Workshops

Workshop Program

This Workshop Program is subject to change and is current as of 28 February 2023.

The 4th Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference 2023 workshops will be held on Monday 13 March, Tuesday 14 March, and Saturday 18 March 2023.

Please note there is a minimum number of attendees required for any of the workshops to run and if a particular workshop does not meet the minimum number, it will be cancelled.  You will be given the option to transfer your workshop registration to a different workshop or it will be refunded. 

 

Workshop Registrations 

New Delegates

Register for the Conference as well as add workshops to your registration in one form.

Non-Conference Delegates

Delegates who do not wish to attend the Conference and only the workshops. 

Delegates with Registration

Delegates who are registered for the Conference and wish to add workshops to their registration.  

Students with Registration

This registration form is for Students and Early Career Researchers only.

Workshop Information 

Monday, 13 March 2023 

Mineral Exploration Management. What are the priorities? (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  NJF Consulting Ltd

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers:  Nick Franey (NJF Consulting Ltd)

 Overview:

 4 sessions, as follows:

  1. Key areas of the mineral exploration business, management systems, documentation, exploration strategy;
  2. The 5 Ps and 3 key questions, day2day management issues (geology, geochem, geophyx, etc), drilling, advanced studies;
  3. Data management (geochem, maps & GIS, technical reports), HR (org. structure, performance management, staff training – for free), admin & finance;
  4. HSEC (information overload, where to draw the line, safety awareness, environmental baseline studies, comrel record keeping), exploration success factors

Who should attend:

New Exploration Managers – or those aspiring to become Exploration Managers. Or old hands who could do with a refresher!

Learning outcomes:

An overview of the Exploration Manager role – and what to focus on.

B-Field Technologies (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  Gap Geophysics Australia

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers:

Daniel Eremenco (Gap Geophysics Australia), Chris Parker (Gap Geophysics Australia), Mal Cattach (Gap Geophysics Australia), Dennis Woods (Discovery International Geophysics), Peter Fullagar (Fullagar Geophysics), James Reid (Mira Geoscience)

Speaker Organisation Presentation Title
Daniel Eremenco Gap Geophysics Australia Overview of B field systems and basic theory
Chris Parker Gap Geophysics Australia How to choose a system, field procedure
Mal Cattach Gap Geophysics Australia Case study 1 – Surveying in conductive cover Forrestania LF HeliSAM
Dennis Woods Discovery International Geophysics Case study 2 – Brabant Lake HeliSAM
Peter Fullagar Fullagar Geophysics VPEM3D
James Reid Mira Geoscience 3D MMC and TFEM inversion
Daniel Eremenco Gap Geophysics Australia Powering surveys, transmitter technologies
TBC   Case study 3 – Goldfields SAM surveys
Daniel Eremenco Gap Geophysics Australia Future of B field survey, in development

 

Overview:

  • How to distinguish between different B-Field systems, including how to decide on which is the best tool for the geological problem being solved.
  • Understand the technical considerations and limits of various B-Field technologies.
  • How to deploy these systems efficiently and in a cost-effective manner from a field or budgeting perspective.
  • Best practice data acquisition standards for quality control and accurate modeling of field data.
  • The impacts of a system-wide survey planning approach – including selection of appropriate transmitter source.

Who should attend:

Early or mid-career geoscientists, wishing to learn more about cutting-edge geophysical technologies.  Experienced geoscientists wishing to upskill in new methods.

Learning outcomes:

Best practice use of new geophysical B-field technologies. Comparisons between various sensors in the industry (such as Fluxgates, SQUIDs and SAMSON). In development pathways of new and more efficient deployments of these sensors, such as remote operation and miniaturisation (UAVs).

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 50 for this workshop.

Scaling MT acquisition, processing, interpretation, and people (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  AuScope

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speaker:  Graham Heinson (AuScope)

Speaker

Organisation

Presentation Title

Graham Heinson

AuScope

Next generation MT

TBC Graham

 

Scaling data acquisition

Lesley/Nigel

 

Scaling data

Nigel

 

Scaling processing

Janelle/Hoel/Stephan/Anand

 

Scaling software

TBC Kate Selway

 

Scaling people and capacity

 

Overview:

This workshop will familiarise attendees with the current capabilities for processing and modelling of magnetotelluric data on NCI’s high performance computing infrastructure. It will also facilitate discussion about the current and future state of all things magnetotelluric data, including acquisition, software, computing, and people.

