CET Quarterly News

ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

The orogenic (and not so orogenic) gold deposits of the Agnew Gold Camp - Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia

Nicolas Thébaud – The Centre for Exploration Targeting

Introduction The Agnew Gold Camp sits in the southwest corner of the Agnew–Wiluna belt in the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane (Fig. 1), and consists of a moderately tightly folded greenstone belt, bounded to the West by the Waroonga Shear Zone. This shear zone is a 2 km wide zone of intense ductile dextral strike-slip deformation, separating the greenstones from a granite-gneiss terrane. The most widely accepted structural history for the region encompasses 4 principle deformation episodes, although recent studies have identified up to 12 local events. Regardless of the structural scheme proposed however, the bulk of the Agnew Gold Camp architecture appears to be related to a regional E-W contraction during the D2 event of Swager (1997). Folding during this event produced the Lawlers Antiform, which plunges 50-60° to the north and dominates the core of the Agnew Gold Camp. On the western limb of the antiform, the contact of the Agnew Camp greenstones with metasediments of the Scotty Creek formation is faulted along the NNE- trending Emu Shear zone (Fig. 1). This boundary is in close proximity to or even hosts the majority of known high-grade Au deposits – including the New Holland- Figure 1: Regional geology of the Agnew Gold Camp and surrounds. Genesis, Waroonga, Redeemer, Crusader and Songvang deposits. Mineralisation in these systems occurs in association with a wide range of alteration continued on page 4

Photo (top): An exploration drill rig on Lake Lefroy, south of Kambalda. This photograph is reproduced with the kind permission of BHP Billiton Mineral Exploration, from the Western Mining Corporation Holdings Limited 1990 Annual Report to Shareholders. CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

Become a CET Corporate or Contents Individual Associate Member The orogenic (and not so orogenic) gold deposits of the Agnew Gold Camp CET Members have access to locked members-only - Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia...... 1 documents on the Research Outcomes section of the CET website, www.cet.edu.au. These members-only From the Director...... 3 documents include: Colour Maps for Relief Shading...... 8 ƒƒ Copies of presentations and pre-publication Rosetta Stones and Rugged Men...... 11 release of research outcomes, Global komatiite sulfur dioxide gegassing, ƒƒ Quarterly CET Newsletters, and nickel-sulfide mineralisation and the irreversible ƒƒ Early access to non-proprietary research outcomes change of the late Archean atmosphere...... 14 and ideas in a user-friendly format. Allan Trench Addresses Women in Members also: Mining and Resources WA Seminar...... 15 ƒƒ Receive a 30% discount on CET delivered Training A Lithospheric Wonder...... 16 Courses and 20% discount on externally delivered courses run through the CET (one course per Success on a World Stage...... 16 individual membership, or an unlimited number of The Latest Word in Deep and Meaningful...... 17 courses and registrations for corporate members). CET-World Bank Transfer Pricing Report Released..... 17 Corporate Members also receive further benefits in: Upskilling in the Downturn...... 18 ƒƒ Becoming a preferred research partner; as Visiting Researchers...... 19 CET staff develop new concepts and tools to New Student Profiles...... 20 apply to mineral exploration, CET Members New Staff Profiles...... 20 will have the first opportunity to participate, ƒƒ Receiving prominent recognition on the In Conversation with Bryan Maybee...... 22 award-winning CET website, in the CET SEG Keystone...... 24 Annual Report, on the University of Western Doubling Up for Impact...... 24 Australia campus, and when CET attends CET Discovery Day 2015...... 25 international and national conferences, Greenland Day Cancellation...... 25 seminars, lectures and other public events. ƒƒ Obtaining preferred access to CET research SEG UWA Student Chapter Report 2014...... 26 staff and distinguished visiting researchers, Western Australian Projects and Research...... 27 ƒƒ Having opportunities to network with students Global Projects and Research...... 28 – potential future employees – through seminar West Africa Projects and Research...... 30 series and networking functions for Members, and CET Members...... 32 ƒƒ Receiving approval for use of the CET logo for appropriate purposes. Unlocking the Secrets of High Grade Ore Shoots... 34 CET Structure...... 35 For more information on how to become a Corporate or Individual Member please visit our website CET Members’ Day Programme...... 36 www.cet.edu.au or phone +61 6488 2636

Contact Information To comment on any of the issues discussed in this newsletter, or to submit an article for consideration, please contact the Editor, If you would like to find out more about the Centre Dr Geoff Batt – [email protected] for Exploration Targeting, its Corporate Membership programme, Applied Research opportunities or Training possibilities, please contact:

CENTRE FOR EXPLORATION TARGETING The University of Western Australia M006 • 35 Stirling Highway CRAWLEY WA 6009 T +61 8 6488 2667 F +61 8 6488 1178 E [email protected] W www.cet.edu.au CRICOS Provider Code 00126G

2 EDITORIAL

Innovation = Collaboration From the Director The recent market downturn has seen many companies experience significant losses of talent, yet those operators still face the challenge of needing to delineate future resources, As the industry downturn continues, many of our Corporate alongside maximising their return from the resources at hand. Members are under extreme pressure due to inability to Several companies have been talking with us about how to raise capital. As reported last month in the West Australian, innovate in this space…realising that they must do things 51 Australian minerals companies hold more than $10M in differently to improve on past industry performance. cash, 154 have $2M to $10M and more than 400 have less than $2M. At the same time, the Australian research sector is Companies approaching the CET – all operating in the same experiencing significant cuts in State and Federal funding, and global market – often face similar problems, and are willing to facing a fundamental restructure of the university sector. collaborate with the CET and other like-minded companies to leverage their investment in resolving the technical challenges The CET, as a research centre strongly engaged with industry, is they face, particularly in this part of the market cycle where affected on both sides by these external challenges. In response, every dollar counts. The CET is in a good position to recognise the Centre has strived to be countercyclical in its approach, these potential collaborative links, bring together research championing a number of innovative initiatives, and helping to teams to solve them – often further leveraging investment lead the national conversation in mineral exploration geoscience through state and government funding programs – and through strong engagement in the UNCOVER initiative. integrate the research programs and results with our company Those attending the CET Corporate Members’ Day (coinciding partners. with the release of this newsletter edition) will see the One such example is a new project we have under impressive range of projects that CET undertakes with industry development in Extending Mine Life and Targeting Quality and government partners – a diversity further highlighted by Resources – centred on understanding the formation and the geographic spread of CET activities – as represented location of high grade ore shoots. It is increasingly recognised in the maps on pages 27-31 – and the range of Members that the highest grade ore in many deposits develops in engaged with us. Despite the current market, CET Corporate specific, very short-lived pulses quite distinct from larger Member numbers have remained relatively steady at 57, and and longer-lived but much less-mineralised systems. What the introduction of individual Membership has seen industry controls the formation, location and geometry of this high figures not associated with mineral exploration companies or quality ore? How do we better map these high quality ore large service providers take up this opportunity to contribute to shoots through a mineralised system, and predict the location the dynamic intellectual environment of the CET. Engaging the of as yet undiscovered shoots? Understanding these systems experience, IP and vision of some of these industry leaders is could offer a game changing advantage in mine planning and a great outcome for our students, staff and research partners maximising the value of mineral deposits. The project seeks alike. to unlock a fundamental process-based understanding CET staff numbers, albeit with turnover, have been steady that will help us to understand empirical observations of at >55 staff and >30 PhD’s. A number of prestigious ore-shoot controls and to predict additional new mine visitors have also joined the CET on secondment from their targets. The CET is currently soliciting partners for this study home organisations, and a large number of new PhD’s are (as highlighted in the call on page 34), and interested parties commencing in 2015. should contact Associate Professor Steve Micklethwaite ([email protected]) for further information Appointment of a core CET Associate Professor in the on how to be involved. Department of Applied Geology at Curtin University is well under way, with an accompanying new postdoc position to I look forward to meeting you all at upcoming industry forums, be filled in early 2015. Both of these researchers will be leading in particular at the popular CET Discovery Day on February 24th activity in the timescales and geodynamics of mineral systems next year. within the CET – deepening the geoscience input of Curtin University to the CET alongside the important role already played by Curtin-based researchers in the Risk and Value theme. It is also pleasing to see the quality of our current staff recognised - with Professor Marco Fiorentini recently awarded a prestigious UWA Vice-Chancellor’s Mid-Career Researcher Professor T. Campbell McCuaig Award. Director, CET

Production of high grade ore shoots requires concentrated flux of mineralising fluids through a restricted volume of rock. Such conditions are probably easiest to attain in a system dominated by spatially or temporally restricted flow. For periods where such self-organising criticality is absent, fertile ore fluids may still see metallic endowment deposited in the sink rocks, but the dispersal of the mineralisation results in a reduced tenor and consequently lower value to the mineral system.

www.cet.edu.au 3 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014 continued from page 1 styles, with magnetite-rich quartz and sulphide poor Au Redeemer Basalt, and Vivien Dolerite. Interflow sediments mineralisation at Crusader, a gold and silver rich system with located above the Agnew Komatiitic unit, but below the Vivien biotite-fluorite-amphibole-chalcopyrite in Songvang, and Dolerite, returned a maximum deposition age of 2692±3 quartz-arsenopyrite-pyrite-biotite-amphibole assemblages Ma, suggesting the lower package is broadly coeval to the in the New Holland-Genesis, Waroonga and Redeemer Kalgoorlie stratigraphic sequence. deposits. Understanding the nature of this complexity is This sequence is unconformably overlain by the Scotty Creek critical to unlocking the exploration model of the Agnew Gold sedimentary formation. This is dominated by cross-bedded Camp – does this variety reflect complex variability within a quartzo-feldspathic sandstone, with a basal polymictic single mineralisation event, or distinct diachronous stages of pebbly conglomerate of komatiite, basalt, and tonalite clasts possibly unrelated gold mineralisation? – locally termed the Mine Conglomerate Sequence. Coarse Here we explore this question through field based structural sandstone beds from the main Scotty Creek sequence near investigation of the various deposits within this camp, with the the New Holland-Genesis deposit host detrital zircons limiting overall objective of defining a revised structural framework for maximum depositional age to 2664±5 Ma, with inherited the mineralisation. zircon SHRIMP U-Pb age peaks of 2.70 to 2.69 Ga and 2.82 to 2.81 Ga. Granitoids, including the 2680 ± 17 Ma “Lawlers tonalite”, intrude the hinge of the Lawlers antiform, and are Regional geology themselves intruded by later c. 2665±4 Ma monzogranite and leucogranite suites. The Waroonga gneiss, separated from The lower lithostratigraphic unit at the base of the the Scotty Creek sediments by the Waroonga Shear Zone, is supracrustal sequence within the Agnew Domain comprises mainly tonalitic in composition and is intruded by 2655±4 Ma a 5 km thick package of mafic-ultramafic volcanics and titanite–biotite granodiorite. intrusive sills, with minor interflow sedimentary units. This igneous package has been subdivided – from oldest to youngest – into the Lawlers Basalt, Agnew Komatiite,

A B

Songvang Tonalite

Enlarged in panel B Mafic Volcanics Mafic Volcanics Structural measurements from the Songvang deposit C

Figure 2: Characteristics of the Songvang deposit. (A) Pit wall – principal mineralisation is controlled by bounding structures juxtaposing the Songvang Tonalite against footwall mafic volcanics. (B) Sub-horizontal stretching lineations consistent with strike-slip shear during mineralisation. (C) Equal area stereonet displaying structural features measured at Songvang. Foliations plotted as great circles, with stretching lineations plotted as red points. Principal lodes plunge along the intersection lineation between the two planar structure sets, parallel to the stretching lineation.

