Clean Coal Victoria NOVEMBER Clean Coal Victoria open 2009 in the Latrobe Valley Resources Victoria Conference Resouces industry set to grow Esso Australia 40 Years of production from the Bass Strait Northgate Minerals Corporation Victoria’s biggest gold miner Geogen Victoria Geothermal hotspot in Ballarat Beaconsfield Gold Exploration near the Grampians VICTORIA’S EARTH RESO UR CES JOURNAL DISCOVERY

Clean Coal Victoria SPECIAL FEATURE REGULARS

Minister’s Foreword News Updates Tenement Updates Peter Batchelor PAGE 3 TO 7 What’s happening with mineral Minister for Energy and Resources • 2009 Strzelecki Awards applications and licences PAGE 2 • Well-oiled research plans PAGE 32 to dip into new reserves Executive in Focus • Ballarat might be Contacts Dr Len Humphreys a geothermal hotspot Your guide to Earth Resources. Information, contacts Ignite Energy Managing Director • Mining industry regulation and resources sector websites PAGE 7 in the spotlight PAGE 33 • DPI appoints new Deputy Secretary • GeoScience Victoria wins prestigious national award • Victoria rocks the Hungarian President CONTENTS

FEATURE SECTION ARTICLES The combination of strategic planning Esso Australia around Victoria’s coal resource 40 years of oil and gas and significant investment in new production in Bass Strait PAGE 8 – 9 technologies and uses will ensure Victoria’s coal resource can continue Northgate Above: Cover: Coal mining in the Latrobe Valley to be a significant contributor to the Victoria’s biggest gold miner Victorian economy. PAGE 18 For Discovery online visit: Bendigo Mining www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/discovery Clean Coal Victoria Gold pours in June quarter or to receive your free copy send your details to: Clean Coal Victoria open in PAGE 19 Gordon Chakaodza the Latrobe Valley Beaconsfield Gold Senior Resources Development Officer PAGE 10 – 11 Exploration near the Grampians Department of Primary Industries Phone: 03 9658 4401 Carbon Capture and Storage PAGE 20 – 21 Email: [email protected] CCS research funded GeoScience Victoria for further five years Geological ‘Skeleton’ of Gippsland Basin PUBLISHING DETAILS to be revealed CO2 capture technology Discovery is published three times a year by PAGE 22 the Victorian Government Department of Primary developed in the lab Industries, Earth Resources Division, Melbourne, PAGE 12 – 13 New areas released for offshore November 2009. oil and gas exploration ISSN Number 13282409 Cutting CO2 emmissions PAGE 23 For more information contact: Power plant technology cuts 2009 Resources Victoria Department of Primary Industries CO2 emissions Level 16, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000. Conference Summary PAGE 14 www.dpi.vic.gov.au Victorian oil and gas exploration set to grow PAGE 24 TO 31 DISCLAIMER Coal to Liquids Project This publication may be of assistance to you, but the State of Victoria and its officers do not guarantee Ignite Energy that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is PAGE 15 wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or Future Coal Infrastructure other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Gippsland Regional Infrastructure This publication is copyright. No part may be Development Studies reproduced by any process without the written PAGE 16 permission of the Department of Primary Industries. Latrobe Valley looks ACKNOWLEDGMENTS to reduce carbon footprint The Earth Resources Division acknowledges contributions made by private enterprise. PAGE 16 Acceptance of these contributors, however, does not endorse or imply endorsement by the Department of Young researchers gather Primary Industries of any product or service offered in Lorne by the contributors. PAGE 17 DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

VicGCS Victorian Geological Carbon Storage A new initiative to assess Victoria’s geological carbon storage (GCS) potential and resources

l Understanding containment, injectivity-capacity, and CO2 and hydrocarbon migration l Developing a Basin Resource Management Framework - Geoscience information and knowledge systems to allow informed management of basins as multiple use zones, enabling the GCS, geothermal, petroleum and water sectors to co-exist and prosper - Basin-scale to allow assessments to be made of potential impacts and relative values of all relevant earth resources For more information: - Contact Dr Geoff O’Brien Phone: + 61 3 9658 4537, Email: geoff.o’[email protected] - Visit www.vicgcs.dpi.vic.gov.au

Image: Carbon storage acreage in the Gippsland Basin,

showing potential migration vectors for injected CO2 2 MINISTER’S FOREWORD years fortheestablishmentandoperationofCCV. groups. TheBrumbyGovernmentisproviding$12.2millionoverfour with localgovernment,industry, thelocalworkforceandcommunity and futurecoalindustriesoperate. while consideringtheinterestsofcommunitiesinwhichexisting use andrehabilitationofVictoria’svastvaluablecoalresources, organisation thatwillplanforthelong-termextraction,development, NOVEMBER 2009 DISCOVERY JOURNAL 3D geologicalmodelling ofVictoria. exploration. This is beingusedfortheDrillingGrants programandfor four yearstoJune2011ingeoscience projectsthatencourage proposals forroundthreewillbeannounced byJanuary2010. industry further support for innovative resources exploration. Successful three ofourRediscoverVictoriaDrilling Grantsprogram,whichoffers for commercialgeothermalresources. covering alargepartofthestate,togeothermalcompaniesexplore thermal loggingtoolbeingused. Buninyong, southofBallarat,Iwasabletoseethelatestgeothermal energy generationinVictoria. its surroundswouldbeapromisinghotspotforfuturegeothermal Exploration commencedrecentlytodeterminewhetherBallaratand Geothermal developments and jobsincleancoaldevelopments. industry andcanhelpdrive,takeadvantageof, newinvestment industry andworkersparticipateindebatearoundchangestotheir for newinvestmentintheregion. industry andtoworkingwiththecommunitycreaterightclimate sustainable future. as Victoria’senergyindustrymovestoaloweremission,more Traralgon eventdiscussedwaystodrivejobgrowthandinvestment future useofVictoria’sbrowncoal. an importantstepinbringingtogetherstakeholderstodiscussthe In July, CCVorganisedthesuccessfulLatrobeValley EnergySummit, Latrobe Valley EnergySummit Peter BatchelorMinisterforEnergy andResources and areforgingaheadwithanumberofpioneeringinitiatives. Victoria’s energy andearthresourcessectorsremainopenforbusiness To developaplanforthefutureuseofthisresource,CCVwillwork The RediscoverVictoriainitiativeis investing$5millionover Geothermal explorersarealsoeligibleforgrantsunderround The BrumbyGovernmenthasawardedmorethan20permits, During avisittoGeogenVictoria’sgeothermalexplorationsiteatMt Summits suchastheLatrobeValley EnergySummitensurethat The BrumbyGovernmentiscommittedtotheLatrobeValley energy Government, industry, unionandworkerrepresentativesatthe the LatrobeValley. enhance theeconomicfutureof of thestate’scoalresourcewill valley. Sustainabledevelopment coal industrystakeholdersinthe the LatrobeValley. (CCV) isnowupandrunningin manner, CleanCoalVictoria in anenvironmentallysustainable value ofVictoria’scoalresource Government tohelpunlockthe Established bytheBrumby Clean CoalVictoria CCV isadedicated CCV isnowafocalpointfor and westernVictoriadueforreleaseshortly. well advancedinthewestofstatewithBendigoregionreleased great energyandmineralssystems.Threedimensionalmodellingis with abetterunderstandingofthegeologyandhowithostsstate’s Rediscover Victoria3Dinitiative.Thisisalreadyassistingexplorers is awhole-of-Victoria 3Dgeologicalmodel,aspartofthe$2.5million across thestate. initiatives designedtosupportexplorationandresourcedevelopment results. gold and copper, are expected to soon release reports on their drilling Rediscover Victoria Drilling grants to search for minerals, including A number of companies which received first – and second – round Geoscience milestones Resources OnlineStoreathttp://dpistore.efirst.com.au/ and leading3Dgeologicalinterpretations. new researchintoVictoria’srockoriginsandhowtheylinktoTasmania; potential forcarbonstorage,copperprospectivityinWestern Victoria, and modellingworkbeingdoneintheGippslandBasinaroundits a valuabletoolforgoldexplorersincomingyears. possible golddepositsundersedimentinnorthernVictoria– technical dayareavailablefreeofchargefromtheOnlineStore. work beingdonebyGeoScienceVictoria(GSV).Presentationsfromthe of theconferenceattractedmorethan300delegates. industry presentersandexhibitors.Thetechnicalforumonthethirdday emerging andestablishedearthresourcesinVictoria. opportunity toshowcasethemajorinvestmentopportunitiesforboth the secondannualeventheldearlierthisyearinAugust. Conference, theBrumbyGovernmentwasagainhostsponsorof Following thesuccessoflastyear’sinauguralResourcesVictorian Resources VictorianConference Minister forEnergy andResources Peter Batchelor One oftheworld-classtoolsbeingdeliveredbyGeoScienceVictoria The BrumbyGovernmentalsocontinuestoinvestinanumberof I hopeyouenjoytheNovemberedition ofDiscoverymagazine. To obtaincopiesofreportsfromtheconferencevisitEarth GSV alsoreleasedreportsattheconferenceonlatestresearch This workincludestheGoldUndercoverstudy, whichlookedat Delegates atthetechnicalforumwereinformedaboutpromising The threedaymulti-commodityeventfeaturedavarietyofleading The conferencewasagainwellattendedandprovidedtheperfect transitions toalow-emissionsfuture. new investmentinbothsectorsasVictoria community tocreatenewjobsanddrive work inpartnershipwithindustryandthe the BrumbyGovernmenthascontinuedto supply system.Overthepastsixmonths, sectors arekeypartsofthestate’senergy Victoria’s energyandearthresources

