastern margin of Gondwana, with a focus on the southern Mount Isa terrane and the central Thomson Orogen in Queensland.

Before joining CSIRO, Giovanni worked as a senior geoscientist and 3D modeler at the Geological Survey of NSW, building 2D and 3D geological and structural models of tectonic provinces, basins and sites of interest, and working with geologists to ground truth them in order to improve/update geological interpretations. He has worked at a range of scales, modelling shallow features in regolith, as well as deep crustal-scale features. His current role at CSIRO will contribute to create new knowledge and methods in the field of 3D geological modelling through an integrated approach, developing new technologies to mitigate 3D geological risk in resources management and support industry programs for Exploration Through Cover and Orebody Knowledge