4 ARTICLES

Structural Framework to Mineralisation Waroonga Songvang Deposit The Waroonga deposit lies directly to the west of the old Agnew town-site, on the western limb of the Lawlers Songvang is the southernmost deposit of the Agnew Antiform. Mineralised rocks at Waroonga occur in three Gold Camp, located at the contact between a granitic- distinct ore shoots – termed the Main Lode, Kim Lode, tonalitic pluton and the basaltic supracrustal cover (Fig. 1). and Rajah Lode, respectively – located at or near the Mineralisation is locally controlled by two main shear zones, contact between the Scotty Creek Sediments and the Mine both of which are localised on and partially crosscut the Conglomerate Sequence and diping ~60° to the WNW. margins of the tonalitic intrusion. The larger structure is well Two distinct phases of mineralisation are apparent within exposed along the western wall of the Songvang open pit, the lodes. Early quartz-hosted mineralisation formed at the with the second, less prominent structure lying to the eastern intersection of the sandstone-conglomerate stratigraphic side of excavations. The western shear zone dips steeply contact and north trending sinistral-normal shear zones, eastward, while the eastern dips 30-40° to the west – with creating the northerly plunge (~50°N) of the Kim and Main the two converging at depth. Sub-horizontal stretching Lodes. This early mineralisation is characterised by variably lineations demonstrate dominant strike-slip shear, although deformed laminated quartz veins and breccia developed locally preserved indicators of earlier reverse movement may under conditions of NW-SE shortening. suggest a prolonged and complex history of reactivation. Cryptic kinematic indicators on the eastern shear zone A discrete phase of later mineralisation comprising relatively indicate dextral shearing and ENE-WSW shortening. undeformed flat tension veins locally forming en-echelon vein- sets clearly overprints the early quartz lodes. Shallow dipping Songvang mineralisation sits within the strongly sheared mafic conjugate mineralised vein-sets demonstrate reverse-dextral and tonalitic rocks and is associated with enrichment in Ag, shearing under conditions of ENE-WSW shortening at the Cu, W, As, Sn and Bi. The ore mineral assemblage consists time of mineralisation. of biotite-quartz-chlorite-actinolite-carbonate-titanite-fluorite- pyrite-chalcopyrite. Gold related alteration displays a strong Both early and late mineralisation stages at Waroonga are preferential orientation suggesting mineralisation developed characterised by quartz-calcite-actinolite-biotite-sulphides during dextral shear. U-Pb dating of hydrothermal titanites – with arsenopyrite dominant over chalcopyrite and galena, from the deposit returned an age of 2662±7 Ma. and associated with enrichment in Ag, As, W, Sn and Bi. The common alteration assemblage suggests an intimate relationship between the two phases of mineralisation, Crusader despite their kinematic distinction. Obliteration of all early fabrics by the gold-hosting alteration assemblage suggests The Crusader Complex occurs at the contact between the mineralisation developed syn- to late-deformation. Lawlers Basalt and Agnew Ultramafics (Fig. 1). This contact dips variably from 70° W to steeply E. The main planar fabric is well preserved in the mafic unit and strikes N-S, dipping New Holland-Genesis 80° to the W. Elongated amphiboles in the mafic unit define a prominent mineral lineation plunging shallowly (~25°) to The New Holland-Genesis deposit is hosted in the Scotty the north. Ore shoots in the Crusader system form narrow Creek sandstone, directly west of the Waroonga deposit (Fig. oblique pipe-like bodies parallel to the shallow north plunge 1). New Holland-Genesis lies within a coarse sandstone unit of parasitic folds, the mineral lineation, and the stratigraphic- that fines gradually upwards, and is in sharp contact with fine- axial planar cleavage intersection, with mineralisation grained siltstone on the eastern footwall of the Emu Shear interpreted to have occurred during the onset of the Lawlers Zone. As at Waroonga, detailed mapping demonstrates Antiform deformation, with lode geometry controlled two phases of mineralisation. The first is associated with by parasitic folding developed under local ENE-WSW N-trending sinistral normal shear under NW-SE shortening. shortening. Au mineralisation within the system is associated Boudinage of early-mineralised veins suggests early to mid- with an unusual amphibole-magnetite-epidote-dominated deformation emplacement. The second – and dominant hydrothermal alteration assemblage, and is variably correlated – mineralisation event is characterised by well-developed with scheelite, Bi-tellurides and minor chalcopyrite. conjugate sets of en-echelon veins and thrusts produced under conditions of ENE-WSW shortening. The coarser A set of late- to post-mineralisation shear zones transects the sandstone lenses within the host package exert a strong foliation and the stratigraphic contact. Dipping steeply to the rheological control on vein development, with kinematic east, these shear zones host coarse decussate amphibole analysis pointing to dominant dextral-reverse movement. that obliterates the structural fabric, making it difficult to These later veins remain little deformed – in contrast to the establish the associated kinematics. Local pull-apart quartz early endowment – demonstrating the temporal distinction veins and locally preserved S-C fabrics, however, are between the two episodes. As at Waroonga, however, both consistent with an oblique normal-sinistral sense of shearing mineralisation stages display a common alteration mineral linked to NW-SE shortening. assemblage, consisting here of quartz-calcite-actinolite- biotite-albite and sulphides, with arsenopyrite dominant over chalcopyrite and galena.

www.cet.edu.au 5 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

A

B N Main mineralisation event Late stage veining Laminated veining and breccia and mineralisation

Quartz-chlorite-carbonate+/-pyrrhotite veining related to late brittle faulting

Figure 3: Characteristics of the major Waroonga lode mineralisation. (A) Mineralisation in Kim Lode, Waroonga. Volumetrically dominant early laminated veins and breccia cut from top centre to bottom left of the image, and are cut by later flat-lying veins. (B) Equal area stereonet projection displaying poles to mineralised vein orientations measured at Waroonga.

Discussion than typical “orogenic-style” Au mineralisation - and recent δ18O and δ13C measurements acquired on Songvang are Gold mineralisation developed in the Agnew Gold Camp consistent with a magmatic fluid origin (Fisher et al. 2011). during formation of the Lawlers Antiform. Mineralisation At Songvang, U-Pb dating of hydrothermal titanites returned occurred during two kinematically distinct events. Early an age of 2662±7 Ma, coeval with the emplacement of relative timing and ductile character of mineralisation in monzogranite and leucogranite plutons at c. 2665 Ma, the Songvang and Crusader deposits demonstrates their supporting the argued association between mineralisation development during an early stage of the folding of the belt. and magmatism. Songvang has developed along a conjugate-set of N-trending shear zones accommodating the folding, while Crusader In contrast to this initial stage of mineralisation both the formed in response to interaction between the axial planar Waroonga and New Holland-Genesis systems appear cleavage and the flexural slip of the mafic-ultramafic contact. to have developed during a second, later, mineralisation Atypical mineral assemblages documented in both Songvang event. This later episode occurred during a later stage of and Crusader have been suggested as representing possible the Lawlers Antiform development, and is associated with felsic intrusive-related hydrothermal mineralisation, rather more brittle deformation, exhibiting characteristics typical

6 ARTICLES of vein hosted orogenic lode gold deposits. This second mineralisation event is clearly sub-divided into two episodes AUTHOR INFORMATION with distinctive kinematics, but homogeneity of associated After completing his Ph.D. in structural geology, Nico alteration mineral assemblage demonstrates a consistent worked for Mercator Gold Australia before joining the fluid source throughout both episodes, which may suggest CET in 2007. As his experience and highly regarded a close temporal association. Stage one of this event is Yilgarn gold research programme have grown over characterised by development of oblique sinistral shearing, the ensuing 6 years, Nico has progressively taken on axial planar to the main fold geometry and compatible greater responsibility within the Centre, and is currently with NW-SE local compression. Intersection of the faults research leader of the CET Gold Theme. active during this phase with local stratigraphy provided the required permeability for mineralising fluids to access the system. This was followed by a rotation of the local stress field or “stress switch” to ENE-WSW contraction, which Acknowledgements generated en-echelon vein sets and oblique reverse thrusts. Financial support for this study was provided by Goldfields Geochronological constraints from the nearby Redeemer Agnew Mine, and the author would like to acknowledge Ian deposit, which presents some structural similarity to the Pegg, Peter Johansen, Steve Woods, Janet Tunjic, Marco Waroonga system, return an age of 2636±8 Ma (Re-Os on Licht for their ongoing assistance and input to this study. Molybdenite (Colgan writ. comm. (2002)). Barrick Gold, and in particular Susan Murray, are thanked for providing site access to the New Holland-Genesis mine.

Conclusion Mineralisation in the Agnew Gold Camp took place during Further Information two distinct events tied to the late tectonic evolution of the For further information on this research programme, Yilgarn Craton. The initial event presents the characteristics and a list of cited references, contact the lead author at of magmatic intrusion-related mineralisation, whereas the [email protected] second is akin to typical orogenic-type gold mineralisation. Temporal overlap between gold mineralization and granitoid emplacement has been widely recognised in Archean terranes. The multiple gold mineralizing events distinguished in this detailed study of the Agnew Camp open the potential for similar complexity of behaviour across the wider Yilgarn Craton. Although it may be virtually impossible to separate orogenic and magmatic processes in many instances because they overlap in space and time, the recognition and characterisation of the various distinctive mineralisation styles encountered in the Agnew Gold Camp provides further evidence for the cumulative development of endowment in major gold camps. This progressive mineralisation history demonstrates the superimposition of multiple discrete episodes of mineralisation in structurally favourable sites during the late geodynamic evolution of the terrane architecture. Early development of intrusion-related deposits at mid-crustal level illustrates the importance of magmatism during the onset of the regional contraction and prior to the widespread development of syn- to late-orogenic gold deposits. Understanding of these processes, and documentation of the associated architecture, is not only fundamental for the overall appreciation of gold formation in Archean terrane but also for the delineation of future exploration strategies.

www.cet.edu.au 7 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014 Colour Maps for Relief Shading Optimising the presentation of spatial datasets