of Victoria’searthresources. encourage thesustainabledevelopment The StrzeleckiAwards recogniseand 80 kilometressouthofNhill. exploration worksatitsDouglassite,about for itsenvironmentally-sustainable Category weregrantedtoIlukaResources in theLargeEarthResourcesOperation Projects categoryandacommendation The awardgrantedfortheExploration the BallarattoSkiptonrailtrail. donation ofanunusedfacilityforusers 35 kilometressouth-westofBallaratandits recycling schemeatitsPittongmine,about Australia wontheawardforitswater Operation Category, ImerysMinerals In theMediumSizedEarthResource for itsScoresbyquarryrehabilitationproject. Large EarthResourceOperationCategory Austral Bricksreceivedtheawardin and ResourcesMinisterPeter Batchelor. Resources VictoriaConference,byEnergy The awardsweregrantedattheRIUPaydirt Government’s 2009Strzeleckiawards. development throughtheVictorian for theircommitmenttosustainable Imerys Mineralshavebeenrecognised Austral Bricks,IlukaResourcesand 2009 StrzeleckiAwards: Recognisingexcellenceinsustainabledevelopment reservoirs,” MrBatchelorsaid. to oneoftheregion’smajorwatersupply development toprovideadditionalwater organised watertestingandinfrastructure former opencutmineinLalandthen “Imerys identifiedawatersourceatits trail. public usealongtheBallarattoSkiptonrail the refurbishmentofcompanyfacilitiesfor innovative waterrecyclingschemeand It wontheawardfortwoprojects–its products atitsPittongmine. Imerys MineralsAustraliamineskaolin of Knox. be usedforresidentialhousingintheCity requirements, convertingthesitesoitcould clay quarrysitebeyondtheminimum Associates hasrehabilitatedtheformer Mr BatchelorsaidAustralBricks/Golder be undertaken.” resource operatorsabouthowprojectscan I hopetheyprovideanexampletoother leaders insustainabledevelopmentand “This year’swinnershaveproventheyare and environmentinwhichtheyoperate.” a genuinecommitmenttothecommunities required throughlegislationandshowing sustainable developmentbeyondwhatis recognise companiesthataretaking Mr Batchelorsaid,“TheStrzeleckiAwards conservation,” hesaid. which includedwaterrecyclingandenergy and HamiltonMineralSeparationPlant for workatitsDouglasMineralSands the largeearthresourceoperatorcategory “Iluka alsoreceivedacommendationin removal oftrees. carried outwithoutanydamagetoor breeding seasonanddrilltestingbeing endangered RedTailed BlackCockatoo program toensureitdidnotdisturbthe “This includeddelayingthedrilling area,” hesaid. environmentally sensitivenatureinthe sands deposittookintoaccountthe to findoutmoreaboutthemineral drilling andsamplingprogramdesigned extends tothistimberreserve.Aspecial “Iluka’s Douglasmineralsandsdeposit Reserve. its workintheLittleYoung’s StateTimber out theexplorationprojectscategoryfor Mr BatchelorsaidIlukaResourcestook Skipton railtrail. shelter andtoiletalongtheBallaratto has beenconvertedintoafreesleep-over office facilityatthePittongplantwhich The companyalsodonatedanunused Phone: 0396584432 Department ofPrimaryIndustries Sarah Hill For moreinformation contact Minister Peter Batchelor Colin Bullen–ImerysMineralsAustralia David Sleigh–Iluka David Kidd–Ilkua Bricks/Golder Associates Micheal Gerner–Austral Chris Bryant–AustralBricks Cameron McCormick–AustralBricks L toR: 3 NEWS UPDATES Well-oiled research plans to dip into new reserves Ballarat might be a Geothermal Hotspot

Exploration activities have begun to determine whether Ballarat and its surrounding areas are potential hotspots for future geothermal power generation.

Geogen Victoria Pty Ltd has commenced a geothermal exploration program in the Ballarat region to log temperatures in shallow drilled wells to determine if there is potential to generate clean electricity from geothermal resources. NEWS UPDATES Above: A 3D model showing oil and gas flow pathways and accumulations in the Gippsland Basin. Victoria’s geothermal exploration sector is growing rapidly, with both acreage releases A new research partnership between “Not only will the research be of benefit revealing spirited interest and high quality CSIRO and the Victorian Department to Victoria, but the advanced integrated competition. of Primary Industries (DPI) will delve technologies developed in the program deep into the energy secrets contained can be applied to other sedimentary basins Energy and Resources Minister Peter within Victoria’s sedimentary basins. throughout Australia,” the Minister said. Batchelor visited the Geogen site in This research will have implications for mid-July 2009. a number of energy resource sectors, “Our understanding of the potential for including oil and gas, geological carbon geological carbon dioxide storage and “Generating power from geothermal storage and geothermal. geothermal resources will also be boosted resources has the potential to play an by information gathered from the important role in changing the energy mix The oil and gas component of the three year research program.” in Victoria, as we look to new technology agreement aims to assist energy companies and new energy sources that can provide Project leader for DPI, Dr Geoffrey O’Brien, to more effectively explore for new oil and clean and reliable energy,” said the Minister. gas reserves, reduce exploration risk and said that the Department has high-level thereby encourage investment in Victoria. expertise in characterising the regional “The development of the geothermal energy geologic framework of sedimentary basins industry in Victoria will also create jobs and It was signed by CSIRO Petroleum in the state, within which the petroleum, opportunities for new investment.” Resources Deputy Chief, Dr David Whitford geothermal and geological carbon storage and Victorian Department of Primary systems occur. The integration of the regional Geothermal energy is a clean energy Industries Deputy Secretary, Richard Aldous. geological understanding with CSIRO’s source generated from naturally occurring advanced analytical technologies would heat within the Earth. This heat can be CSIRO project leader, Dr James provide great momentum in understanding harnessed to produce energy without Underschultz, said that the CSIRO had the these complex systems, Dr O’Brien stated. emissions to the environment. research expertise and laboratory facilities to evaluate all aspects of petroleum systems, DPI also has an extensive dataset that will Geogen Victoria has developed a unique from source rock to reservoir. allow a 3D model of the State’s sedimentary new tool to aid in the search for geothermal basins to be built. energy resources. Working with Monex “CSIRO techniques will measure various Geoscope, which operates out of Monash properties of rock cores, organic mater, and Dr Underschultz said that the two University, the company has developed formation fluids,” Dr Underschultz said. organisations share complementary skills, highly sensitive thermal measuring expertise, facilities and background facilitating equipment, which is mounted on a new “They will model the geological histories of a more comprehensive petroleum systems logging vehicle. Victoria’s basins, including the generation, analysis study. migration and trapping of oil and gas. The thermal logger will accurately and This will improve the characterisation of The project is expected to be completed cost-effectively measure the heat flow in the the detailed mechanisms that drive the in 2011. Information will be released to Earth’s crust to a depth of up to 600 meters. petroleum systems in Victoria’s sedimentary the public through the DPI website as the basins and thereby potentially contribute to research program progresses. Mr Batchelor said that although the an improved assessment of the resource geothermal industry was still in its infancy For more information contact: potential and inventory”. in Victoria, it had significant potential. So Dr Jim Underschultz CSIRO Petroleum Resources far seven companies have been granted Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Phone: 08 6436 8747 geothermal exploration permits in Victoria Email: [email protected] Peter Batchelor said that finding new over more than 70 per cent of the state. petroleum reserves is a key challenge of Dr Geoff O’Brien For more information contact: national importance to the oil and gas Department of Primary Industries industry and Australia’s energy security. Phone: 03 9658 4537 Andrew Carroll Email: geoff.o’[email protected] Geogen Victoria Phone: 07 3374 3110 or 0438 878 848 4 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 Mining industry DPI appoints new Deputy Secretary regulation in the spotlight

