b'Editors desk Editors deskThis post-conference issue of Preview features reflections on the second Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference (AEGC 2019), as well as details of the conference and exhibition awards, and the ASEG Honours and Awards. In addition, we feature the Space rocks on display at Geoscience Australia.All our usual commentators have also stepped up to the plate. David Denham (Canberra observed) reflects on the AEGC before reviewing the latest minerals and petroleum exploration investment figures. Michael Asten (Education matters) reports on the progress of current ASEG Research Foundation projects. Mike Hatch (Environmental geophysics) takes a look at Grace mapping of terrestrial water storage. Terry Harvey (Minerals geophysics) joins David Denham in reflecting on the AEGC that was. Mick Micenko (Seismic window) sounds off about Labours enquiry into seismic surveys. Tim Keeping (Data trends) reviews surveying withThe Editor in the Blue Nile Gorge, Ethiopia.drones, and Ian James (Webwaves) advises readers to adopt Essential 8 stepsas a priority by the World Bank in a 2014Speaking of Don Emerson, he is currently to protect themselves and their data. report on their Strategic assessmentputting the final touches on our As many of you already know, not longof the Ethiopian mineral sector and IChristmas treatan article on pyrite in after the AEGC I set sail for Ethiopiain aexpect that when that data does becomehis inimitable and unbeatable style. Be metaphorical sense of courseand I amavailable it will be of particular interest toprepared to settle back, relax and enjoy!writing this Editors desk on the shoresgold explorers and producers. As usual, our Christmas issue will also of Lake Tana (the source of the Blue Nile).Metallic minerals aside, I was surprisedfeature summaries of student research I would like to say that I have a gin andto learn that Ethiopia is hoping to rivalprojects in geophysics completed over tonic in hand, but unfortunately it wouldAustralia as a producer of opal. Opal wasthe past 12 months. All students who seem that there is a national shortage ofonly recently discovered, with the mosthave recently completed a thesis in tonic water. I have had to make do withimportant discoveries being made in thegeophysics in Australia are invited to the local beer, which is very good but notnorth Wollo Province in 2008 and 2013.submit a short summary (a couple of quite the same! Most of the opal mining is artisanal andparagraphs) together with a short bio Ethiopias mineral potential is stillthe opal is hosted in rhyolitic ignimbrite.(acouple of sentences) and a self-portrait poorly understood and whilst theThe most valuable opal has an orange,(preferably doing something geophysical) Ministry of Mines and Petroleum andyellow or reddish body colour and hasto previeweditor@aseg.org.au. As a the Geological Survey of Ethiopia arebeen described as precious fire opal. Ibonus, the best student photo will be keen to assist explorers, I have foundam hoping to bring some samples backselected for the cover.that there is a dearth of regionalto Australia for Don Emerson, but that geological, geochemical and,is proving to be a bit tricky becauseCheers!!particularly, geophysical data. TheEthiopian opal is often hydrophane and is collection of airborne geophysical datasometimes doctored by dye, smoke, andLisa Worrall over Proterozoic terrains that includesugar/acid treatments - difficult to pickPreview Editor prospective greenstone belts was seenwith naked eye in a dusty market place! previeweditor@aseg.org.auCall for summaries of student theses completed in 2019As you complete your thesis and plan your future, please ensure you provide a summary of your thesis to Preview (previeweditor@aseg.org.au). Every December Preview publishes summaries of student work completed in the preceding year (cf https://www.publish.csiro.au/pv/issue/9305). Not only is this a marvellous opportunity to publicise your work, it is also your chance to catch the eye some future employerin industry or government, national and internationally!1 PREVIEW OCTOBER 2019'