b'AEGC 2021Keynote speaker abstractsAEGC 2021: Keynote speaker abstractsThe role of geophysics in supporting sustainability The 3D geology model is an essential product of geological analysis because it provides a complete spatial prediction of Andrea Rutleysubsurface geology from spatially sparse data. The amount of Anglo American Metallurgical Coaldigital data available to the geologist now well exceeds the andrea.rutley@angloamerican.com geologists capacity to use traditional manual interpretation Geophysics has had an enduring influence on society andmethods. Manual interpretation is too slow for large data has demonstrated its ability to grow and adapt to a variety ofsets and the results are often insufficiently consistent to be challenges. As a science, the term geophysics was first used inuseable in 3D modelling software. As a result, geologists are Germany in the mid 1800s. Since then, geophysics has been anow turning to mathematical, statistical and machine learning key contributor to society being applied in world wars, enduringtechniques to help interpret large or complex geological data commodity cycles and changing community expectationssets. Automated analysis allows the geologist to produce rapid, and has seen a rapid acceleration of technology. Geophysicsconsistent results. Geologists can experiment with different has been part of the sciences that attempt to unravel how weinterpretations by using their geological knowledge to select humans interact with the planet from water to energy, mineralappropriate data or modify parameters.resources, and natural hazard management. Unfortunately, most geologists lack adequate training in The current focus on sustainability is significantly impactingmathematics and computer science to be able to assess the the global mining industry. It is no longer an addendum to howvarious techniques available. Having a good understanding we operate, but it is the expectation that all global resourceof the strengths and weaknesses of various techniques can companies should be leading in sustainability. As geophysicists,provide the geologist with the confidence to make appropriate we are ideally placed to guide and support sustainable resourcechoices. I have spent many years experimenting with various exploration and environmental management. approaches to automating the interpretation of drill hole data and would like to share with you the insights I have gained In January 2016 the seventeen Sustainable Development Goalsalong the way. I will provide you with a geologists perspective (SDG) of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainableof various techniques and the types of data you require to make Development, adopted by world leaders in September 2015,these techniques work.officially came into force. It is the intent of the UN, that the SDGs provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for peopleThe role of the geoscientist in our sustainable futureand the planet, now and into the future.Marita Bradshaw There is recognition that the resource industry needs to addressGeoscience Australia the critical challenges of safety, productivity and the way inmaritabradshawgeologist@gmail.comwhich mining uses the land, energy, and water. With continued global population growth, the demand for energy, metals andThe United Nations (UN) Brundtland Commission (1987) defined minerals that make up the core components of products andsustainability as meeting the needs of the present without services essential for human progress, also grows. compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability has become the stated aim of many In 2018, Anglo American launched its global Sustainable Miningindustries and has been elaborated into the 17 UN Sustainable Plan, focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG)Development Goals (SDGs) with their 169 targets. However, challenges, to ultimately ensure we leave a much- reducedmany indicators of environmental health have deteriorated physical footprint. Aligned with the UNs SDGs, the plansover the life of the generation that has come of age in the three pillars of Healthy Environment, Thriving Communitiesintervening decades. Examination of the SDGs highlights and Trusted Corporate Leader map to ESG factors. The Plan isthe crucial role of the geoscientist in achieving these goals, designed to foster innovation and deliver step change resultsespecially the targets focused on water resources, energy across the entire mining value chain, from mineral discoveryservices, economic growth and climate change. For example, through to marketing. expansion of new energy and transport systems will rely on In an article in The Leading Edge, in January 2021, Maria Capello,exploration geologists and geophysicists finding new deposits Anna Shaughnessy and Emer Caslin presented the Geophysicalof metals including copper, nickel and lithium. Geoscientists Sustainability Atlas, which maps geophysics to the UN SDGs.are also needed to build a deep knowledge of the subsurface This mapping shows that geophysics has a key role to play into enable the management of groundwater and gas resources, adopting and furthering the outcomes of SDGs. Anglo Americanand to provide the option of long-term carbon storage. is leading in utilising the science and technology to achieveBut geoscience is said to be woefully underrepresented these by applying geophysics to understand mine footprints,in global sustainability discussions despite its vital role in water supplies and hazard delineation. understanding the operation of earth systems over both short and long timescales. This perspective is doubly important now that humanity is a significant geological agent in shaping Geology for the future: Geology = (numbers / algorithms)the Anthropocene, and geoengineering interventions areknowledge being mooted. Geoscientists work every day in the field, the laboratory, and the office to create a sustainable future, but June Hillwe also need to communicate our insights more effectively CSIROto decision makers and the public. The complex challenges June.Hill@csiro.au confronting us also demand stronger interdisciplinary links 57 PREVIEW AUGUST 2021'