Industry briefings on new and existing Dr Peter Redlich continuing as Director. regulatory requirements for exploration, The new Energy Resources Development mining and quarrying in Victoria Division has been created to coordinate have been held around the state by and drive new energy resources Department of Primary Industries developments, to provide a stronger focus (DPI) staff. on the challenges and opportunities for investment in Victoria’s world-class brown DPI Acting Executive Director, Earth coal, petroleum and carbon capture Resources Division, Doug Sceney said and storage (CCS) resources, and the that the information sessions were held in prospects for geothermal energy. Melbourne, Benalla, Bendigo, Traralgon and Ballarat, and included information on The responsibilities of the new division will NEWS UPDATES new guidelines and initiatives. include the management and oversight of Clean Coal Victoria, the coordination of “A broad review of the regulatory Above: Richard Aldous, the new Deputy Secretary, CCS activities across EER, facilitation of Energy and Earth Resources Group. framework for the mineral industry is energy resources development projects, currently being undertaken by DPI,” Following a detailed review of the and the marketing and promotion of new Mr Sceney said. structure and organisation of the Energy, investment opportunities in earth resources Earth Resources and Major Projects across the state. “The information sessions included an Group within DPI, the group has been interactive discussion about the Mineral renamed as the Energy and Earth Effective regulation and the development Resources (Sustainable Development) Resources Group (EER). of world class geoscience information for Act 1990 (MRSDA) review, with industry Victoria’s earth resources remains a key feedback to be considered as part of the Richard Aldous has been appointed Deputy goal for the Earth Resources Division. To review.” Secretary, Energy and Earth Resources. further support this objective, the Earth Richard has been acting Deputy Secretary Resources Policy and Legislation unit will From January 1, 2010, the Extractive since January 2009 having previously been transfer to the Earth Resources Division Industries Development Act 1995 (EIDA) in the position of Executive Director Earth from the Energy Sector Development will be repealed and extractive industries Resources Division. Division. This shift is aimed at improving will be regulated under new provisions in the integration and development of earth the MRSDA. Former Deputy Secretary Dale Seymour resources policy advice and the generation has taken up an appointment with the Mr Sceney said that the new Code of of legislation and regulations. Department of Innovation, Industry and Practice for Small Quarries, which was Regional Development (DIIRD). The changes to the Energy and Earth introduced on July 1 and came out of the Resources Group will enable DPI to build recent EIDA review, was a focus of the The new name and other changes on its considerable achievements by information sessions. to the Group are designed to meet providing a stronger focus and new the unprecedented innovation and “The Victorian Government is keen for capabilities to meet the challenges ahead. investment task facing Victoria. The task new regulations to strike the right balance of transforming Victoria’s energy sector is For more information contact: between cutting red tape for industry and driven by the Commonwealth’s expanded Denis Billings minimising the impact of quarrying and Manager Business Strategy Renewable Energy Target and planned mining activities on local communities,” Phone: 03 9658 4674 Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme during Email: [email protected] he added. a period of increased demand for energy. The information sessions also covered: EER will comprise the following • The rehabilitation bond calculator; four divisions: • Community engagement and the duty • Energy Resources Development, a new to consult; and division with Cliff Kavonic as Acting • Native vegetation management Executive Director guidelines. • Energy Sector Development, with For more information contact: Marianne Lourey continuing as Doug Sceney Executive Director Acting Executive Director, • Earth Resources, with Doug Sceney as Earth Resources Division Phone: 03 96584451 Acting Executive Director Email: [email protected] • Energy Technology Innovation, with

5 GeoScience Victoria wins Victoria rocks the prestigious national award Hungarian President NEWS UPDATES

Above: President Solyom (left) and Minister Batchelor watch the 3D visualisation presentation by GeoScience Victoria.

GeoScience Victoria’s (GSV) research in 3D modelling has attracted international interest on a presidential scale.

Energy and Resources Minister Peter Above: Dr Geoff O’Brien accepts the award for best technical paper at the APPEA conference. Batchelor recently hosted the President A new geological concept with the He has also consulted to a wide number of the Republic of Hungary, Laszlo Solyom, potential to revolutionise the way of companies in Australia and overseas. on a tour of GSV’s 3D visualisation facility. explorers look for gas in Victoria’s Otway Basin has earned GeoScience “Dr O’Brien has particular expertise in President Solyom expressed a strong Victoria’s Dr Geoffrey O’Brien a major applying integrated petroleum systems interest in learning about Victoria’s work in industry award. approaches to basin evaluation, with geological carbon storage and geothermal an emphasis on basin and migration energy. His Excellency shares similar Dr O’Brien, who manages GeoScience modelling, remote sensing, fault and top interests with Minister Batchelor in terms Victoria’s (GSV) Energy Geoscience group, seal analysis and seismic interpretation of making the best use of his country’s was the joint winner of the award for best of hydrocarbon leakage and seepage,” considerable brown coal and geothermal technical paper at the Australian Petroleum Ms Hill said. resources, whilst making deep cuts in Production and Exploration Association carbon emissions. (APPEA) conference recently held in Darwin. Dr O’Brien has won numerous industry awards and was the 1992 Petroleum Follow-up international collaboration is Dr O’Brien’s paper discussed the ‘yet to Exploration Society of Australia lecturer. now planned, with the President inviting be discovered’ oil and gas potential of the He has also published more than 170 Victorian representatives to a Hungarian Otway basin and presented new ideas about papers and abstracts. conference taking place next year, which where and how hydrocarbons in the basin will include discussions on lignite, or originated. His presentation at the APPEA conference low-rank brown coal, a resource common coincided with the recent release of oil and to both Hungary and Victoria. GSV director Kathy Hill said, “He has also gas acreage for exploration in offshore developed a predictive model for estimating Commonwealth waters in the Victorian For more information contact: the likely liquids and carbon dioxide contents Otway Basin south of Warrnambool and Kathy Hill Director of gas accumulations across the basin.” Portland, adjacent to Victoria’s highest Geoscience Victoria yielding gas fields. Phone: 03 9658 4562 Dr O’Brien has more than 20 years’ Email: [email protected] experience in petroleum exploration, having For more information contact: worked for BHP, Western Mining Petroleum, Kathy Hill Director AGSCO/Geoscience Australia and the Geoscience Victoria University of Adelaide. Phone: 03 9658 4562 Email: [email protected]

6 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 Ignite Energy is one of the new generation companies seeking to commercialise brown coal as a base for the production of clean burning fuels plus lower emission power generation fuel. Dr Len Humphreys is one man leading the charge.

Dr Len Humphreys Ignite Energy Managing Director

The push to develop Victoria’s vast The company now has two operational brown coal reserves has thrown up a plants and a market cap of $A80m, as well range of new concepts with a host of as having established a Canadian and US new generation projects emerging, all subsidiary and signed a joint development aiming to utilise the energy resource that agreement worth $US50m to develop has underpinned Victoria’s economy for several new biodiesel plants in North almost a century. America.