Who should attend:

Geoscientists with an interest in magnetotelluric processing and modelling and/or high-performance computing. The workshop is suitable for students, researchers, government, and industry.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge of magnetotelluric workflows available through the NCI facility including how to use the different capabilities (interactive, Jupyter notebooks, MT software packages and libraries, and datasets available). Greater awareness of challenges and opportunities in the magnetotelluric space.

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 20 for this workshop.

Applied machine learning for geoscientists (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  Datarock Pty Ltd

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers

Rian Dutch, Tom Carmichael, Thomas Ostersen, Jack Maughan (Datarock Pty Ltd)

Speaker

Organisation

Presentation Title

Rian Dutch/Tom Carmichael

Datarock Pty Ltd

Introduction and Theory

Tom Carmichael

Datarock Pty Ltd

Unique Challenges faced by ML in geosciences

Thomas Ostersen/Jack Maughan

Datarock Pty Ltd

Case studies (Industry applications)

Tom Carmichael

Datarock Pty Ltd

How to do ML well, and what to avoid

Tom Carmichael/Rian Dutch

Datarock Pty Ltd

Case Studies (Exploration, OBK)

TBC

 

Case studies (Industry Partner)

Datarock

Datarock Pty Ltd

Case Studies (Computer vision)

Datarock

Datarock Pty Ltd

Practical with Orange Biolab

 

Overview:

This one-day workshop aims to leave you with the confidence to identify aspects of your or your teams’ geoscientific workflow that can be augmented by relevant ML technologies, while being more aware of common ML fallacies in the context of geoscience.

In addition to case studies provided by major industry partners in the Geoscience and Computer vision space, a hands on use of the Orange software package will provide a no-code introduction to the use of ML on mining specific datasets.

Who should attend:

Geoscientists and mining professionals who are:

  1. Interested in learning more about the use of ML in their subdiscipline.
  2. Already involved with processes involved in ML and want to best understand how to use and critique these models.
  3. Managers or senior staff who want to understand what problems ML is most suited to in the mining and exploration industry.

Learning outcomes:

  1. An introduction to what ML is, with a particular focus on its role in Mining and Exploration now and into the future.
  2. Current examples of ML being applied in the mining and exploration industry.
  3. The ability to use low/no code software to create an ML model using geoscientific data.
  4. The ability to prototype ML models in low/no code software for further investigation.

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 30 for this workshop.

Unlocking the Value of Structural Geology in Mining, Exploration & 3D Modelling Day 1 (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  SRK Consulting and Seequent 

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers:

Mark Rieuwers (SRK Consulting), Ben Jupp (SRK Consulting), Joel Vergunst (Seequent)

 

Speaker

Organisation

Presentation Title

Mark Rieuwers

SRK Consulting

Data Collection & Interpretation

Ben Jupp

SRK Consulting

Using Structural Data & 3D Modelling

Joel Vergunst

Seequent

Using Structural Data & 3D Modelling

 

Overview:

SRK and Seequent will host this structural geology and 3D modelling short course. In this two-day course, you will develop skills in structural data collection and interpretation through hands-on, practical exercises using drill core samples and structural data from real deposits.

You’ll learn how to integrate structural geology with 3D geological modelling and gain confidence in effective application of structural geology in greenfields and brownfields exploration and resource estimation.

DAY 1: Data Collection & Interpretation

  • The importance of structural geology to exploration and mining projects
  • Measuring and acquisition methodology in the field and using drill core
  • Effective QAQC of structural data
  • How to analyse, interpret and visualise structural data in stereographic nets and in 3D

 

DAY 2: Using Structural Data & 3D Modelling

  • Practical experience building 3D models in Leapfrog Geo
  • A better understanding of structure and deposit geology through 3D integration and modelling
  • How to interpret structural data to determine the controls for modelling mineralisation

Leapfrog Fundamentals Training or a sound background in Leapfrog modelling is highly recommended prior to attending this course.

A laptop with windows and the latest Leapfrog Geo software is essential for the duration of this course.

Who should attend:

Geologists interested to develop skills in structural data collection and interpretation through hands-on, practical exercises using drill core samples and structural data from real deposits.

Learning outcomes:

Geologists will learn how to integrate structural geology with 3D geological modelling and gain confidence in effective application of structural geology in greenfields and brownfields exploration and resource estimation.

Important note:

This is a 2 day workshop and numbers are limited to 16.