Peter Kovesi - The Centre for Exploration Targeting An isoluminant colour map – one formed from colours of constant lightness – is very poor at representing structures in the data (Fig. 1). When an image rendered with such an isoluminant map is combined with a shading pattern where the colour gradients are not aligned with the shading gradients, however, then we can produce an amplification of the 3D shading perception. On the other hand, if a shading pattern is rendered with a colour map with significant lightness gradients, those variations in colour intensity can themselves create an implicit shading effect that can interfere with and disrupt the appearance of 3D structure induced by the original shading pattern – leading to poor visualization potential. Looking at the lower-right panel of Fig. 2, notice how the diagonal shading bands are no longer uniform in their darkness, and this confusion in shading pattern is further compounded where the darker blue regions lie alongside the Figure 1: A grey scale colour map (A) and a constant lightness map shading bands. Compare this to the image in the top-right (B). Both are rendered on a test image consisting of a sine wave superimposed on a ramp function. The sine wave amplitude is panel of the figure and note how the shading has been left progressively reduced to zero towards the bottom of the test image. untouched by the colouring. Notice how the sine wave pattern is almost imperceptible when rendered with the isoluminant colour map. In this example the shading pattern is applied to the colour image multiplicatively. To achieve the perception of a coloured surface being shaded, the luminance of the colours needs Relief shading can be a very effective way of presenting to be modulated by the relief shading. This differs from some spatial datasets. By treating the data as if it is a 3D surface GIS implementations where it is only possible to combine and generating shading corresponding to the surface being a shading image with a colour image via a transparency ‘illuminated’ from some direction, we can use the eye’s innate blending of the two images – a weighted sum. This is an ability to interpret shading patterns to invoke a perception of inefficient mechanism to use, as it will not result in any 3D morphology. However, while interpretation of the ‘form’ amplification of the perception of 3D. of data is enhanced, any sense of the actual data values is diminished because shading only depends on the surface This example is something of a special case because the gradient. This can be remedied to some degree by adding spatial frequency of the colour lightness variations is close colour to convey the value information that is lost in relief to that of the relief shading variations, thereby maximizing shading. Such use of colour in conjunction with relief shading their potential interference. While interesting, this synthetic can also enhance the perception of shape induced by the example is also atypical in that the shading pattern only has shading. However, if colour is mis-used it is also potentially a single frequency component. Most data sets derived from destructive of the visualisation benefits of relief shading. natural systems have an amplitude spectrum that decays inversely proportional to the frequency raised to some power. That is, the amplitude spectrum is roughly proportional to 1⁄fp

Figure 2: When a shading pattern is combined with an isoluminant image with colour gradients that are not aligned with the shading gradients an amplified 3D perception of the structure is obtained (top right). Combining a shading pattern with an image having strong lightness variations can disrupt the perception of 3D structure (bottom right).

8 ARTICLES where p typically ranges between 1 and 2. If the relief shading Fig. 4 presents a comparison of relief shading overlain by the pattern has a more distributed frequency spectrum of this original DEM data values rendered in an isoluminant colour form, the colour-shading interaction effects seen in this simple map, a low contrast colour map, and a grey scale map. What sinusoidal shading pattern are not generally so strongly is quite surprising is that even for the grey scale case there is reproduced. little disruption of the relief shading pattern and, in addition, the highest and lowest regions in the surface can still be Empirically then, our work shows that as long as the image identified. At the same time, however, none of the potential is not closely matched to the frequency spectrum of the 3D perception amplification benefits of using colour – as relief shading with which it is combined, there is generally no seen for the simple sine wave shading example above – are need to employ an isoluminant colour map – especially if the apparent in the image. It would appear then that once the image is predominantly of lower frequencies than the relief relief shading pattern is, in some sense, rich enough, the shading. The results presented here would indicate that the addition of colour makes little difference. common practice of draping a colour image over the relief shading of the dataset from which it is derived is largely valid, As mentioned earlier an important advantage of combining and unlikely to create any perceptual problems. Forming a relief shading with an image that has been derived from the relief image from a data set is akin to taking a derivative of data is that it enhances communication of the overall data the surface – in effect amplifying the spectral content of the properties – metric information – in addition to the form and image as a function of frequency. Thus the original data will structure provided by the shading. A raw grey scale relief typically have a stronger low frequency content than the relief image conveys only a sense of the local surface normal shading image. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the DEM information, offering no insight into absolute data values. If amplitude spectrum falls away at approximately 1⁄f1.7 whereas the data range is very large this can be useful as the relief the amplitude spectrum of the raw relief shading falls away shading acts as a form of dynamic range reduction allowing at approximately 1⁄f1.2. This difference appears to be more small scale features to be enhanced within an arbitrarily large than sufficient to avoid adverse interaction between the two. range of data values. However, in other cases the loss of Another reason for expecting little interaction is that the image any sense of absolute data value can be a disadvantage. gradient values (and hence shading values) are generally Overlaying an image derived from the data values overcomes independent of the image data values themselves. this problem – allowing the best of both worlds.

6 10 DEM

5 10

4 Slope = −1.69 10

Relief Shading 3 10 log amplitude Slope = −1.21

2 10

1 10 −2 −1 0 10 10 10 log frequency

Figure 3: A DEM, a relief shading of the DEM, and a log-log plot of the amplitude spectra of the DEM and its relief shading image. The lines of best fit, from which the slopes are derived, are plotted in red.

Figure 4: Relief shading combined with images of the original DEM data rendered with an isoluminant colour map, a low contrast green-brown- white colour map and a grey scale colour map. www.cet.edu.au 9 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

Figure 5: Relief shading of residual gravity data of West Africa and the relief shading combined with a diverging colour map image. Note the use of a light colour map to compensate for the darkening induced by the shading.

Figure 6: Residual gravity data rendered with a diverging colour map (left) and with a linear- diverging map (right). Note that a standard diverging colour map has a perceptual dead spot in the middle that makes resolving features at the mid point difficult. This is why structures in the white regions of the left image are hard to resolve. This problem is avoided using a linear-diverging map because the lightness values of the colours in the map increase in a linear fashion.

Using a residual gravity image of West Africa as an example For more information about the CET Perceptually Uniform (Fig. 6) we can see that a relief shaded image allows small Colour Maps project visit: http://www.cet.edu.au/ scale structures to be identified readily – but it is hard to get a research-projects/geophysics-and-image-analysis/ sense of the magnitude of the deviation of features above and projects/colour-maps-with-uniform-perceptual- below zero. Combining the relief shading with an image of contrast the data rendered via a diverging colour map allows the fine structures to be seen in conjunction with the magnitude and AUTHOR INFORMATION polarity of the data values. Professor Kovesi is a member of the Geophysics and Summary Image Analysis Group within CET. His research interests Relief shading combined with a coloured image, even a grey are focused in low-level computer vision, with much of his scale image, can be a very useful way to present data. If recent work concentrated on using local phase information the frequency content of the coloured image is significantly in images for feature detection, symmetry/asymmetry different from that of the relief shading then no particular analysis, texture analysis, and feature matching. Some precautions are needed with the colour map, other than of these techniques have been commercialised through ensuring it does not have any particularly dark colours that the CET Grid Analysis and the CET Porphyry Detection could mask the shading altogether. As a general guide it is extensions for Geosoft Oasis Montaj. probably wise to use a low contrast colour map to minimise Peter also has research interests in photogrammetry any such potential disruption to the shading pattern. and 3D reconstruction, forensic image processing and However, if the data from which the relief shading is being biometrics. generated from is smooth and/or has a limited spatial frequency content then it becomes important that an Further Reading isoluminant, or very low contrast, colour map is used. If the image being combined with the relief shading is derived from Bak, P., Tang, C., and Wiesenfeld, K., 1987, Self-organized another source – perhaps when combining magnetic and criticality: An explanation of the 1/f noise. Physical Review gravity data, for example – then one should also be mindful Letters, 59: 381-384. that the frequency content of the two images may interfere. Field, D., 1987, Relations between the statistics of natural Should this be the case then, again, an isoluminant colour images and the response profiles of cortical cells. Journal of map should be used. the Optical Society of America A, 4: 2379-2394. Kingdom, F. A., 2003, Color brings relief to human vision. Nature Neuroscience, 6: 641-644. 10 ARTICLES Rosetta Stones and Rugged Men A Geological Parable Geoff Batt - The Centre for Exploration Targeting

There are all kinds of arguments to be made about the Imperial history that saw Britain amass the huge treasure trove housed today in the British Museum, and whether ‘finders keepers’ should actually be a valid point of international law. Unarguably though, this is one of the most glorious and inspiring concentrations of culturally significant historical objects in the world. And amongst all this splendour, the most visited antiquity is not some golden treasure or grand architectural marvel – but a relatively humble slab of rock – the Rosetta Stone. This artifact has been displayed behind protective glass since 2000, but when I first visited the museum in the wilder (or perhaps more naive) days of the previous century, the stone was tantalisingly exposed to the world, lying in a steel cradle where I could have reached out to gently touch its ancient surface. The stone itself is a slab of fairly fine grained dark granodiorite, a broken fragment of a previously larger tablet inscribed with a decree issued on behalf of Ptolemy V in 196 BC, commemorating his ascension to the Egyptian throne and proclaiming his divinity. Both the simple elegance of the stone and the content of the inscription though are pretty much run-of-the-mill absolute ruler of the ancient world stuff – they certainly don’t explain why this artifact is so inspirational and universally recognised (and consequently – human nature being what it is – was also the subject of a long running trademark dispute – recently settled – between Google and the software company Rosetta Stone Ltd). No. The Rosetta Stone has entered our lexicon as the The Rosetta Stone – prize exhibit of the British Museum…and ultimate cypher – the key to breaking the deepest of codes – extended scientific metaphor. Image copyright of Hans Hillewaert, and reviving a dead language. reproduced here under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License. The Ancient Egyptians were a famously literate society. We’re not talking the mass literacy of the modern world of course, with only around 1% of the population – at a generous (and returning to our opening discussion of the British estimate – able to read and write. This is a rate put to shame Museum, often exporting) the mysteries of the world, this by even modern laggard states like Burkina Faso, where treasured store of information was locked away – hidden, literacy extends to 21.8% of the population – the lowest rate denied to the hopeful scholars – behind the apparently in the world by current UN reckoning. Egypt’s 1% though impenetrable barrier of lost language – with understanding of stand out in the mists of history for having produced, among both hieroglyphic (the famed pictographic writing of Pharonic other milestones in the development of civilization, one of the tombs and Hollywood blockbusters) and the simpler demotic earliest true traditions of narrative literature, recorded in an version of Ancient Egyptian erased by the shifting sands of array of letters, poems, and commemorative autobiographical time. texts celebrating the careers of prominent officials. Above and Where the Rosetta Stone enters the picture is that it’s beyond these temple walls and epic monumental writings of pedestrian message of glory and Ptolemaic divine rule is storied fame though, the Egyptians left a record of the day to inscribed not once, but three times in different languages – day function of their highly ordered society – of harvests and those two lost Egyptian scripts, and, crucially, the very much recipes, contracts and legal disputes – on papyri and tablets alive (at least for upper class educated Europeans of the 19th that, crucially, have stood up to the ravages of time in the hot century who had been to the right schools) ancient Greek – dry climate of the Nile valley and its surrounding deserts to for which we can thank the fact that the Ptolemaic dynasty preserve a historical record of the ancient world unique in its was actually founded by Macedonian general Ptolemy Soter depth and completeness. in the carve-up of Alexander the Great’s empire in 323BC. The important element for our story though is that when Even in its broken state (none of the three versions of the first re-discovered by the explorers and enquirers of an inscription is complete), this combination provided a starter’s enlightened Europe intent on understanding and controlling kit for the eventual translation of the previously lost Egyptian www.cet.edu.au 11 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014 languages. The Rosetta Stone, in essence, provided a single Stones? To give away the ending here, the smart money is example of spectacular clarity that made sense of a much on “anywhere and everywhere”…but the interesting thing larger array of other information, unlocking that vast catalogue from my point of view as an educator and scientist is that this of previously indecipherable records. measured insight is often very difficult to impart. Rather, there is a persistent belief that the importance of an outcrop is (or The concept of a cypher along these lines – an example of at least, with a plaintive appeal to some sort of cosmic justice, disproportionate significance and worth – is not uncommon in should be) in inverse proportion to the ease with which it can observational science. We often look to sites and specimens be accessed. where relationships or natural processes seem expressed with unusual clarity or simplicity in order to illustrate our ideas Release a group of students into the wild on a mapping or to use as the basis of discussion. exercise – especially, it should be said, young male students, and their first reaction usually isn’t to sit down and plan an This is not a new idea – indeed, it’s as old as the science efficient programme of work. It’s to decamp to the highest, of Geology itself. James Hutton – the 18th century Scottish most rugged, least accessible area of the field. polymath who surely boasts a claim as strong as any to be the intellectual father of this field – didn’t try to explain his At the heart of this challenge lies some pretty fundamental theories on the dynamics of the world by picking up the human psychology. We love stories – and whatever we might nearest pebble. On the contrary – he was renowned for tell ourselves, we spend much of our lives with an ear half taking friends and dignitaries on field trips to view exceptional tuned to an internal narrative of how our actions stack up. “I exposures he had located that seemed to present particularly had to ford the river in spate, vanquish the dragon, then climb clear examples of the phenomena he was discussing. His to the highest room in the tallest tower” is just more appealing Rosetta Stones. than “well, I just poked about under the bush and there it was.” Even today, we look to such unusual examples where the complexity and vagaries of natural history seem momentarily Which leads me to the rugged man maxim – an empirical brushed aside to reveal unambiguous evidence of a physical law derived from observation of generations of young Earth process in action. If I had a dollar for every grant proposal Science students in action. In its purest form, this represents I’ve been asked to review that promised one area or another a belief that the most important outcrop in a district – the would represent an ‘ideal natural laboratory’ in which to most informative, the most significant to unravelling the investigate some geological phenomenon…well, it might not ambiguous twists and turns of geological history – will be allow me to retire comfortably to the south of France, but I found at its pole of inaccessibility: the hardest point to reach. could probably endow a small academic prize – perhaps in There is an important coda to this as well – to the effect that If original science writing avoiding the use of meaningless and possible, it should also be raining when you discover it. hackneyed phrases? Besides giving rise to a host of sore and sun-burnt students The corollary to the importance of such examples though is though, does the Rugged Man Maxim stack up when the critical question – where should we look for our Rosetta it comes to results? All those trips I took to Andalucian