Ignite Energy is one of the new generation Ignite Energy Resources (IER) will EXECUTIVE IN FOCUS companies seeking to commercialise brown demonstrate its coal-to-oil technology coal as a base for the production of clean after entering into a Memorandum of burning fuels plus lower emission power Understanding to develop a commercial “Victoria alone has 25% generation fuel. test plant at TRUenergy’s Yallourn mine. of the world’s brown coal. Ignite Energy Managing Director The facility will use IER’s proprietary These reserves have a greater Dr Len Humphreys is one man leading the supercritical water technology to transform oil potential than all of the charge into Victoria’s low emissions future. up to 60,000 tonnes of high moisture Middle East put together,” A self-proclaimed change agent, content brown coal into high-grade oils and Dr Humphreys said. Dr Humphreys has great confidence in high-grade dry coal. IER’s operating reactor IER has developed, and currently has in Victoria’s future as a supplier of energy to at Somersby, NSW, converts one dry ton operation, a patent pending continuous flow the rest of the country. He describes his of Gippsland basin coal into approximately cat-HTR that converts lignite (or brown coal) career achievements in terms of changing, two barrels of oil and 600 kg of high into oil and coal products. Pulverised lignite integrating, positioning, promoting and ranked coal. is fed into a reactor and, under medium developing organisations within a climate Dr Humphreys said recently that the thermal and pressure conditions and in of uncertainty and demanding international proprietary supercritical water technology the presence of a catalyst, the inherent and local competition. IER is developing can transform low ranked water in lignite breaks down its polymeric That certainly fits the changing nature of brown coals into high-valued oils and structure, transforming it into IER’s coal and Victoria’s brown coal sector. cleaner coal products. oil products. The process therefore turns Dr Humphreys holds dual British/ “I guess you could say we mimic or copy lignite’s greatest weakness, its moisture Australian citizenship but graduated nature. What it takes nature millions of years content, to its advantage. with a Chemical Engineering degree to do naturally, we can do in a minute,” he Speaking as the former CEO of the from Teesside University in the UK, later explained. Australian Biodiesel Group, Dr Humphreys obtaining a UK post graduate Certificate of “At a certain pressure and temperature, said, “There’s huge pent up demand for Education from Durham University. He is water changes from being very harmless to biodiesel.” now a full member of the Royal Society of being quite an aggressive acid and alkaline He says there is now a different excise Chemistry. simultaneously. At these conditions the regime depending on whether you’re on In October 2006 Dr Humphreys was water actually ‘de-pluralises’ the brown coal or off the road, and in or out of town. appointed Chief Executive of Ignite Energy and converts it into three products: high- “For agricultural applications like farming, Resources and Licella, a subsidiary of the grade coal, a group of oils and water.” mining or marine, there is no rebate on Australian Biodiesel Group. “The energy density of our coal is biodiesel, whereas if they use fossil diesel Before entering the biodiesel arena about twice that of brown coal. You can they get a rebate of 38 cents.” Dr Humphreys was Managing Director of significantly reduce the carbon dioxide If the ambitions of Ignite Energy and a the IBA Health group, and before that Chief footprint of a traditional brown coal power number of other companies interested in Executive of the Australian and UK stock plant,” he said. non-traditional uses of Victorian brown coal exchange listed company Novera Energy. According to independent expert reports, are successful, Dr Humphreys will have He remains a Director of the ASX listed the company’s coal can reduce carbon added another significant chapter to his Australian Biodiesel Group, Australia’s dioxide emissions by 40% when used for career history working as a change agent. largest producer of biodiesel and the only power generation. listed biodiesel company that owns its own “It can also turn a low-grade substance For more information contact: intellectual property. into high-grade products suitable for www.igniteer.com Dr Humphreys invested in the company export,” Dr Humphreys added. Ian Westbrook or Cherry Dinh Westbrook Communications before it joined the ASX, had a market The technology could also have huge Phone: 02 9231 0922 value of around $A5m and employed only ramifications for the global oil market. Carl Kitchen 5 people. TRUenergy Phone: 03 8628 1079 7 Esso Australia

Esso Australia 40 years of oil and gas production from Above: Drilling. the Bass Strait

Esso Australia, an ExxonMobil Australia subsidiary, and BHP Billiton have celebrated 40 years of oil and gas production from Bass Strait at a special ceremony at the Longford gas processing plant near Sale.

In the four decades since the first Bass Strait gas was piped to homes and businesses in Melbourne via the processing plant at Longford, almost four billion barrels of crude oil and seven trillion cubic feet of natural gas have been produced. The first home was connected to Bass Strait natural gas on April 14, 1969, making front-page news right around the country. The first oil flowed later that same year. At the Longford celebration former Esso Australia Chairman, Mark Nolan said, “Esso and BHP Billiton are proud of our 40 year association with the Victorian

community via our operations in Bass Strait.” Above: Drilling. The Bass Strait operations have generated around A$300 billion in Federal Government revenues in real terms, and been a major contributor to Australia’s high level of energy self sufficiency in that period. Mr Nolan added, “The future remains bright for Esso’s Bass Strait operations, its dedicated workforce and the Victorian community with the multi-billion dollar Kipper and Turrum projects set to begin in 2011.” “The Kipper Project, near Ninety Mile Beach on the Gippsland coast, holds about 620 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 30 million barrels of condensate/LPG. The Turrum Project plans to develop another trillion cubic feet of gas and 110 million barrels of oil and gas liquids.” “Together, the two projects have enough energy to power an entire city of a million people for at least 35 years,” Mr Nolan said. “We also have ongoing exploration, drilling and evaluation programs, which are already proving to be successful in increasing production from existing fields.” “Even after 40 years of production, Bass Strait still has a long life, and we expect to Above: Barracouta is towed out in the late 60s. be producing oil and gas for Australians for many more decades.” The Bass Strait oil and gas fields and associated production and processing facilities are owned by Esso Australia Resources and BHP Billiton in a 50:50 joint venture arrangement. Esso is the Operator.

Above For more information contact: L - R: David Banks, BHP Billiton Petroleum Vice President, Rebecca Arnold Geoff Morley, longest-serving Longford employee, The Hon Martin Ferguson, Commonwealth Minister for ExxonMobil Public Affairs Adviser Resources and Energy, Mark Nolan, former ExxonMobil Phone: 03 9270 3478 or 0400 511 247 Australia Chairman, and The Hon Peter Batchelor, Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources.

DISCOVERY JOURNAL 8 Above: Longford during construction. NOVEMBER 2009 Barry Beach Marine Terminal - jacket construction for offshore platform.

“Even after 40 years of production, Bass Strait still has a long life, and we expect to be producing oil and gas for Australians for many more decades.”

9 The combination of strategic planning around Victoria’s coal resource and significant investment in new technologies and uses will ensure Victoria’s coal resource can continue to be a significant

Clean Coal Special contributor to the Victorian economy. Clean Coal Victoria Clean Coal Victoria Up and Running

Former Latrobe Valley coal The $12.2 million Clean Coal Victoria Mr Speirs said Clean Coal Victoria mine manager and local resident initiative aims to unlock Victoria’s would provide a dedicated organisation Charlie Speirs has been appointed enormous coal resource in an to plan for the long-term extraction, Director of Clean Coal Victoria, environmentally sustainable way. development, use and rehabilitation of the the Energy and Resources Minister Mr Batchelor said the Latrobe Valley state’s vast and valuable coal resource. Peter Batchelor announced recently. coal resource and associated jobs and “I am delighted to accept this job industry were unique in Australia and and look forward to working with the it was important that the Director had community and industry to ensure a thorough understanding of the coal Clean Coal Victoria plays a key role in resource and community expectations positioning the Latrobe Valley for the for its use and development. future,” said Mr Spiers. “Mr Speirs is an engineer who has Mr Batchelor said Victoria faced worked for Loy Yang Power for over challenges such as reducing greenhouse 29 years, and for the past decade has gas emissions from current coal use and held the position of General Manager of finding new uses for coal. “This is why Mr Batchelor said, “Charlie Speirs is a Mining,” he said. “Mr Speirs was born and we’ve taken the time to ensure the right great fit to head up Clean Coal Victoria, bred in the Latrobe Valley, so his extensive person is appointed to this position and an organisation that will interact with local knowledge of the local community and that the person is located in the Latrobe planning authorities, the local community the coal resource make him ideal for this Valley at the heart of our coal resources,” and industry on the long-term use of coal.” position. He also has broad experience he said. “One of his first tasks will be to managing industry and government facilitate the appointment of an advisory