Tuesday, 14 March 2023

Exploration for Natural Hydrogen (Half day workshop)

Organisation:  2H Resources

Time:  0830 – 1230

Speakers:

Harvey Keon, Frank Glass, Avon Mctyre, Grant McMurtrie (2H Resources)

Speaker

Organisation

Presentation Title

Harvey Keon

2H Resources

From a basic generation model to the Mali example

Frank Glass

2H Resources

From the Mali example to opportunities in Australia

Avon Mctyre

2H Resources

Examples from the USA and other places in the world

Grant McMurtrie

2H Resources

How to generate value from Natural Hydrogen

 

Overview:

Hydrogen has been proven to occur naturally in the subsurface (Natural Hydrogen) in various places in the world and the exploration for Natural Hydrogen is a rapidly emerging industry. This workshop will allow the participants to learn about the current state of knowledge on generation mechanisms, the global Natural Hydrogen distribution, the methods of exploring for Natural Hydrogen and the options of developing (harvesting) the Natural Hydrogen. The workshop is sponsored by a newly formed Natural Hydrogen Association of Australia and is supported by its members.

Who should attend:

Anyone interested in Natural Hydrogen.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the workshop, participants should be fully knowledgeable in the opportunities Natural Hydrogen offers and how to explore for this resource.

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 50 for this workshop.

Back to the New Basics (Full day workshop)

Organisation: Intrepid Geophysics

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers:

Harvey Keon, Frank Glass, Avon Mctyre, Grant McMurtrie (Intrepid Geophysics)

Speaker

Presentation Title

Rainer Wackerle
Mike Morse

Uplifting Survey Data

Des Fitzgerald
Jeff Thurston

Feature Extraction *(Including Depth)

Seda Celebier Hard rock and soft rock, exploration Strategies
Rod Paterson Stochastic modelling and inversion using magnetics and geological constraints
Clive Foss Analysis and inversion of magnetic field data with expression of remanent magnetization
Ed Biegert Kill or Drill

 

Overview:

The workshop activities aim to update the more than 25 years old, all the comprehensive treatment of magnetic surveying practice as outlined in ASGO Journal ‘Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric Surveys Volume 17, Number 2, 1997. It will guide participants through the process of not only extracting the depth but also geological features and physical properties. Survey practice has evolved substantially, and we comment on the Australian Magnetic Survey legacy by state.

Methods include:

  • Magnetic Transects
  • Euler Deconvolution Improvements
  • Automatic Dyke Modelling to 3D Bodies
  • Cauchy Derivatives By Integration
  • Stabilized Downward Continuation
  • Detecting Remanence

Learning outcomes:

You will become updated on Magnetic methods for exploration, which have had many significant improvements. Learn how cutting the usual corners is no longer necessary due to improving computation capabilities. There will be a discussion about better uplifting and higher quality requirements for survey data and how signal processing is propelled towards embracing more appropriate physics for potential fields, away from previous simple approximations.

The practical workshop will show real case studies and forward models to demonstrate the extraction of geological sections from standard airborne magnetic datasets

Who should attend?

People who use magnetic survey data for green field exploration mapping and brownfields mapping around producing mines.

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 25 for this workshop.

Open source Geophysical Processing using Python and Geoscience ANALYST (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  Mira Geoscience

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers:

Kristofer Davis, Glenn Pears, Jean-Philippe Paiement (Mira Geoscience)

Overview:

This workshop will cover the use of Geoscience ANALYST to leverage Python-based open-source software for use with geological and geophysical data. Attendees will learn Geoscience ANALYST’s open format and how to write to it from Python. Attendees will learn how to write their own user interface (UI) to use seamlessly within Geoscience ANALYST Pro and be able to take advantage of other open-source Python software and present the results using the free viewer. In the end, participants will take home real-world python scripts that are integrated into Geoscience ANALYST for visualisation. The workshop is intended for geoscientists with beginner to intermediate skills in Python.

Who should attend:

Geophysics, geologists, and geoscientists interested in software innovations and advancements.

Learning outcomes:

Awareness of new software/applications for the mining industry.  How to use the Python API of 3D modelling software.  Note that the workshop is intended for geoscientists with beginner to intermediate skills in Python.

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 40 for this workshop.

Geological Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  Southern Geoscience Consultants

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers:

Dave Isles, Sharon Lowe, Yvonne Wallace, Teagan Blaikie (Southern Geoscience Consultants)

Overview:

  • The Spectrum of Aeromagnetic Applications
  • Basic Physics
  • Integration Methodology
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Interpretation
  • Case Histories from a Range of Terrains at a Range of Scales

Who should attend:

  • Project personnel involved in interpretation
  • Management responsible for cost-effective exploration
  • Geologists and geophysicists who want to better understand the utility of magnetic data in exploration

Learning outcomes:

  • Uses of aeromagnetics and case studies to illustrate integration of aeromagnetic-geology integration.
  • Principles and styles of aeromagnetic-geology integration.
  • Understanding of magnetisation in rocks, aeromagnetic “geological” anomalies, and a discussion of aeromagnetic effects in mineralised environments.
  • Planning surveys, data acquisition, processing, and enhancement including filtering and transformation of aeromagnetic data.
  • Understanding of modelling and inversion.

