b'Minerals geophysics Minerals geophysicsexploration groups even undertook theirThe usage style I favour, as you might own airborne geophysics, but normallyexpect if youve read some of my this had to be entrusted to specialisedprevious pieces, is a bit of both. I see the contractors. geophysicists role as two-fold - a mix of In modern times things have changed.providing geophysical expertise at all Geophysical surveying has becomestages of the exploration process, and much more sophisticated. There areof generating appropriate geophysical specialised contractors out there withproducts to be used by geologists with the expertise and equipment thatgeophysical guidance.you just dont have. Also, the appetiteAnd are your geophysicists part of a for complete in-house explorationremote specialised section in head office capability has waned somewhat. Inor are they on-site as an integral part Terry Harveyfact, within the majors, the appetiteof the exploration team? Geophysical Associate Editor for exploration itself has waned. Somesurvey planning, and processing, for Minerals geophysicsmajors see purchase of advancedpresentation and interpretation of the terry.v.harvey@glencore.com.au projects, often from junior explorers,results can all be done remotely, with the as a better option than undertakingfinal products conveyed using modern the exploration themselves, keepingcommunication facilities. Do we really Geophysical advice only an overview team in-house toneed geophysicists on-site?vet opportunities and supervise theI think we do, certainly at critical points If youre in the mineral explorationtechnical aspects of joint ventures.in the exploration process. Im old business, how does geophysics functionAnd those majors who have retainedfashioned enough to believe that you in your organisation? Do you have yourin-house exploration teams prefer tocant beat face-to-face communication own dedicated geophysical group, dohave certain work contracted out ratherand interaction, particularly where an you rely entirely on external consultants,than retain a large group of specialists.interchange of ideas will enhance the or is it a mix, say in-house for routineCost control has become dominant andend result. Going one step further, Im geophysics and outside specialistsconfidentiality in methodology is nowhaving second thoughts about the for something out of the ordinary?more likely to be the preserve of theubiquitous use of presentation software And what about the geophysicalspecialised contractor or consultant. such as PowerPoint to convey ideas no surveys themselves? Do you undertakeIn junior exploration companies, thematter what the situation. Are these these yourself using in-house and/orcosts associated with having an in-housepresentations sometimes just too glossy rental equipment, do you always usegeophysicist may be prohibitive and theand glib with an emphasis on the graphics geophysical contractors, or is it a mix,work load doesnt justify it. The smallthemselves rather than the ideas behind perhaps determined by your in-houseteam size necessitates the use of externalthe graphics? Do the audience miss expertise and capabilities? geophysicists on an as needs basis.the finer points? Sometimes standing In the old days (1960s1980s), mostThere are now many very experiencedaround maps (yes, real paper maps), or major Australian and internationalgeophysical contractors and consultantsdrawing on a white board may be a more mining companies had a large in-housewithin the industry who provide exactlyappropriate way of getting ideas across exploration group, which incorporatedthese services. and having the team interact with the a substantial geophysical section oftenSo, if you have access to geophysicalspeaker and providing their own input.with the capacity to carry out routineexpertise within your organisation,So, the optimum exploration model may ground magnetics, gravity, radiometrics,how do you actually use it? Do thebe to have geophysicists embedded electromagnetics and IP-resistivitygeophysicists (in-house or external)within the operational team, interacting surveys using in-house personnel andconcentrate only on geophysics inwith the geologists on a daily basis at all even in-house equipment. In part thissplendid isolation, or are they therestages of the exploration process, and was a reflection of the paucity of locallymerely to generate products for theproviding both geophysical expertise experienced geophysical contractorsgeologists to use as they see fit?and products for the geologists to use (particularly in Australia in the early days),Geophysics done in isolation, no matterunder geophysical supervision. Where in part it was considered desirable fromhow technically brilliant, runs the riskthe team size or workload doesnt a cost advantage and quality controlof being out of touch with geologicalwarrant an in-house geophysicist, viewpoint and for timely access to crewsreality. Simply providing images andperhaps asking more of your geophysical and equipment, and in part it was ainversion models for geologists to use, noconsultant rather than the basic heres reflection of the need to keep perceivedmatter how well designed they are, runsthe problemdo what is necessary superiority in methodology confidentialthe risk of geophysical results being usedwould produce more interaction and for commercial advantage. Someinappropriately. lead to a better result.47 PREVIEW DECEMBER 2019'