Above: Charlie Speirs at the 2009 Resources Victoria Conference. relations through his work with Loy Yang board for Clean Coal Victoria.” and as a member of the Minerals Council “In addition, Mr Speirs will develop a of Australia.” strategy for identifying areas with high

10 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 Clean Coal VictoriaClean Coal Victoria open in the Latrobe Valley

value coal resources for the future and Clean Coal Victoria (CCV) has opened “The new offices will house up to seven coordinate drilling, to assess the quality new offices in Traralgon to provide a focal CCV staff, creating new employment of coal resources in Gippsland. This point for coal industry stakeholders in the opportunities in Traralgon.” research will assist in resolving land Latrobe Valley. “Key projects of the CCV in progress planning and development issues, and include the appointment of an advisory CCV has been operating since June with also help attract investment in Victoria’s board and the start of several drilling progress already made in a number of key coal resources by providing advanced programs, in conjunction with local areas in assessing the future use of Latrobe information for industry on the resources councils, to identify the quality and Valley Brown coal. available.” quantity of coal in a number of areas to Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Mr Batchelor said the establishment of help resolve land planning issues.” Peter Batchelor, said the recent Latrobe Clean Coal Victoria was progressing well. Mr Batchelor said CCV was a dedicated Valley Energy Summit, organised by CCV “The new Clean Coal Victoria offices in organisation that would plan for the was an important step in bringing together Traralgon were opened in August 2009. long-term extraction, development, use stakeholders to discuss the future use of coal. “Staff are being recruited to undertake and rehabilitation of the state’s vast and “The government is taking action to drive the various roles required by Clean Coal valuable coal resources while considering investment opportunities in the Latrobe Valley Victoria,” he said. the interests of the communities in which by providing $12.2 million over four years for existing and future coal industries operate. For More information contact the establishment and operation Charlie Speirs of CCV,” Mr Batchelor said. For More information contact Director, Clean Coal Victoria “CCV has been set-up by the Brumby Charlie Speirs Phone: 03 5160 9001 Director, Clean Coal Victoria Fax: 03 5160 9055 Government to help unlock the value of Tel (03) 5160 9001 Email: [email protected] Victoria’s coal resource in an environmentally Fax (03) 5160 9055 sustainable manner, so what better place to Email: [email protected] base the headquarters than here in the heart of our coal resources?” Mr Batchelor said.

11 Clean Coal Special

Image: Representation of the carbon cycle. More details and images are available at www.co2crc.com.au.

CCS research funded for further five years

The future of the Cooperative Research “These demonstration projects are already Batchelor. Barry Hooper, Chief Technologist CentreClean for Greenhouse Gas Technologies producing important outcomes in storage of theCoal CO2CRC said, “The CO2CRC H3 Victoria (CO2CRC), one of the world’s leading and capture research, including showing Capture Project will trial three CO2 capture Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) that storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) can be technologies with Australian brown coal flue research collaborations, is assured for safe and effective and that capture costs can gases and evaluate them for larger scale another five years after winning new be reduced.” capture.” funding from the Australian Government CCS has the potential to make deep “Projects such as this will make earlier this year. cuts in global CO2 emissions, a major retro-fitting of post-combustion capture contributor to climate change, by capturing technology more practical and affordable for The CO2CRC is one of ten successful and permanently storing CO2 from major all power stations.” CRCs funded in the 11th selection round of sources such as power stations. The project is using the 30 metre the Australian Government’s Cooperative The CO2CRC Otway Project is Australia’s high solvent capture plant installed by Research Centres (CRC) Program. first demonstration of the deep geological International Power as part of the Hazelwood New funding totalling $A20 million will storage or geosequestration of CO2, the Carbon Capture Project to test and evaluate enable the CO2CRC to continue its research most common greenhouse gas. The project new and improved solvents, compare until 2015. is one of the world’s largest research equipment performance, investigate Dr Peter Cook, Chief Executive of and geosequestration demonstration impurities removal and optimise solvent CO2CRC, said, “We are very pleased that projects with about 65,000 tonnes of CO2 capture processes. the Australian Government has decided to already stored deep underground. The The project is using purpose-built fund CO2CRC for a further five years. The program also includes an outstanding research modules to evaluate two new decision allows us to maintain the highly monitoring program, which international and technologies for CO2 capture: membranes successful multi-disciplinary research national scientists believe to be the most and adsorbents. New types of membranes teams we have assembled to accelerate comprehensive of its type in the world. can be used to sieve out CO2 molecules deployment of CCS technology and In addition to the Otway Project, the from gas streams and can be integrated with further strengthen our international CCS CO2CRC has commissioned another solvent systems. Adsorbents are solids that connections.” significant research project. Australia’s most can capture CO2 on their surface, release “Extending CO2CRC until 2015 will comprehensive ‘post-combustion’ CO2 it by reducing the pressure and be reused allow us to further capitalise on the three capture research facility, the CO2CRC H3 over and over. demonstration projects we now have in Capture Project, has been commissioned The project will allow CO2CRC to operation: the CO2CRC Otway Project, the at International Power’s Hazelwood power leverage the existing research base HRL/CO2CRC Mulgrave Capture Project and station in the Latrobe Valley. of its capture activities in Victoria. The the CO2CRC H3 Capture Project,” he said. The project was launched by Victorian University of Melbourne is developing Energy and Resources Minister Peter solvent and membrane technologies, while

12 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 CO2 capture technology developed in the lab

Monash University performs research and Carbon dioxide (CO2) is now being “Our key objective is to reduce the Clean Coaldevelopment on adsorbents.Victoria captured by researchers in Australia’s first technical risk and cost of capturing CO2 The project is part of the Latrobe Valley pre-combustion carbon capture project. from the next generation of coal gasification Post-Combustion Capture Project and is power stations,” said Mr Hooper. “Projects supported by the Victorian Government, The Cooperative Research Centre for such as this can also demonstrate that CCS through their Energy Technology Innovation Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) is not only possible but practical. Strategy (ETIS) Brown Coal Research and has commissioned three CO2 capture “It’s an exciting step up from lab research Demonstration funding, and by the Federal research rigs with the aim of reducing CO2 and will allow CO2CRC researchers from Government, through the CRC Program.. emissions from the next generation of high- the University of Melbourne and Monash efficiency coal gasification power stations. University to undertake applied research in Further information: The project being developed at HRL’s an industrial environment.” Barry Hooper, gasifier research facility at Mulgrave was Phone: +61 3 8344 6622, 0408 815 608 Further information: launched by Victorian Minister for Energy Email: [email protected] Barry Hooper, and Resources, Peter Batchelor, in July. Phone: +61 3 8344 6622, 0408 815 608 Media assistance: Mr Barry Hooper, Chief Technologist of Email: [email protected] Tony Steeper, the CO2CRC said, “The CO2CRC rigs will Phone: +61 2 6120 1611, 0417 697 470 Media assistance: Email: [email protected] capture CO2 from syngas, the product Tony Steeper, of the brown coal gasifier, using three Phone: +61 2 6120 1611, 0417 697 470 More details and images are available at Email: [email protected] www.co2crc.com.au innovative new technologies. These capture technologies are equally applicable to For an overview, technology fact CO2CRC collaborates with leading international and national syngas from brown and black coal, gas or CCS experts to conduct world-class research into CCS. sheets and images of the project, Organisations participating in CO2CRC research include biomass fuels.” CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, the Universities of Adelaide, see www.co2crc.com.au Curtin, Melbourne, Monash and NSW, the Alberta Research “Advanced gasifier technologies are Council of Canada and the US Lawrence Berkeley National highly suitable for CCS capture as they Laboratory. Industry and State core partners supporting CO2CRC are produce a concentrated stream of CO2. ACARP, Anglo American, BHP Billiton, BP Australia, Chevron, During the research project, researchers will ConocoPhillips, Inpex, KIGAM, Mitsui, the NSW Department of Primary Industries, NZ Resource Consortium, Origin, QER, evaluate solvent, membrane and adsorbent Rio Tinto, Sasol, Schlumberger, Shell, Foundation for Research technologies for efficiency and cost- Science and Technology (NZ), Solid Energy, Stanwell, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, the QLD effectiveness.” Department of Mines and Energy, the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum, Woodside and Xstrata. CO2CRC is supported through the Australian Government’s CRC Program.