Geology students – here in the hills surrounding Almeria in southern Spain – exhibiting their natural tendency to climb en masse to the nearest topographic peak. It is not known why this behaviour is so common – some scientists speculate it may have conferred an evolutionary advantage during an earlier era when geology field trips were commonly affected by flash flooding.

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Accident and Emergency departments trying to help testosterone-fuelled young men explain in broken Spanish AUTHOR INFORMATION just where the thorns were lodged – were they actually Geoff Batt is a Research Associate Professor at the Centre associated with greater understanding on the part of the for Exploration Targeting, where he focuses on dynamic bandaged apprentice geologists, and higher marks in their structural evolution and thermochronology applied to mapping projects? geological systems. He has been working for the past I think we all already know the answer to that question. three years on structural controls on mineralization – particularly in the world class Telfer Au-Cu system. Certainly, physically and logistically challenging fieldwork can produce results of great significance and enrich our understanding of fundamental questions. But the importance A version of this article first appeared on Dr Batt’s blog of a locality does not derive from its accessibility or ‘Rocky Subjects’ (rockysubjects.wordpress.com) in March spectacular grandeur – it is incidental to it. 2013. The Burgess Shale was discovered in 1909 by paleontologist Charles Dolittle Walcott in a remote mountain pass high in the Canadian Rockies. As well as giving Walcott and later workers an excuse to spend summers working far from the madding crowd in as jaw-droppingly spectacular a wilderness setting as you could hope to find, the exquisitely preserved 505 million year old fossils extracted from the shale provided a new window on life in the ancient Cambrian oceans – a Rosetta Stone that changed and enhanced our understanding of a host of other, less complete and more poorly preserved fossil fauna. At the other end of the scale, you can get to the La Brea Tar Pits in urban Los Angeles on the Metro Rail – but that doesn’t stop the Pleistocene fossil fauna preserved in the tar being any less inspiring and scientifically significant in its own way, as the best known and most exquisitely preserved record of the extinct mammalian megafauna of North America. Neither methodical and thorough investigation nor boundless investment are guarantees of significant discovery, and equally, sometimes it really is simply enough to be in the right place at the right time – as in 1928 when William P. “Punch” Jones and his father were playing horseshoes in Peterstown, West Virginia, and happened to turn up a 34.48 carat alluvial diamond, the largest such gem found in the United States to date. Fundamentally, there is little justice to be found in the layout of the world and its scientific treasures. The key exposure that will lay clear the mysteries of a study area may well sit under a poisonous thorn bush atop the windswept peak of the highest mountain in the district. But it’s just as likely to be in a carpark next to an excellent little cafe where you can enjoy an iced coffee and a gourmet pie after you’ve knocked it off.

Walcott Quarry in the Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale in the high Canadian Rockies of British Columbia. The white parallel vertical streaks in the dark shale member in the central image are remnants of drill holes made during excavations of the famous fossil fauna from this locality in the mid-1990s. Public domain image, taken by Mark A. Wilson, Department of Geology, Wooster College.

www.cet.edu.au 13 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014 Global komatiite sulfur dioxide degassing, nickel-sulfide mineralisation and the irreversible change of the late Archean atmosphere

Recent work at the CET led by Magmatic Systems research subvolcanic intrusions were initially sulfide-undersaturated theme head Marco Fiorentini has shown that sulfur dioxide and their flow commonly thermo-mechanically eroded their degassing from komatiite volcanoes provides an integrated substrates. solution to two major conundrums surrounding the Archean Classic models of the mineralization process argue that the Earth system: (1) why komatiite-hosted nickel deposits are so rich metal endowment commonly sought in exploration of well endowed, and (2) why the mass-independent record of komatiite provinces arises where volcanogenic exhalative S isotopes suddenly blossomed 200 million years before the sulfide lenses or sulfide-rich sediments may have occurred Great Oxidation Event. Although sulfur dioxide degassing is, close to komatiite vents. In such an environment, erosion and in hindsight, an obvious candidate to consider in both these assimilation of the substrate would have caused the lavas systems, links to this process have never previously been to incorporate additional sulfur (S), inducing the formation investigated – in large part, suspects Professor Fiorentini, due of an immiscible sulfide liquid. Elements such as nickel (Ni), to disciplinary biases. Essentially, the research community copper (Cu) and platinum group elements (PGEs) strongly studying komatiite-hosted nickel deposits focuses on how concentrate into such immiscible sulfide liquids, due to metals get into such systems, not how sulfur leaves, while on their high affinity for sulfidic and metallic phases. Extended the other side of the equation, researchers studying mass- duration of flow or re-occupation of lava channels would have independent S isotopes focus on sedimentary rocks – where enabled prolonged partitioning of metals into the sulfide liquid signals are assumed to be larger – rather than igneous ones. from fresh parcels of komatiite magma encountering the local It took a strongly interdisciplinary approach – the hallmark of S-rich substrate, fostering a progressive local accumulation of the CET – to overcome these biases. immiscible sulfide liquids. Komatiites are the hottest lavas that have ever flowed While accounting for the development of the rich sulfide on Earth. Most komatiites were erupted at temperatures metal concentrations which are today of such economic of 1400-1600°C as large submarine lava fields, rising interest, however, this model struggles to explain the extreme from depths of >100 km in the Archean mantle. Upon variability in metal content observed among and within emplacement, channelized lava flows and accompanying different mineralized komatiites.

Komatiite outcrop in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields terrane. Recent CET research shows that

dramatic SO2 degassing from komatiites at 2.7Ga may account for both the dramatic NiS mineralisation peak and contemporary shifts in fundamental atmospheric chemistry at this time.

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The breakthrough achieved by Professor Fiorentini’s group comes from the use of combined sulfur isotope measurements on sulfides from komatiites and local volcanogenic and sedimentary country rocks. This has shown Allan Trench that sulfur degassing was a critical component of the volcanic process, with variably mineralized komatiite units in the north of the Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia, undergoing Addresses pervasive (>90%) sulfur loss with respect to sulfide-saturated komatiite lavas - dominantly in the form of SO2 gas. Rapid sulfur degassing associated with such voluminous eruptions Women in may have been a contributing factor in the development of economic mineralization, with the total mass of Ni-bearing silicate melt that equilibrates with a sulfide liquid thought to control the tenor of the resulting nickel-sulfide mineralization. Mining and The high Ni tenors of mineralized komatiites seem consistent with this suggestion, with large volumes of komatiite magmas interacting with relatively small sulfide reservoirs, giving rise Resources to estimated silicate-sulfide mass ratios (R factors) of ~100- 200. Ten- to hundred-fold enrichments of Ni, Cu, and PGEs in the sulfide liquid would also be expected to accompany WA Seminar the sulfur loss process identified here – thus providing a more complete model for the observed characteristics of komatiitic NiS mineralisation. Professor Allan Trench of the CET was among the industry and academic speakers invited to address the The dramatic bloom in the sulfur mass-independent 2014 Women in Mining and Resources WA (WIMWA) fractionation (S-MIF) record from sedimentary sulfides ~2.7 seminar on September 12th. This event – a major annual billion years ago provides the other side to this isotopic feature of the WIMWA programme since its inception ledger – reflecting the enhanced input of volcanic SO to 2 in 2003 – provides a venue for women working in the the atmosphere. Previously accepted sources of this SO 2 mining and resources sectors to expand their industry do not begin to dominate the global record until ~200 knowledge and professional networks. Allan spoke to the million years later at around 2.5 Ga. The recent CET work, 500 delegates on the economic outlook for Australian however, identifies a dramatic pulse of volcanic sulfur dioxide, mineral commodities and its relevance to mining sector fundamentally restructuring the Earth’s sulfur cycle, in the workforces, joining industry speakers including WIMWA late Archean and providing a viable geological mechanism founder Sabina Shugg – currently at KPMG – Atlas Iron to explain the bloom in S-MIF. Although komatiite volcanism Chairman David Flanagan, and Managing Principal at occurred throughout much of the Archean, associated SO 2 Alternate Futures, Denise Goldsworthy. degassing was probably maximized during the unique peak in komatiite-hosted nickel-sulfide mineralization ~2.7 billion years ago. Professor Fiorentini argues that the magnitude and brevity of degassing associated with this komatiite volcanism overwhelmed contemporary buffering and capture processes, with much of the SO2 escaping sequestration in the marine environment to produce the fundamental Late Archean shift observed in the chemistry of the atmosphere.