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 30 for this workshop.

Passive Seismic – a tool for early stage exploration (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  Sisprobe SAS

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers:

Dan Hollis (Sisprobe, Americas), Dr Richard Lynch (Sisprobe, Australia)

Speaker Organisation Presentation Title
Dan Hollis Sisprobe & University of Grenoble-Alpes, France Principles of Seismic Noise Interferometry: theory, Greens function reconstruction, sources of ambient noise, validation – examples from crustal seismology, surface wave tomography, monitoring methods, spatial & temporal & velocity resolution
Dr Richard Lynch Sisprobe, Australia Examples of ambient noise surface wave tomography for mineral exploration – cover mapping
Dr Richard Lynch Sisprobe, Australia Examples of ambient noise surface wave tomography for mineral exploration – massive ore bodies, structures
Dan Hollis Sisprobe & University of Grenoble-Alpes, France Examples of ambient noise interferometry monitoring: dam walls, landslides, etc.

 

Overview:

Ambient Noise Surface Wave Tomography (ANSWT) is a relatively new passive seismic method for mineral exploration that has been used on around 60 prospects worldwide over the past 5 years.  The relatively low cost and ease of sensor installation makes it an attractive early stage tool.  The output is a 3D seismic velocity model which can show the major units and/or structures if sufficient velocity contrast is present.  Sometimes the horizontal-to-vertical ratio (HVSR) is also useful to constrain and enhance the inversions. This workshop will give a short introduction to the theory of ambient noise interferometry and data processing, followed by examples on cover mapping, geological units, fault delineation as well as a few examples on geotechnical monitoring applications (TSF walls, slopes, etc).

Who should attend:

Exploration geophysicists and geologists.

Learning outcomes:

Understanding of the capabilities and limitations of passive seismic exploration methods, and where (and where not!) to apply them.

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 30 for this workshop

Unlocking the Value of Structural Geology in Mining, Exploration & 3D Modelling Day 2 (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  SRK Consulting and Seequent

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speakers:

Mark Rieuwers (SRK Consulting), Ben Jupp (SRK Consulting), Joel Vergunst (Seequent)

Speaker Organisation Presentation Title
Mark Rieuwers SRK Consulting Data Collection & Interpretation
Ben Jupp SRK Consulting Using Structural Data & 3D Modelling
Joel Vergunst Seequent Using Structural Data & 3D Modelling

 

Overview:

SRK and Seequent will host this structural geology and 3D modelling short course. In this two-day course, you will develop skills in structural data collection and interpretation through hands-on, practical exercises using drill core samples and structural data from real deposits.

You’ll learn how to integrate structural geology with 3D geological modelling and gain confidence in effective application of structural geology in greenfields and brownfields exploration and resource estimation.

DAY 1: Data Collection & Interpretation

  • The importance of structural geology to exploration and mining projects
  • Measuring and acquisition methodology in the field and using drill core
  • Effective QAQC of structural data
  • How to analyse, interpret and visualise structural data in stereographic nets and in 3D

DAY 2: Using Structural Data & 3D Modelling

  • Practical experience building 3D models in Leapfrog Geo
  • A better understanding of structure and deposit geology through 3D integration and modelling
  • How to interpret structural data to determine the controls for modelling mineralisation

Leapfrog Fundamentals Training or a sound background in Leapfrog modelling is highly recommended prior to attending this course.

A laptop with windows and the latest Leapfrog Geo software is essential for the duration of this course.

Who should attend:

Geologists interested to develop skills in structural data collection and interpretation through hands-on, practical exercises using drill core samples and structural data from real deposits.

Learning outcomes:

Geologists will learn how to integrate structural geology with 3D geological modelling and gain confidence in effective application of structural geology in greenfields and brownfields exploration and resource estimation.

Important note:

This is a 2 day workshop and numbers are limited to 16.