13 Clean Coal Special

Power plant technology cuts CO2 emissions

New efforts to reduce Victoria’s The captured CO2 is used to chemically “This pilot-scale demonstration of carbon greenhouseClean gas emissions are being treat ash water – a waste by-product of coal- captureCoal technology on a commercial plant Victoria introduced at International Power’s fired electricity generation. This produces a has excited national and international Hazelwood power plant in the Latrobe calcium carbonate solid. interest. It illustrates to the brown and black Valley, where one of Australia’s largest The Minister also launched the latest coal power industry the potential to retrofit trial CO2 capture facilities to be installed carbon capture facility of the Latrobe Valley this technology and the opportunities for at a coal-fired power station Post Combustion Capture Project that the CO2 sequestration.” is located. Victorian Government provided $2.5 million “The Brumby Government is currently through its Energy Technology Innovation offering ETIS grants worth up to $110 million Launching the new facility in July, Energy Strategy (ETIS) Brown Coal R&D grants. for large-scale carbon capture and storage and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor “There are now seven carbon capture projects in Victoria. Another $5.2 million is congratulated the company and its project plants in Victoria being used to identify the being provided to undertake 3D modelling partners – the CO2CRC and Process Group most effective and efficient technology for to help identify areas in Victoria which may – adding that this facility has been supported the future,” Mr Batchelor said. be suitable for carbon storage.” by both the Victorian and Commonwealth “Apart from the storage of CO2 as calcium For more information contact: Governments. carbonate, geosequestration trials are also Dr Leigh Clemow “This cutting-edge facility is another step underway in the Otway Basin, looking at the Manager Brown Coal Technologies in the development of carbon capture and potential storage of CO2 underground.” Energy Technology Innovation Department of Primary Industries storage (CCS) technology in Australia. It has Mr Batchelor said Victoria led the nation Phone: 03 9658 4485 the capacity to capture up to 25 tonnes of in the development of these vital new CO2 a day (or ~ 10,000 tonnes per year), technologies making the state an ideal 10 times more than similar facilities in place to locate one of the Commonwealth Australia can currently capture.” Government’s CCS Flagship projects. The Hazelwood facility uses solvent “CCS offers the potential to move coal, technology to capture carbon from gases our largest source of electricity, to a cleaner emitted from the exhaust stacks at the future – helping secure the Latrobe Valley’s Hazelwood power plant. energy future and providing sustainable development through new investment and jobs,” he said.

14 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 Above: International Power Australia’s Executive Director Tony Above: Exit from the Stage One Reactor which is a cake that consists Concannon (middle) shows the calcium carbonate by-product of cellulose and lignin. of IPRA’s $10 million carbon capture facility at Hazelwood power station to state Energy Minister Peter Batchelor (second from right). Hazelwood Chief Executive, Graeme York, is pictured at left and with Process Group Managing Director Craig Dugan (far right).

Ignite Energy Coal to Liquids Project

Ignite Energy Resources (IER) and Subject to feasibility studies and based on Ignite Energy Resources, with its affiliate Clean CoalTRUenergy plan to buildVictoria a commercial the operating Somersby reactor design, IER Licella, has developed a Super Critical Water demonstration plant to convert Latrobe will build and operate a commercial-scale (SCW) reactor technology for converting Valley brown coal into liquid oil and dried reactor at the TRUenergy site. The initial modern Biomass (plant matter) and ancient brown coal. plant is expected to be operating by the Biomass (coal) into highly valuable oil and second quarter of 2010. coal products. Independent expert reports The two companies have signed a Dr Len Humphreys, CEO of IER said, have predicted that IER’s process can be Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) “We are delighted that TRUenergy, which is economic at oil prices as low as $30 per to develop a demonstration plant at committed to addressing climate change, barrel. TRUenergy’s Yallourn mine to test the is supporting the development of this plant. IER owns rights to Exploration License commercial application of the technology. In a CO2 conscious world, we believe IER’s (EL) 4416 in the Gippsland basin, which IER’s proprietary supercritical water technology can fundamentally change the it estimates to contain at least 18 billion technology has the potential to transform way the world looks at lignite.” tonnes of lignite. low ranked coals, including lignite like that Richard McIndoe, MD of TRUenergy IER stated that using the conversion rate found in abundance in the Latrobe Valley, said, “TRUenergy’s involvement in this of the existing IER reactor in Sydney, this 18 directly into high-value oils and cleaner coal demonstration plant and support for Iignite’s billion tonnes could potentially be converted products. innovative approach is consistent with into approximately 18 billion barrels of IER already operates a small scale our strategy to support new technology oil and 5 billion tonnes of cleaner coal reactor at Somersby in NSW which can initiatives that can help ensure a future for products. While lignite is widely available, it convert one dry tonne of Gippsland Basin Victoria’s brown coal. This is a resource is highly polluting when used in conventional lignite into approximately two barrels of oil that has a huge potential if solutions to its applications. Converting lignite into IER’s and 0.6 tonnes of high ranked coal. high carbon intensity can be developed coal products can reduce CO2 emissions by Independent expert reports predict that and commercialised. We believe this is an up to 40%. the company’s coal, compared to lignite, important initiative.” For further information visit: will reduce CO2 emissions by 40% when IER is based in Sydney and has patents www.igniteer.com used for power generation. pending over the supercritical water reactor Or call The eventual Latrobe Valley plant will be which is central to the conversion process. Ian Westbrook, Westbrook Communications: developed in three stages to process up Apart from IER’s plant in Somersby, it has Phone: 02 9231 0922 to 60,000 tonnes of high moisture content certain rights to significant, proven reserves Carl Kitchen, TRUenergy brown coal per annum to produce up to of lignite through a Gippsland Basin Phone: 03 8628 1079 60,000 barrels of IER high grade oils and Exploration Licence. 18,000 tonnes of high-grade dry coal.

15 Clean Coal Special

Gippsland Regional Latrobe Valley looks to Infrastructure reduce carbon footprint Development Studies Held in July, a Latrobe Valley energy More than 90 per cent of Victoria’s energy Cleansummit recently explored ways to drive is generatedCoal from the Latrobe Valley’s brown Victoria Studies into developing a comprehensive transport plan for future brown coal jobs growth and investment in the Latrobe coal, which emits very high levels of carbon. projects in the Latrobe Valley started Valley, seeking to secure in a future in “While new energy sources such as solar in 2009 after the Victorian Government which the intense carbon emissions of the and wind power are an important part of our launched its Gippsland Regional past must be curbed. energy mix, coal will continue to be a source Infrastructure Development Studies of power for Victorians in the foreseeable The summit brought together government, project recently. future,” Mr Batchelor said. industry, unions and worker representatives “However, the high emissions from brown The project will assess the transport in Traralgon along with Victorian Energy and coal-fired electricity generation means that implications from new brown coal industries Resources Minister Peter Batchelor. we must make coal cleaner.” in Gippsland which are likely to come on Mr Batchelor said that the summit “As these new technologies come on stream from about 2015. provided an opportunity to discuss the stream they will change how the energy The project provides for a phased development and use of Victoria’s brown sector operates and require new skills for approach including scoping, options coal in a cleaner and more sustainable way. workers,” he said. analysis and pre-feasibility studies on “As we transition to a carbon-constrained For More information contact transport infrastructure requirements future we believe it’s important that electricity workers have the chance to help Charlie Speirs to support development of these new Director, Clean Coal Victoria industries and get value-added coal shape the Latrobe Valley’s future direction,” Phone: 03 5160 9001 Fax: 03 5160 9055 products to world markets. Mr Batchelor said. Email: [email protected] The studies will provide forward planning “Addressing climate change will result in to allow for growth of new industries which huge changes for the power industry in the will boost the Victorian economy and the Latrobe Valley and it is vital that government, identification of new transport infrastructure industry and communities work together to needs in regional Victoria. ensure a smooth transition to low emissions energy.” For more information contact: Sean Rooney Acting Director, Business Development and Facilitation, Earth Resources Division Phone: (03) 9658 4739

16 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 Young researchers gather in Lorne