Acknowledgements: The study reported here formed part of the Ph.D. of Ms Carissa Isaac, under the supervision of Marco Fiorentini (CET) and Boswell Wing (McGill University, Canada) This project is part of CCFS Foundation Project 5: “The early evolution of the Earth system and the first life from multiple sulphur isotopes”.

CET Professor Allan Trench contributed his expertise to the 2014 Women in Mining and Resources WA seminar. www.cet.edu.au 15 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014 A Lithospheric Wonder Applied Education on a South African Journey of Discovery

The 2014 Ore Deposit Field Excursion at the Vredefort pseudotachylite site – renowned for the astonishing insight it offers into a frozen moment of tumultuous Earth history. Here granite chunks are seen floating in spectacular pseudotachylite melt pools behind the CET field party, consisting of: Top row, from left to right: Vikraman Selvaraja, Adam Lever, Rizal Fraval, Russel Gregory, Raphael Baumgartner, Natalie Yeung. Bottom row, from left to right: Paul Magarey, trip leader Marco Fiorentini, Quentin Masurel, Margaux LeVaillant, Katarina Bjorkman, and Bernd Michaelsen.

Last month saw the running of the 2014 CET Ore Deposit Exploring the educational aspects of the trip alongside Field Excursion to South Africa. The diverse field party on these awe-inspiring geological experiences, students were this popular biennial feature of the CET-run Ore Deposit encouraged to appreciate the evolution of lithospheric Geology M.Sc. programme (with the CET’s principle offices at architecture in space and time as the first order control on the UWA falling oddly quiet as a good slice of our vibrant Ph.D. setting, formation and preservation of a wide range of mineral body also decamped to accompany their junior colleagues) systems. As many an experienced geologist would happily traversed some of the most spectacular geology on Earth attest, such integrated field experiences play a significant role under the scholarly guidance of Professor Marco Fiorentini, in tying together disparate lessons and helping to grasp the with key locations including the world-class Witwatersrand integrated synthesis of ideas and observations that are so gold reefs and a wide range of platinum-bearing deposits much a part of our science. around the Bushveld Complex. The group also had the chance to contemplate some of the finest Early Archean komatiite outcrops in the Barberton greenstone belt, and was humbled by the superlative scale – and momentous significance – of the Vredefort impact structure – the largest such feature recognized on the planet. Success on a World Stage SEG Student Poster Award for CET Research

CET student Hasnain Ali Bangash was awarded one of three student poster prizes at the 2014 Society of Economic CET Ph.D. student Geologists meeting in Keystone, Colorado. Hasnain is a Ph.D. Hasnain Ali student studying under Steve Micklethwaite, and received Bangash, recipient the award for a poster presenting his work on the application of one of three of photogrammetry – the conversion of multiple 2-D images student poster into a 3-D spatial model – to digital pit mapping. This is a awards made at the great achievement for a student so early in his programme 2014 SEG. of research, and we all look forward to seeing how this work develops after such a promising start. To hear more about this work, or discuss potential applications, contact Hasnain at [email protected], or Steve Micklethwaite at [email protected].

16 ARTICLESNEWS The Latest Word in Deep and Meaningful UWA launches a new Geophysics degree

Commencing in 2015, UWA will be offering a new B.Sc. Students will learn and apply key skillsets in seismology, honours degree in Geophysics. Complimenting existing M.Sc. wave propagation, 3D and time-lapse (4D) imaging of the and Ph.D. research degree opportunities in this field, this new subsurface, and computational geophysical data modeling programme will draw together the interdisciplinary strengths and inversion, as well as gaining hands-on exposure of the University in geoscience, physics, mathematics and to non-seismic investigative methods including gravity, computer science to provide students with a quantitative electromagnetics (EM), and ground penetrating radar (GPR). understanding of the frontiers of modern geophysics – with an emphasis on imaging the Earth’s interior for applications ranging from resource scales (including hydrocarbon systems, Applications for 2015 are now open. For more information about this course and associated opportunities, contact Professor groundwater, geothermal energy, and CO2 sequestration) to global tectonic scales with applications including earthquake David Lumley ([email protected]) or Associate seismology. Professor Jeff Shragge ([email protected]).

False colour image displaying variability in total magnetic field intensity across a sector of Western Australia’s interior.

UWA Winthrop Professor David Lumley and Associate Professor Jeff Shragge deploying ground penetrating radar in the search for archeological remains on Beacon Island offshore of Western Australia.

CET-World Bank Transfer Pricing Report Released High-level CET Research Produced for the November 2014 Brisbane G20 Meeting

This new report presents a review of mining taxation policy and administrative procedures across a number of mineral-rich African countries. Coordinated by Professor Pietro Guj at the CET and drawing on the expertise and resources of major organisations including the World Bank, the University of Witwatersrand, the Australian Tax Office and the South African Revenue Services, and mining taxation practitioners from both industry and accounting firms – in particular Transfer Pricing Associates (TPA) of The Netherlands – the authors offer a comprehensive insight into this economically important subject. The work is intended to help formulate a practical framework of effective strategies for mineral rich developing countries in Africa to prioritise the control and oversight of transfer pricing, facilitating the concentration of resources and training toward the areas of highest risk and greatest impact in the sector. Initially circulated as a progress report at the 2014 Brisbane G20 meeting, the results of this study will ultimately be jointly published in 2015 by the World Bank Group, the International Mining for Development Centre (IM4DC) and the Centre for Exploration Targeting as a source book offering practical guidance on transfer pricing to tax practitioners in mineral-rich developing countries in Africa and elsewhere.

www.cet.edu.au 17 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014 Upskilling in the Downturn A recipe for long term success in applied geology

Higginsville gold operations, near Norseman, WA. UWA students completed training here in mapping operational open pit sites during their recent applied field mapping course. Image courtesy of Metals X Limited.

CET Professor Steffen Hagemann is a passionate advocate Against the background of a tough job market for graduate of providing students with the skills and experience needed geologists – with less than half of AusIMM’s student to tackle the exploration challenges of the future. “Geology members in a recent survey expressing confidence that they should be taught 100% in the field,” says Professor will find work at the conclusion of their studies – Professor Hagemann – warming to one of his favourite subjects, “but Hagemann is quick to emphasize the critical significance of in reality the theory is learnt in the classroom, and students modern education and training in securing future professional are given only rare opportunities to test their skills in the real success. world environment.” “The science of geology is now a technical and rapidly Leading a week-long intensive applied mapping course for evolving field,” says Steffen geology honours students recently, Professor Hagemann “Geologists now are required to be more well-rounded worked hard to bring that philosophy to life. Students were than they were 10 to 15 years ago because they need to be exposed to the realities of mapping in underground and able to work across environmental and political issues, and operational open pit areas of the Metals X Higginsville and work with new technologies like 3D imagery. What I say to Trident operations near Norseman, and gained valuable my students is that this time – the time of a tight job market hands-on experience in the logging of recent diamond core. – is the time to beef up your education, because when the Higginsville general manager Chris Mardon – a key supporter next upturn comes, the geologists with the best technical in providing access to the Metals X operations for the knowledge will get in first.” course – is firmly behind Steffen’s drive to enhance hands-on geological education. Applications for M.Sc. and B.Sc. honours programmes “Metals X is happy to support initiatives that will provide at UWA and Curtin University for 2015 are now open. students with exposure to real world challenges facing mining Companies with interest in providing access to operations professionals,” says Mr Mardon “exposure that will ultimately for students participating in Professor Hagemann’s highly produce a higher-calibre graduate.” regarded mapping course – or talking about the skills and quality of the graduates it produces – should contact Steffen directly at [email protected].

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Visiting Reseachers

Changming Wang Associate Professor Changming Wang arrived at the CET in August for a 12 month visiting fellowship at the Centre. He comes to us from the Chinese University of Geosciences, Beijing, where he teaches B.Sc. and M.Sc. courses in Economic Geology, Mineral Resources Economics, Ore Field Tectonics and Professional English for Geology. Changming has been attracted to the CET to work with Campbell McCuaig and Yongjun Lu in exploring and improving understanding of orogenesis and metallogenesis along the northern margin of Gondwana and the North China Craton. Changming’s research focuses on the integrated application of economic geology, geochronology, and tectonics. His particular interests lie in understanding the diversity and spatio-temporal distributions of VMS, MVT, and Sedex deposits; metallogenesis associated with granitoids in the Tethyan Domain; and gold metallogenesis along the margins of the North China Craton, and he is currently working on a busy schedule of 6 projects under the Chinese National Basic Research Programme.

Johannes Hammerli Johannes is joining the CET to work with ARC Future Fellow Tony Kemp on identifying crustal differentiation processes. His visit is funded by an Early PostDoc Mobility Fellowship provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Johannes will initially be looking at an exhumed lower- to upper-crust section exposed in the Hidaka Belt, Japan, where he will be acquiring mineral and isotopic scale analysis to gain insights into crustal differentiation processes and isotope exchange between melt and crustal rocks. Johannes studied undergraduate Earth Science at the University of Bern, Switzerland, obtaining a Masters Degree in Earth Science in 2009 before moving to Townsville to undertake a Ph.D. at James Cook University. His doctoral research focused on microanalyses of minerals to track geochemical processes during metamorphism, with application sites including the eastern Mt. Lofty Ranges of South Australia. Johannes has a particular interest in the characteristics of halogens that can help identify fluid sources in the crust. He began investigating this field during his Ph.D. investigations, analysing the halogen content of fluid inclusions and minerals from the Mary Kathleen Fold Belt in the Mt Isa Region to help understand the interaction between metamorphic and magmatic fluids in mineralized regions.