Saturday, 18 March 2023

AusGeochem: An Exploration Tool to Archive, Synthesise, Find and Extract Geochemistry Data (Full day workshop)

Organisation:  John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University

Time:  0830 – 1700

Speaker:  Bryant Ware (John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University)

Overview:

The goal of the workshop is to engage with the wider resource industry community about how the AusGeochem platform can facilitate better organisation, coordination and sharing of data produced by Australian geochemistry laboratories with the resource industry community.  Through hands on demonstrations industry collaborators will obtain experience with using the platform to search the area of interest for existing publicly available data, integrate their own datasets through an array of easy to use visualisation and analytic tools that include toggling between different map layers (gravity, magnetics, geology) and plotting data on the fly together with that public data, all directly within the AusGeochem platform.

The participants will learn the approach and what measures have been taken in constructing the AusGeochem platform for ease of use for not just data uploading and storage or promoting collaboration, but also in the research and exploration potential in FAIR open access geochemistry data. Demonstrations of how the ease of access to synthesised publicly funded geochemistry data, visualisation and statistical analysis capabilities set up a more informed inspection of existing geochemical data will allow users to target the best geochemical tool for their specific resource exploration needs. Furthermore, participants learn how once analytical data generation is underway, users will upload sample metadata to AusGeochem for laboratory staff performing the geochemical analyses to upload the finished data directly into the platform, simultaneously linking the analyses to the sample metadata. Collaborators from industry and academia are then provided secure and private access to the data to perform statistical analyses, use novel capabilities to visualise and synthesise data within the context of large volumes of aggregated publicly funded geochemical data.

Finally, the workshop will look at how the development of this novel data platform could kick off a new era of structured and standardised Big Data to interrogate intractably large geochemical datasets in new and powerful ways for exploration and a developing a greater understanding of the deposits of economic interest.

Who should attend:

As the foremost petroleum, mineral and water resource industry conference of the Oceania region with “many local and international delegates and organisations from across the spectrum of Australasian geosciences representing industry, government and academia” the AEGC attendees of the conference are the ideal audience we wish to reach. Due to AusGeochem platform still being within its first few years of launch, this workshop will introduce the Australasian geosciences industry, government and academia attendees to the AusGeochem platform and provide hands on experience in its usage. Participants will benefit from discussions around data transparency, big data synthesis, and inter-laboratory analytical comparisons ultimately actively contributing to bring about a cultural change in the geochemistry community towards data management.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the all day workshop, participants should be able to:

  1. Understand the drivers for improved sample and data management in geochemistry research within the FAIR principles and how that is also important for resource industry collaborators.
  2. Know where to find the resources to initiate and champion better data management practices at their host institution.
  3. Register samples and data in AusGeochem in both private and public mode, and how to privately share data with collaborators.
  4. Mint International GeoSample Numbers (IGSN) and download unique QR codes for labelling their samples.
  5. Use AusGeochem graphical analysis tools to compare their results with publicly available aggregated datasets.
Advances in Seismic Acquisition: Innovations, Resolution, and Sustainability Applications for Mining (Half day workshop)

Organisation:  Optiseis Solutions

Time:  0830 – 1230

Speakers:  Dr Mostafa Naghizadeh, Alyson Birce (Optiseis Solutions)

Overview:

As the discovery of near-surface mineral deposits is declining globally, it is becoming important to use high-resolution geophysical prospecting methods such as the reflection seismic method to detect economical deposits at greater depths. However, deploying large-scale seismic reflection surveys can be costly and may have a significant environmental impact including surface disturbances such as cut lines. Many new technologies have been developed to reduce the environmental impact of acquiring seismic surveys, but care must be taken to ensure the resulting seismic data has sufficient resolution at the targets for accurate resource evaluation.

This course will cover the basics of seismic reflection for mining as well as the following seismic acquisition topics: (1) advances in the miniaturization of seismic source and receiver equipment, (2) resolution considerations when designing lower footprint seismic surveys to ensure adequate trace density and (3) novel seismic acquisition geometries that can reduce land footprint, GHG emissions associated with seismic acquisition, and potentially costs while still maintaining data quality. Case studies highlighting full life-cycle seismic from acquisition through processing, interpretation, and inversion will be utilized to help students develop skillsets for evaluating and implementing new seismic acquisition methods.

Who should attend:

Geophysicists, Interpreters, and Processors interested in seismic acquisition; Seismic Acquisition Specialist and Seismic Operations Managers; anyone wanting to advance their knowledge of new seismic methods for mining.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge of new innovations for mining seismic acquisition.
  • Understanding seismic resolution as it applies to mining targets.
  • Ability to recommend lower environmental impact seismic acquisition designs.

Important note:

Numbers are limited to 24 for this workshop.