Postgraduate students from across the The project involves the injection of large Clean Coalworld gathered recentlyVictoria in Lorne for quantities of CO2 into a depleted gas field five days of intensive study of carbon two kilometres below ground level, with capture and storage (CCS) science and the trial already reaching a 60,000 tonne technology developments. milestone. Victorian Energy and Resources Minister, The students, who are studying Peter Batchelor, said the initial success engineering, chemistry, geology and of the project had prompted plans for an economics, heard from a range of expansion of the trial, with the potential for international CCS experts. They came Above: International postgraduate students gather in Lorne. additional CO2 to be injected via a second together through the CCS Summer well. School Greenhouse Gas Research and “The Otway basin and the Gippsland • $2.06 million from the ETIS brown coal Development Program, originally created by basin show strong potential as geological R&D program to the CO2CRC for the Pre the International Energy Agency. carbon storage areas. The Gippsland basin Combustion Capture Project; and It is the first time the program has been is particularly significant because of its close • $5.2 million to undertake 3D modelling to held in Australia. The summer school has proximity to coal-fired power stations in the help identify areas, such as the Gippsland previously been held in Germany and Latrobe Valley,” he said. Basin, which may be suitable for carbon Canada. The Victorian Government had also storage - preliminary results have already Lorne is close to the CO2 Cooperative invested in other CCS research including: identified offshore areas with excellent Research Centre’s Otway Project at • $110 million through the Energy potential. Nirranda. Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS) for For more information contact: The Otway Project, supported with large-scale carbon capture and storage $6 million from the Victorian Government, Namiko Ranasinghe demonstrations; Petroleum Development Adviser is the first carbon storage project trial in • $2.5 million from the ETIS brown coal Department of Primary Industries Australia. R&D program for the Latrobe Valley Post Phone: 03 9658 4947 Email: [email protected] Combustion Capture Project, which last year was the first project to capture CO2 from coal fired electricity generation in Australia;

17 Right: Drilling is underway to extend reserves in the Phoenix ore body at Northgate’s Fosterville Mine.

Northgate Minerals Corporation

Northgate – Victoria’s biggest gold miner

Canadian based Northgate Minerals, Victoria’s biggest gold producer, has enjoyed a strong June quarter, generating excellent cash flow from operations and increasing gold reserves at the Stawell gold mine, the company reported recently to the Toronto Stock Exchange.

In the June quarter the Fosterville mine produced 25,416 ounces of gold, a significant improvement from the 14,630 ounces of gold produced in the corresponding quarter of 2008. During the second quarter, 206,829 tonnes of ore were mined. Mining rates dramatically increased in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year due to to reduce drill section spacing from 100m to 50m for areas with an increase in the number of working faces made available by strong gold mineralization to permit detailed resource modelling, and the substantial mine development achieved since taking ownership second, to increase the size of the existing resource by drill testing of the mine. potential down plunge mineralization extensions. During the quarter, a record 203,822 tonnes of ore were milled at a Drilling is also underway at Phoenix Deeps, approximately 300m grade of 4.54 grams of gold per tonne (g/t). Although tonnes milled to the south of and down plunge from the last Phoenix drill intercept. were significantly higher than they were in the same period of 2008, Three of the five holes attained target depths and all holes intersected ore grade was lower than the 5.40 g/t for the 2008 June quarter. gold mineralisation. Mill head grades are At the Stawell mine a total of 20,066 ounces of gold was produced Gold recoveries of 86% in the expected to improve during the three months ended June 30 2009, compared to 22,807 second quarter of 2009 were as higher grade stopes ounces of gold in the corresponding period last year. Gold production dramatically higher than the are mined, and gold was lower than forecast due to changes in the stoping sequence caused by geotechnical issues that developed within Golden Gift 76% recovery recorded in the production is now 5 level mining block. same period last year. The fully anticipated to be 31,000 ounces for the third Stawell’s annual production for 2009 is now forecast at commissioned heated leach circuit quarter of 2009. approximately 96,500 ounces. Stawell’s revenue for the three months is expected to further improve gold Gold recoveries of ended June 30 2009 was $18.06 million based on gold sales of recoveries in future quarters. 86% in the second 19,608 ounces. quarter of 2009 were Since the acquisition of the Stawell mine, Northgate’s exploration dramatically higher than the 76% recovery recorded in the same program has successfully delineated new zones of economic period last year. The fully commissioned heated leach circuit is mineralisation. In the first six months of 2009, mineral reserves expected to further improve gold recoveries in future quarters. and resources were increased in all areas of the mine through a Fosterville’s revenue for the three months ended June 30 2009 combination of exploration drilling, resource definition drilling, and was $22.57 million, based on gold sales of 24,875 ounces. grade control drilling the company revealed in its quarterly report. During the second quarter, drilling programs accelerated at A total of 870,000 tonnes containing 93,000 ounces of additional Fosterville with up to four surface diamond drill rigs operating in the gold reserves were delineated extending the Stawell mine life to the southern part of the mine lease where 17 holes and over 9,000m of second quarter of 2012. diamond drilling were completed. A further 32,000 ounces of indicated and 98,000 ounces of inferred At Harrier Underground, located 1.7 kilometres south of the current resources have also been added. Phoenix mining area, ten holes drill tested parts of the Osprey and For more information contact Harrier base zones. The current drill programs have two goals: first, Luc Guimond Northgate Minerals Corp Phone: +61 03 5442 7755 Fax: +61 03 5442 3955

18 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 The Kangaroo Flat mine is located in the Bendigo goldfield, Australia’s second largest goldfield, having produced some 22 million ounces of gold, to an average depth of 750 metres. Production of around 30-40,000 oz gold is planned for Kangaroo Flat during the 2009 calendar year.

Bendigo Mining Exploration is continuing beneath and along from historic mines on the richest lines of mineralisation within the Bendigo Goldfield. In the June quarter a total of 6721 diamond drill metres were completed, testing the Deborah, Garden Gully and Hustlers lines Bendigo gold pours from underground locations within the Kangaroo Flat mine. The exploration strategy is to locate additional mineable reefs forth in June quarter within 1000 metres of existing mine development. This strategy is being implemented by testing targets both vertically below and along from historic workings.

Gold production at the Kangaroo Flat mine in Bendigo mine jumped by 33% in the June quarter to 13,122 ounces and the company’s financial position strengthened sharply, Bendigo Mining reported to the Australian Stock Exchange.

Managing Director of Bendigo Mining Rod Hanson said, “Record quarterly production was achieved from strong performance at our Kangaroo Flat mine. The careful and flexible operating strategy we have pursued is proving to be very successful at Bendigo. The strong gold price and higher level of gold production generated net cash flow in the quarter of $7 million and increased our cash in bank to $57 million.” “Production from October 2008 has generated positive cashflow of just over $14 million, with the majority in the past six months. This is a strong result considering that reported cashflow is net of all capital, exploration and head office expenses,” he said. Ore produced at the mine in the June quarter had an average grade of 9.1 g/t. A total of 48,507 tonnes of ore was treated at a cash operating cost of A$639/oz. The majority of the ore was sourced from Gill Reef, with the remainder from Dale, Garrard and Dean reefs, as well as low grade stocks. Gold grades across individual Exploration is also focused on upgrading the potential of recently mining blocks varied during the discovered reefs through programs of infill drilling. quarter from 5.5 g/t to 13.6 g/t Exploration of the Deborah line continued to test the relatively gold, averaging 9.1 g/t gold. shallow Dunlop reef south of historic workings. Bendigo Mining is planning to The reef is located adjacent to the anticline axis and is some produce 50-65,000 oz of gold 150 metres east of the modern mine workings. Drilling completed this in the 2009 calendar year from quarter increased the defined length of the Dunlop reef by 110 metres the Kangaroo Flat mine and its to 290 metres. The reef size diminishes southwards, becoming a newly acquired Henty mine in zone of weak quartz veining 15 metres high and 10 metres wide. Tasmania. Resource estimation and mine planning studies have commenced.

Above: For more information contact: Kangaroo Flat mine site. Tim Churcher Chief Financial Officer Bendigo Mining Limited Phone: +61 (0)3 5447 1834 Fax: +61 (0)3 5447 1835 Email: info@ bendigomining.com.au Website: www.bendigomining.com.au

19 This page: RC drilling at the Junction 1 Prospect, Stavely. Left: Mt Ararat copper deposit lies at the base of the hill, and above the treeline.