Célia Guergouz Célia hails from France, where she took her undergraduate studies in Earth Science at Saint-Etienne. After graduation, she moved to Nancy (France), where she completed a two year Masters degree in mining exploration – as part of which she joined the Centre for Exploration Targeting as a visiting student in 2013, under the supervision of Marco Fiorentini and Nicolas Thébaud, alongside Olivier Vanderhaeghe from her home institution of Georessources (Nancy) and Laure Martin from the CMCA. Her studies here have focused on unravelling the dynamic link between nickel sulphide mineralisation and the four dimensional evolution of the Variscan Belt, in particular the Ivrea Zone in the Western Italian Alps – work carried out as part of CCFS Foundation Project 2. She is currently working as a Research Assistant at CET as she writes up the results of her Masters research. Célia’s principle research interests lie in magmatic and geodynamic processes, particularly in relation to mineral system genesis. Her work combines field research, thermal modeling, geochronology and geochemical investigations to build understanding of tectonic architecture.

www.cet.edu.au 19 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

New Student Profiles

Evren Pakyuz-Charrier Fu Shanling Ph.D. Student Ph.D. Student Evren joined the CET Shanling Fu is a Ph.D. in 2014 as a Ph.D. candidate visiting the student under Mark CET from the Institute Jessell and Mark Lindsay, of Geochemistry at working on fundamental the Chinese Academy developments in 3D of Sciences, China. geological modeling. His Shanling has an research focuses on extensive background assessing uncertainties in the genesis, in 3D geological modeling by simulating a large number of geochronology possible outcomes based on a single starting data set. The and dynamic setting of epithermal mineralization – ultimate applied aim of his work is to provide more reliable 3D particularly as applied to prospecting and exploration. modeling solutions to geoscientists by producing Bayesian He holds B.Sc.(2009) and M.Sc.(2012) qualifications in probabilistic models of sub-surface architecture. these disciplines from Henan Polytechnic University and Center South University in China, respectively. Evren’s research interests and skills range across applied geostatistics, GIS, geological 3D modeling, spatial analysis, During his time at CET, Shanling will be working with mining predictivity, and numerical coding. Associate Professor Geoff Batt on evaluating the timing and geodynamic relationships of gold-antimony His early background was firmly in the geoscience world, with a mineralization in Xiangzhong Basin of South China. Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Environmental Science from the More than 170 Sb and Au occurrences have been University of Orléans awarded in 2011, and a Masters degree documented across this economically highly significant in Mining Geology from OSUC (Observatoire des Sciences de basin, including the largest known Sb deposit in l’Univers en Région Centre), from which he graduated in 2013. the world at Xikuangshan. Shanling hopes that the His post-graduate thesis at the Bureau des Recherches outcomes of his time at CET will clarify the relationship Géologiques et Minières (the French Geological Survey) between these deposits and the Mesozoic magmatism involved the development of a new predictivity methods based seen across the basin – ultimately allowing the on the link between lithological associations and mineral development of a more robust metallogenic model for occurrences. these deposits. New Staff Profiles

Will Featherstone Professor Featherstone joins the CET as an adjunct researcher working with the Risk and Value group. He holds a first-class honours degree in geophysics and planetary physics from Newcastle University, and a doctorate in Earth sciences from Oxford University. Will is currently Professor of Geodesy (the study of the size, shape, and gravity field of the Earth) at Curtin University, and has published over 150 papers in scientific journals during his highly productive career to date. Professor Featherstone’s recent research includes the definition of the AUSGeoid09 national standard for the transformation of GPS heights, and the discovery of 280 new craters on the Moon. Within the CET, Professor Featherstone will be working on issues including the use of pre-competitive data coverage in gravity across emerging nations as a means to attract exploration investment, and on quantifying the added value of gravity surveys to exploration properties. He is also interested in developing research synergies with or providing geodetic advice across the CET.

Perla Pina Varas Dr Varas joins the CET team as a post-doctoral researcher applying magnetotelluric survey techniques to studying the deep crustal and lithospheric architecture of the Capricorn Orogen. She comes to UWA from the University of Barcelona, where she has worked for five years on the characterization of deep reservoirs by this geophysical method. Her

research in Barcelona focused on evaluating potential CO2 sequestration sites, and in evaluating geothermal systems in volcanic areas – particularly the Canary Islands.

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Breno Martins Tom Horrocks Ph.D. Student Ph.D. Student Breno is a Ph.D. Tom Horrocks student from the commenced as a Universidade Federal Ph.D. candidate with Minas Gerais (UFMG) the CET in September at Belo Horizonte, 2014, working on working on the methods for robust structural control of geological modelling selected orogenic gold based on automated deposits (Lamego, analysis of wireline Cuiaba) in the logs. Tom’s primary Quadrilátero Ferrífero aim through this work (Iron Quadrangle), is to devise methods Minas Gerais, Brazil. for extrapolating He has spent the downhole petrophysical data to identifying lithology and last 12 months at the CET undertaking research under the alteration in a three-dimensional volume occupied by multiple guidance of Steffen Hagemann, including Leapfrog modelling inverted geophysical datasets. Tom is supported by a top- of the Lamego ore body, laser ICP-MS analyses of sulphides up scholarship from First Quantum Minerals, who are also and oxides from Lamego and oxides from Cuiabá, electron providing geophysical data from the Kevitsa Ni-Cu-PGE microprobe analysis, and dating of mineralisation using deposit in northern Finland. monazite and xenotime. During his time at CET, Breno Tom completed a B.Eng. (Software) and B.Sc. (Physics, also wrote up his first two research papers – detailing the Applied Mathematics) at UWA in mid-2013, graduating with structural control of gold ore bodies at Lamego and the first class honours in engineering after completing his thesis mineral chemistry of the Lamego gold system. on coal strata classification and well log correlation – jointly Breno obtained his M.Sc. from UFMG under the supervision supervised by CET’s Eun-Jung Holden and Daniel Wedge of Professors Lydia Lobato and Carlos Rosiere. He also and Conducive’s Darren Christophersen. Tom has worked provides consultant advice to a variety of mining and as a Software Engineer in industry with Empired Applications exploration companies, building on his experience in & Consulting (formerly Conducive) as both a student and underground mapping at a variety of gold system in the graduate (2011-2014). His work has varied widely between Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Breno thoroughly enjoys documenting data migration, new system development, maintenance, and interpreting gold-controlling structures at all scales, but and performance profiling. In his free time Tom can be found on the rare occasions he can be found without a rock in his playing basketball and reading about Machine Learning. hands, his hobbies also extend to the cooking of fine Brazilian food.

Greg Dering Ph.D. Student Greg Dering comes to the CET from the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology in Reno, Nevada where he has been working on delineating structural controls on both active geothermal systems and Tertiary epithermal Au-Ag deposits in the Basin and Range Province. After years of working mainly in brittlely deformed volcanic rocks, Greg’s focus has shifted to deeper levels of the crust, with his Ph.D. project – supervised by Marco Fiorentini at the CET and Steve Barnes at CSIRO, and with additional input from the CET’s Steve Micklethwaite and Sandy Cruden at Monash University – investigating magmatic processes at the roots of large igneous provinces – specifically in relation to magmatic sulfide deposits. Traditional research into Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits has mainly addressed the petrology and geochemistry of the immediate environs of ore systems, and the key lithospheric controls on localization of nickel-sulfide camps. Greg’s research plans though are built around a more explicitly interdisciplinary approach, applying new techniques in geological mapping and structural analysis of the high-flux magma feeder and plumbing systems alongside petrological and chemical characterization of systems.

www.cet.edu.au 21 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

IN CONVERSATION WITH… Bryan Maybee is not enough – whatever the grade. larger scale operations with longer mine Associate Professor Maybee is a The economics of how that discovery lives to make them feasible, forcing a senior member of the CET research will eventually be mined has a large fundamental change to the business team based at Curtin University, influence on its real value, and thus must model of mining. This in turn creates new where he is Deputy Director of the be included within even the very early challenges for mine planning. As mine highly regarded M.Sc. programme decisions that are made regarding a lives are extended, the strategic focus in Mineral and Energy Economics. discovery. of mining companies needs to move to longer cycles, which exposes them to Bryan holds a Ph.D. in Natural The opportunity in this within the CET is higher levels of uncertainty. Unfortunately, Resources Engineering from for the Progressive Risk and Value theme the majority of valuations that are used to Laurentian University (Canada) and to integrate within and complement the support business decisions are developed an MBA from Dalhousie University targeting research being undertaken. using out-moded tools that have a (Canada), specializing in Finance With the knowledge of mining processes relatively short-term value proposition and Accounting. and understanding of factors that lead – like traditional DCF analysis. This is a to economic and financial risk, the group Prior to taking up his academic bit like trying to fix a smart phone with a can provide unique insights to the other appointment at Curtin, Bryan screw driver and a soldering iron. What disciplines that should help to increase we really need are new ways of identifying held positions as Financial the rate at which high value areas are “value” that foster the long-term planning Officer, Research Associate (Mine identified for investigation. The important and decision-making required in this new Planning) and Project Leader with outcome from all this, of course – in terms business environment. MIRARCO, a Canadian not-for- of value added – lies in reducing the profit mining research organization ultimate risk borne by companies. Alongside your active research Bryan, housed at Laurentian University you are also the Deputy Director Your own research focuses in Sudbury Ontario – roles which of the M.Sc. programme in Mineral on project evaluation and risk have underpinned his recent work and Energy Economics at Curtin management. In the current as a consultant for the World Bank, University. This course is recognized challenging business environment, and ongoing mission to investigate as one of the leading programmes in do you feel that strategic concepts this field in the world – and this year mining tax administration like risk management are adequately celebrates its 20th anniversary. What frameworks in West Africa. incorporated into corporate decision- do you see as the key factors behind making processes in the minerals that success? Hi Bryan – the Progressive Risk industry? In fact, from a purist’s view, you’re out and Value team that you’re part of I think companies are doing a better by 10 years – with the M.Sc. in Mineral provides one of the key research job now of analyzing risk within their and Energy Economics actually taking pillars the CET is built on. How strategic decision-making processes in its first students in 1985 as part of would you describe the relationship than has been the case in recent years. the Western Australian School of Mines. between that research stream and However, there is still a lot that can be Wherever you start the clock though, the geoscience-related activities of done in terms of managing risk within the course has clearly seen its greatest the Centre? these processes. Fundamentally, mining growth over the past four years since projects are evaluated for the purpose of For me, the beauty of the Progressive moving from WASM to the Graduate creating information on which a decision Risk and Value theme is that it cuts School of Business. across and complements all the research can be made. The decision may be activities being undertaken within the as simple as whether a project should As to the keys to the programme’s more geoscience-related themes. be developed, or as complex as what success, as I see it this can be attributed As a researcher, this provides great underground mining method and interval to three factors. Firstly, we have a vision opportunities. As the easy to discover spacing should be used to extract the for the programme to be the best of its mineral deposits are being exhausted orebody. In either case, what you need is kind globally. For this to be realised, it globally, we need to look at opportunities reliable information that fully recognizes needs buy-in from everyone involved that are either more difficult to define the complexity of a mining project and so that a clear and consistent message (e.g. under deeper cover) or are in is aligned with the company’s value is conveyed to all the stakeholders. We more politically unstable locations. In proposition. Inaccurate evaluations lead are lucky in that this vision is genuinely either case, the risk associated with the to suboptimal decisions that will have far shared by all of the faculty associated with discovery and development of these reaching negative effects – not only for the Department of Mineral and Energy orebodies is increased – and questions of the company, but also for the community Economics. within which it operates. Risk and Value become a core part of the Next, we operate on a principle that to exploration equation. Due to recent changes in global be the best, you use the best. Whether However and wherever you do it, the economic demand and the location of it is Professor Haslam-Mackenzie talking end game in exploration is to make a newly discovered mineral resources, about regional economic issues and FIFO, discovery that is eventually turned into orebodies that might have traditionally or Professor Ripple coming in from the a mining operation. And that second been considered too expensive to mine United States to talk about the natural gas part is important – mineralization by itself are today being evaluated for possible sector, we are adamant about only using extraction. Such orebodies require the best people to deliver our classes. Not

22 ARTICLESSTAFF

the best available in the neighbourhood great deal of potential lies in improving Taking this idea of long-term thinking to – just the best. Period. This allows us to our long-term planning practices. If the a more philosophical level, if my travels ensure that we are providing the most industry recognises that it is there for the into Africa over the past few years have relevant, applicable materials to our long-term, then we can move ourselves taught me anything, it is that adversarial students. Because the people we bring in away from making short term changes practices in the mining industry from around the globe are so immersed in our operational plans – which can be consistently provide little, if any, long- in their subject matter, even though the costly in terms of productivity. term gain. While there may be immediate course content is sophisticated, we are benefit in some decisions that maximize We need to develop tools that allow for able to focus delivery unapologetically short-term returns to an operator, the better recognition of the long-term value on the application of the concepts we long-term consequences of these can proposition that comes from a mining introduce. What students learn on a be far less desirable. A mine, especially project. As I noted earlier, the projects day-to-day basis is what is actually being in developing countries, becomes a of the future will undoubtedly be more done in the industry – and we not only central part of the development plans expensive to find and operate – and teach the tools needed, but also how of surrounding communities for a long will therefore require larger tonnages of to apply them and assess the outputs. period into the future. Companies – and material be moved over longer durations Our students can, and have, actually governments – need to plan and make to economically justify their existence. returned to work directly following a decisions for the long-term, and that The commonly used short-term valuation lecture and applied the materials covered means “partnering” or creating a very techniques of today just can’t cope with to improving their daily workflow – with good working relationship. I liken it to this longer strategic view. What we need some great results. parenting. I have not raised my son to do is look towards other sectors and with a goal that he will excel in school With your strategic perspective other tools to identify methodologies in year 2. While this would be a nice of the area – as both a leading and frameworks that more accurately outcome, I’m actually looking out to academic and a respected capture the characteristics of these the horizon, with the goal of helping my consultant to industry and the World long-term projects. The finance industry, son grow into a well-rounded adult who Bank, where do you see the greatest for example, has a suite of tools aimed contributes to society. If that means potential productivity increases for at managing and mitigating long-term making some unpopular choices while the exploration and mining sector risk when forward planning. I think it is my son is young that will benefit him over the next five years? time that we look at how these tools can in the future, then so be it. I think all be adapted to help the decision-making I am not sure if it is the greatest stakeholders in the mining sector need practices within the minerals sector. opportunity, but from the areas that I to start taking a longer term view of the have been involved with, I think that a opportunities that they have.

Associate Professor Maybee in front of the African Union Building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. www.cet.edu.au 23 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014 SEG Keystone Strong CET Presence at Colorado Meeting Steven Micklethwaite - The Centre for Exploration Targeting

The CET enjoyed a successful presence at the 2014 SEG Notably, many any of these offerings came from our cohort Keystone Conference – hosted in Colorado this September of outstanding postgraduate students – with Hasnain Ali just as the aspen trees were putting on their Autumnal colour- Bangash in particular distinguishing himself by winning a change show to stunning effect. poster prize for his contribution on ‘Development of Digital Techniques for Open Pit Mapping’ – as highlighted elsewhere The central theme of the meeting was “Building exploration in this edition of the newsletter. capability for the 21st century”, with an associated Special Publication released by the SEG on that topic – in which High points of the conference have to include Robert Hazen’s papers from our plenary contributors (Cam McCuaig, John epic presentation on the history of minerals, from the Big Sykes and Mark Jessell) feature prominently – available Bang to the present day – as well as the amazing field trips now. Cam McCuaig unfortunately was taken ill before the that were run either side of the conference. Ph.D. student conference but CET Chairman Jon Hronsky was on hand to Raphael Doutre and myself seized the opportunity of our step into his plenary slot and deliver a powerful presentation visit to the world-class Pb-Zn Viburnum trend in Missouri, on behalf of the Centre. assembling a collection of samples for our undergraduate teaching collection – with Steffen Hagemann already hard Economic Geology has transformed in many ways over the at work cataloguing the specimens ready for next year’s last few years and no better demonstration of this could classes. Special thanks go to the Doe Run Company for be found than the breadth of the CET’s contributions to organising this trip and to Robert Wares, founder of Osisko, this meeting. The presentations, posters and discussions whose community-minded gesture allowed this material to be delivered by our 14 conference delegates covered everything collected. Generations of students to come will benefit from from Mars to geophysical uncertainty, image analysis to this generous action. mineral economics, digital mapping to deposit statistics and of course good solid regional to deposit-scale case studies. Copies of papers arising from CET plenary contributions to this meeting are available on request, contact us at [email protected] Doubling up for Impact Combined Resource Research Centre Presence set for ASEG-PESA 2015

The CET is combining with UWA’s Centre for Petroleum Members attending this conference are encouraged to visit

Geology and CO2 sequestration to offer a joint resource- us in the joint CET-CPGCO2 booth to discuss how our focused research centre presence at the 24th International capabilities can help address your research questions. Geophysical Conference and Exhibition, set down for the Registrations for this meeting are now open. Perth Conference and Exhibition Centre in February 2015. For more information about our presence at the Jointly hosted by the ASEG and PESA, the conference theme meeting and the availability of CET researchers, of “Geophysics and Geology together for Discovery” provides contact us at [email protected]. an ideal platform to demonstrate what the integrated multi- disciplinary research approach of the CET can offer in the field of Exploration – with a strong research presence planned to showcase our recent developments in applied geophysics.

ASEG-PESA 2015 will be held at the Perth Convention Centre, framed by the CBD and Swan River foreshore.

24 CET ACTIVITIESARTICLES

Register your interest for CET Discovery Day 2015 Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle – February 24th

CET Discovery Day offers a highly regarded opportunity for exploration practitioners to hear case studies of successful mineral discovery from the best possible source – the geoscientists up at the rock face pulling together the story and making it happen. Sponsored by PCS Capital and ALS, this event in 2015 will again be delivered in the enjoyable surroundingss of Fremantle’s Esplanade Hotel, in association with Vertical Events and the RIU Explorers Conference. Chaired by CET Progressive Risk and Value research leader Allan Trench, the list of confirmed speakers (and exciting Discovery stories) so far includes: ƒƒ Mike Young – BC Iron ƒƒ Paul Heithersay – South Australian Department of State Development ƒƒ Jon Hronsky – Western Mining Services ƒƒ Ian Tyler – GSWA Register now for your opportunity to hear these talismanic figures and inspirational speakers recount their intimate tales of the mineral discovery process. For more information about CET Discovery Day, or to register your interest, contact Cindi Dunjey via [email protected] Sponsored by

CANCELLATION Regrettably, due to pending parliamentary elections in Greenland, our popular annual Greenland Day research Greenland Day 2014 symposium has been cancelled for 2014 We anticipate that this event will make a welcome return in 2015 - to register your interest in this opportunity, contact us at [email protected], or phone +61 6488 2636.

www.cet.edu.au 25 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

SEG UWA UWA CHAPTER Student Chapter www.seg-uwa.com Report 2014

As the UWA SEG Student Chapter wraps up activities Looking forward to 2015, we hope to build on these for the year, it is satisfying to reflect on all we have successes and work towards supporting a greater accomplished this year - and to look ahead to what we experience forChapter our members. Overview Specifically, we plan to aim to achieve in 2015. offer: TheT Chapter has existed since 2002 and has an enthusiastic 2014 has been a challenging year for the group, with ƒƒ More WA-centricand continuously trips. The great growing success student of the basejoint with the limited fundraising opportunities and a heavy workload Woolnough-SEGinvolvement Student of students Chapter who Mukinbudin are studying trip has geology at all for the officers combining to curtail some of our more proven thatacademic such events levels. are The both chapter feasible, exists toand provide popular bene ets and ambitious plans. with studentsopportunities of all levels. to students We hope through to increase practical the experience and learning, serving as a conduit to their prospective careers in frequency of these trips in 2015, and encourage more We have maintained our traditionally close ties with the economic geology. The chapter aims to provide students a students to participate and enrich their knowledge of UWA Woolnough Society over 2014, supporting their medium to participate and learn more about the resource local geology. annual Industry Night, and organizing a joint geological industry and the earth sciences as a whole. The chapter runs trip to the Mukinbudin Pegmatite fields – as reported on ƒƒ Guest Speakers.a suite ofNeil events, Williams ranging – former from CEO eld trips,of organising and attending seminars and conferences and generally helping in the September CET newsletter. We also contributed a Geoscience Australia – will kick-start this programme our fellow students to explore the eld of geology. table and 2 posters at the recent Annual SEG Meeting, in 2015, sharing his wealth of knowledge and in Keystone, Colorado (USA), and the Chapter continues experienceOur on plans the Australian for 2013 geological scene to to provide catering after every CET seminar series inspire our student members. Oh – and did I mention event, both to raise funds to support our activities, and free food?Between FIFO rotations, summer courses and enjoying our of course to help facilitate an atmosphere of fruitful holidays the committee has been busy preparing our plans ƒƒ Big Ideas – The executive are talking with company discussions among the participants. for the coming year. Whilst the executive team have been supporterswriting about our the sponsorship potential of proposals introducing the eld trip co-ordinators Early in 2014, we were also privileged to host Professor assignment-basedhave been work busy experienceforming this yearsfor students eld trip –proposal for the David Leach from the USGS, who shared his experiences helping ourchapters members consideration. to gain experience This year and the enhance SEG UWA student and insights with the students. Professor Leach’s talk their CVs throughchapter aimsshort toprojects take a with group companies. of eight students to New was accompanied by a well-attended barbecue session, Zealand following the success of the yearly eld trips over the For more information on our activities, or to stay because as we all know, any student also loves to have years in encouraging participation in the chapter and up to date with the work of the Chapter throughout free food once in a while. contributing to our members ongoing education. In addition the year, youto can this follow we're us keen on toour expand Facebook on last page years industry night which we willwhich update was regularly attended on by the over various sixty students events, by increasing www.facebook.com/UWASEGindustry participation. As always we'll also be working on organising BBQs, social events and short eld trips. A final thank you to the CET and to Goldfields for their Sam and Cormac look over core , generous supportThe society throughout looks forward the year. to the Stay busy tuned year ahead.for both have served as SEG UWA chapter 2015. executive officers and participated in major eld Please feel free to contact us ([email protected]) based trips.

26 CET ACTIVITIESENDARTICLES NOTES

www.cet.edu.au 27 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

28 ENDARTICLES NOTES

www.cet.edu.au 29 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

: • • • •

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www.cet.edu.au 31 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014 CET would like to thank its Corporate Members for their continued support in 2014

Major producers

Emerging producers

In-kind tells you more, faster. members

32 END NOTES

Mineral finance

Junior explorers

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

DIRECTORS CONTENTS ALAN SENIOR - Non-Executive Chairman GARY LETHRIDGE - Managing Director LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN 1 RESOURCES PETER LANGWORTHY - Technical Director REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2 BRIAN DAWES - Non-Executive Director KAREN GADSBY - Non-Executive Director TENEMENT SCHEDULE 15 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 16 COMPANY SECRETARY DIRECTORS’ REPORT 22 Daniel Madden (ACA) AUDITORS’ INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION 34 REGISTERED & PRINCIPAL OFFICE INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT 37 Ground Floor, 6 Centro Avenue DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION 38 Subiaco Western Australia 6008 Telephone + 61 8 9380 4230 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 39 Facsimilie +61 8 9382 8200 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 40 Website: www.talismanmining.com.au STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 41 AUDITORS STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 42 HLB Mann Judd NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 43 Level 4, 130 Stirling Street ADDITIONAL SECURITIES INFORMATION 72 Perth Western Australia 6000

SHARE REGISTRY Link Market Services Ground Floor, 178 St Georges Terrace Perth Western Australia 6000 Telephone + 1300 554 474

SECURITIES EXCHANGE Australian Securities Exchange Limited Level 8, Exchange Plaza 2 The Esplanade Perth Western Australia 6000 ASX Code: TLM TALISMAN MINING LIMITED

Mr Mark G. Creasy Wythenshawe Pty Ltd www.cet.edu.au 33 CET NEWSLETTER ISSUE 30 DECEMBER 2014

Research Futures Early insights into near term and Blue-Skies CET research plans The CET is continually scanning the horizon to identify and influence the research streams that will define the future of mineral exploration and discovery. In this column each edition, our research leaders offer a glimpse some of the exciting plans under development in their portfolios, and discuss the potential implications of these research programmes for industry.

Unlocking the Secrets of High Grade Ore Shoots Partners sought for a major research initiative targeting new insight into extending mine life through understanding the controls on and predicting the distribution of high grade ore shoots within a mineral system Steven Micklethwaite

Ore shoots discovered in unexpected locations and orientations during mine development, together with poorly constrained nugget effects in ore distribution, can cost individual mines 10s to 100s of millions of dollars in lost opportunity. This problem impacts directly on mine life, and is particularly acute for high-grade ore shoots, which represent concentrated value but are easily missed by exploratory drilling and systematic deposit characterisation during planning and early development. Standard approaches using structural analysis, alteration vector mapping, and modelling of ore shoot distributions often result in predictive failures for these targets. Some high value ore shoots can be associated with very little alteration, or aligned around orientations and locations that do not fit the kinematic model of the broader deposit, while targets predicted by such kinematic models sometimes result in no return. High grade brecciated quartz-adularia rhyolite gold ore from the The CET is developing a new 4-year multi-sponsor research Sleeper Mine, Humboldt County, Nevada. Native gold occurs as programme to address these challenges. Built around coliform bands, partially replacing breccia clasts, and disseminated throughout the matrix. Accepted models posit that the Sleeper Mine our world leading expertise in structural analysis, 4D system represents an epithermal deposit formed in association with characterisation of ore deposits, and mineral economics, volcanism and extension in the Basin and Range province. This this programme will deliver research into process-based image is copyright of James St John, Ohio State University, and understanding of ore shoot distribution to provide a is reproduced under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic transformational process-based framework for predictive license. targeting of high grade ore shoots within a mine environment. With in-principle agreement already secured from one In addition to access to regular and early consortium research corporate sponsor, further industrial partnerships are available reports and presentations, and to selected detailed case in this research programme at a range of levels. Significant studies, industry participants will have opportunities for ore additional leverage will be sought on funds committed shoot analysis to be conducted on their individual deposits, by sponsors through national and international student and for training and development of their staff – conducted scholarships and the MRIWA and ARC LINKAGE schemes. on-site, using the real world examples encountered by their workforce on a daily basis.

This project is open for expressions of interest now. For a prospectus or more detailed information on the programme of works and the opportunities it provides, contact Steven Micklethwaite ([email protected]).

34 END NOTES

The Centre for Exploration Targeting A unique applied research enterprise

The mission of the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) model is based around cross-disciplinary integration is to apply scientific research to increasing the discovery of these strengths to resolve complex questions, with rate and the quality of discoveries made in mineral project portfolios and significant expertise in individual exploration, without relying on substantial increases in commodities managed across the framework of these core themes (see figure below). exploration expenditure. We currently have major strengths in orogenic gold We work to bridge the gap between academic research systems, porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold output and the needs of industry arising from the systems, nickel and PGE mafic and ultramafic systems, profound recent technological and social changes and iron ore systems, with additional projects underway in affecting the mining industry worldwide. This gap provides base metal and uranium systems. a market opportunity for the CET to undertake applied The CET also works to enhance the transfer of research research and deliver innovative outcomes providing developments and best practice in geoscience and practical integrated targeting tools and techniques to minerals exploration into the wider community, with improve the risk-to-reward ratio in minerals exploration. significant resources devoted to Training and Knowledge Our research activities are coordinated around five key Transfer, Exploration Technology and Commercialisation, themes reflecting the balance of skills and expertise and Integrated Exploration Targeting across the Centre. available within the Centre: Progressive Risk and Value, A list of CET staff is available at Geophysics and Computational Analysis, Structure and www.cet.edu.au/about-us/a-z-staff-profiles. Architecture, Magmas, Fluids and Metals, and Time Scales and Geodynamics. Our successful research For more information about the CET and our activities, contact us at [email protected]

Organisational structure of the CET. Individual researchers and teams commonly work across boundaries of research and commodity expertise to deliver the best possible integrated outcomes for our research partners.

www.cet.edu.au 35 CET Members’ Day UWA University Club A B DC EFGHIJKL M NOPQR

1 1 PARK AVENUE Carr ParParkk TO: 266 Podiatry Car Park 9 December 2014 $ QE II MEDICAL CENTRE 25

2 PORHTNIW EUNEVA Forensic 2 OHCWA Science MEDICAL AND DENTAL LIBRARY UWA CHILDCARE (MONASH AVENUE)

Car Park 24 3 ST. GEORGE’S 3 COLLEGE Tuart House Programme CURRIE HALL ST. THOMAS MORE COLLEGE 4 4

TO PERTH

Underpassr MOUNTS BAY ROAD ST. CATHERINE'S 8:30 - 9:00 Registration and coffee 5 COLLEGE 5 $

GORDON STREET n

Underpass SECURITY Car Park 232 $ & PARKING P TRINITY VISITORSV Car ParkP 1 6 Car Park 31 EDFAA CENTREC 6 Library Car Parka

22 Administration East $ HAMPDEN ROAD HAMPDEN (RESIDENTIAL CET Director Cam McCuaig – COLLEGE) Whitfeld Court STIRLING HIGHWAY Water Sports Clifton StreetHew Roberts Vice Recreation Centre Complex 9:00 - 10:00 Lecture Theatre Chancellery Boat ShedBoat Shed Underpass Sunken Music Director’s overview of CET activity and plans Education Garden 7 Architecture, Administration Dolphin

Landscape 30 Park Car Winthrop Hackett Hall & Fine Arts Art Hall TheatreSomerville Theatre Gallery HACKETT DRIVE The ALVA Conference Studio Earth Science Octagon Car Parkk 2 $ Museum Theatre Cafeteria Car Car Park 200 8 – 8 Park John Sykes 34

Motorola FAIRWAY Woolnough Masonic Hall Building Computer LT Science r Tropical Grove Geography - Geology 10:00 - 10:45 “Influencing exploration choices in copper Car Park 19 Riley Oval TO FREMANTLE 9 Robert Arts 9 Car Park 29 Street Building Ca 9 T Geography OSDS $ GP LT LTs Car Park 18 Great Court $ at a strategic level” Cooper Street Car Park 17 Fairway Entrance 1 C Park 8 Alexander, Fox C and Austin LTs Media Physics Services Arts University Club 10 Murdoch LT of Western Australia 10

Child Study BROADWAY $ Fairway Entrance 2 ElectricalCar Park 16 Reid Engineering Library Mathematics Hackett 10:45 - 11:30 Morning tea and poster session 1 $ Entrance 1 Clark Street Car Parka 3 11 Law 11

Environmental Water Systems Research

arka 15 Engineering Economics &

r Commerce Law Lead Free Lab Irwin Street James Oval Library

Car Pa Social Building Sciences Car Park 15 12 12 TTEKCAH EVIRD Hydraulics Lab LT Mark Jessell – Oak Lawn M A T I L D A B A Y Edward Street Structures Lab Engineering LT 11:30 - 12:15 Social Mech Test Lab Sciences CarC “Development Geoscience” Fairway Berndt Museum of 13 Parka 21 'B' Block Anthropolgy 13 Entrance 3 $ Mech Eng Lab CRICKET NETS Guild Village a Car Park 35 Civil Eng Lab - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CIVIL $

k Shenton 14 L E G E N D House Hackett 14 FAIRWAY Tattersall & Entrance 2 Poster sessions 2 (early) and 3 (later) – Wilsmore r $ LTs

PAY PARKING Car Park 5 Ca 12:15 - 1:45 Car Parkk 14 Psychology Central Plant Anatomy Molecular CTEC with buffet lunch to be served from 1pm PERMIT PARKING - RED Fairway & Chemical 15 Entrance 4 Sciences 15 Myers St. Physiology Biochemistry

$

a a PERMIT PARKING - YELLOW Western Sanders a Power Sub-station 6 Park Car MYERS STREET Biological Sciences General Mike Dentith – Parkway Entrance 1 Library ACROD PARKING Purpose 3 Prescott Court 16 Old 16 Pharmacology 39 Myers Street 1:45 - 2:30 “Exploring with Geophysical Methods $ MOTORCYCLE PARKING Agriculture - NW Wing Botany Annexe 17 17 in a Mineral Systems Context” BUS STOP Agriculture Central COOK STREET PARKWAY 10-12 Soil Science Carr Park 8 Hackett Entrance 3 TOILETS Parkway Parkway Entrance 2 18 Car Taxonomic Botany 18 Park Garden 14-16

Marco Fiorentini – TOILETS WITH UNIVERSAL ACCESS Parkway 7 Hackett Entrance 4 2:30 - 3:15 Biology Carara Parkark 8 Audio UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO BUILDINGS Visual “Isotopic Mapping and Paleogeophysics”19 CAPORN STREET Combined 19 Glass Houses Workshop UniCare LIFT Child Care

PARKWAY Indoor Zoology Exercise University Club of WesternLab Australia 20 PUBLIC TELEPHONE LAF BSAU 20 FAIRWAY Parkway Entrance 3 Car Car Park 9 PPark 10 $ Indoor Exercise 3:15 - 3:45 Afternoon tea FOOD AND DRINK EVERETT STREET Lab Banquet Hall Outdoor Exercise 21 INFORMATION AND SECURITY INTERCOM Laboratory Business School 21 Exercise (under construction) Science Exercise Hackett Drive, Entrance 1Science PARKING AND SECURITY Parkway Entrance 4 – $ CarC Park 33 KEYNOTE ADDRESS Phil McFadden22 PRINCESS ROAD 22 VISITOR INFORMATION 3:45 - 4:45 "Quo Vadis for mineral exploration in Australia: 0 50 100 200 METRES UNCOVER and the CET" 23 23 A B DC EFGHIJKL M NOPQR

C R A W L E Y C A M P U S CET Director Cam McCuaig – V I S I T O R S - All visitors must report to reception areas of buildings 4:45 - 5:00 and must not enter restricted areas unaccompanied. S M O K I N G - Permitted only in open areas away from buildings, closing remarks courtyards and pathways. NORTH [email protected]

5:00 - 6:00 Sundowner