Beaconsfield Gold NL

Beaconsfield Gold ramps up exploration near the Grampians

Melbourne based gold miner and base metals explorer, Beaconsfield Gold NL, believes its copper project in western Victoria has solid potential for development with the promise of becoming one of Victoria’s most significant base metal mines.

The company has made substantial progress towards its initial • Resources amenable to initial open cut operations, with free digging aim of outlining resources of at least 100,000 tonnes of contained mineralisation and low strip ratio evident at Thursdays Gossan; copper and has been examining future development concepts. • A central processing plant at Thursdays Gossan for multiple Drilling by Beaconsfield Gold has defined a JORC Inferred deposits; Resource of 47,000 tonnes of contained copper (10.6 million • Close proximity to existing infrastructure and a local workforce; and tonnes at 0.45% copper) at its wholly owned Thursdays Gossan • Concentrate transport opportunity on the Ararat-Portland railway line oxide deposit. for export from Portland 150 kilometres to the south west. The company is also earning a 75% interest in a JORC Inferred Resource of 19,000 tonnes of contained copper (0.7 million tonnes Beaconsfield Gold plans to fund its exploration effort with cash at 2.7% copper) at the nearby Mt Ararat copper-gold deposit. generated from its high grade Tasmania mine on the banks of Beaconsfield Gold has Tasmania’s Tamar River and from the Victorian Government’s A conceptual development consolidated its tenements Rediscover Victoria exploration drilling assistance program. study, based on a nominal 1.5 in the area, now owning In the June quarter Beaconsfield Gold increased its exposure to million tonnes per year flotation more than 1,300 square the potentially rich western Victoria zone which is the focus of the kilometres, over which sound company’s exploration effort. plant, has been completed, with exploration data exists. Beaconsfield acquired the right to earn a controlling interest in an encouraging results. A conceptual development Indicated and Inferred Resource of 700,000 tonnes at an average study, based on a nominal grade of 2.7% copper at Ararat, close to the company’s existing 1.5 million tonnes per year flotation plant, has been completed, Stavely copper resource. with encouraging results. This study investigated resource, mining, The company told the Australian Stock Exchange that drilling is metallurgical processing, environmental, infrastructure, permitting planned to follow up on the best intercept of 4.4 metres at 12% copper and cost aspects and identified areas which require further work to and 8.1 g/t gold. take the project to a feasibility study. The company also acquired 100% ownership of the Stavely project The study outlined the key parameters of the project: in July with the exercise of the purchase option for $250,000. • Target production of 10,000 tonnes per year of contained copper Beaconsfield Gold CEO Bill Colvin said, “The acquisition of the for at least seven years; right to earn a 75% interest in the Ararat project has significantly • Clean concentrate with gold, silver and lead credits based on enhanced the potential for development of a significant copper/gold flotation tests; mine in western Victoria, in combination with our existing 100% owned resources and prospects at Stavely.” 20 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 “Beaconsfield Gold has now successfully moved to become a mid-tier gold producer with no bank debt, no gold hedging Above: Stavely/Ararat Projects, Western Victoria. commitments and significant exploration potential both in north- eastern Tasmania and in western Victoria,” Mr Colvin said. The Stavely project is contained within Exploration Licence EL4556, Other planned work includes: which holds all of the known copper and gold mineralisation in that • Extensional drilling at the Junction high grade copper deposit, project area. which was discovered in December 2008 with a best reported In the June quarter, Beaconsfield Gold announced a farm- intercept of 35 metres at 3.7% copper; in agreement with Range River Gold Ltd for the Ararat project, • Three regional diamond drillholes testing new copper sulphide comprising three exploration licences located 40km to the north east targets, subsidised by a Victorian government RVD grant of of the Stavely project. $60,000; The company can earn 75% equity in the project by spending • Infill and extensional drilling at the Mt Ararat copper-gold deposit, $1.0 million within 4 years. According to Mr Colvin the Ararat project which has potential to provide supplementary high grade feed to a contains significant copper and gold potential, with a high grade Stavely processing plant; copper deposit at Mt Ararat delineated in the 1970’s. • Follow up drilling of the single diamond hole at Langi Logan An Area Work Plan for drilling and trenching on the Stavely and prospect at Ararat which intersected 2 metres at 9.2 g/t gold in a Ararat projects has been approved by the Victorian Department of Stawell-style setting; Primary Industries. This work commenced in October 2009. • Detailed gravity survey to identify further Stawell-style basalt In the area where Beaconsfield has outlined significant copper domes under shallow cover south of the Langi Logan prospect potential the company plans to start infill drilling at the Thursdays at Ararat; and Gossan oxide discovery to develop the project to Indicated Resource • Surface trenching and drilling of parts of the Fairview gold anomaly status for the current 10.5 million tonne Inferred resource. at Stavely. A recent gravity survey over this extensive gold-in-soil Extensional deep drilling at Thursday’s Gossan will further define anomaly has highlighted the potential for gold to be focused primary high grade copper sulphide mineralisation, where sparse around porphyry intrusions. drilling to date has produced a best intercept of 7.7 metres at For more information contact: 4.2% copper. Bill Colvin Chief Executive Officer Beaconsfield Gold NL Phone: 61-3-9909-7401 Email: [email protected] 21 Website: www.beaconsfieldgold.com.au Below: Areas being investigated for carbon storage potential.

GeoScience Victoria

Geological ‘Skeleton’ of Gippsland Basin to be revealed

Efforts by Geoscience Victoria to create a 3D map of the Gippsland Basin, the source of the rich oil and gas fields in Bass Strait, have been extended to the commercial sector.

A tender seeking companies to interpret existing seismic data – acquired by reflecting sound waves off underground structures – has been let to create a geological framework showing the geology within in the basin. GeoScience Victoria geologists will then use this ‘skeleton’ to build a comprehensive 3D model of the region – a powerful and cutting-edge tool that allows geologists and exploration managers to visualise different layers of rock and faults. This will assist exploration companies to better focus their efforts on discovering new commercial resources “We are committed to continuing to support the Victorian earth which can improve Australia’s energy self-sufficiency. Energy and resources industry by generating and providing geological knowledge Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said, “Just as doctors use to explorers.” ultrasound to look at the internal structures of the human body, “VicGCS has already identified areas in the Gippsland Basin with seismic reflection data will need to be used to map these subsurface excellent potential for greenhouse gas storage. The 3D model will structures.” increase our understanding of how CO2 behaves following injection deep underground.” “The Gippsland Basin 3D model is a key part of the The region to be mapped includes most of the offshore and a small Government’s $5.2 million Victorian Geological Carbon part of the onshore Gippsland Basin and covers approximately 4000 Storage (VicGCS) initiative to provide a regional square kilometres. From Lakes Entrance, the region extends about 80km west to Yarram, 120km east and 200km south into Bass Strait. assessment of greenhouse gas storage potential “The Gippsland Basin 3D model will also add another piece to within the Gippsland Basin,” the whole-of-Victoria 3D geological model being created under the Brumby Government’s $2.5 million Rediscover Victoria 3D initiative,” Mr Batchelor said that this 3D model could be used to more Mr Batchelor said. accurately predict the location of underground carbon dioxide storage, undiscovered petroleum systems and geothermal energy, Contact for investor information: helping to reduce exploration time, costs and risk. Kathy Hill Director Geoscience Victoria Phone: 03 9658 4562 Email: [email protected]

22 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 The new acreage, administered by Victoria but lying within Commonwealth Government controlled waters, is regarded as highly promising and likely to contain as yet undiscovered petroleum reserves.

Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor and Federal Minister for Energy, Resources and Tourism Martin Ferguson jointly announced the acreage release. “By jointly releasing this promising acreage, the Victorian New areas released Government is taking action to provide opportunities for new oil and gas exploration which could lead to new discoveries and secure our for offshore oil and energy supplies,” said Mr Batchelor. “This release is another addition to the growing energy sector gas exploration in Victoria’s south-west, with the region boasting geothermal exploration, wind energy and carbon capture and storage research.” Mr Batchelor said that under the release, companies would be able to tender for the four areas to carry out exploration activities. Four new offshore areas along Victoria’s south-west coast in the “The Otway Basin has seen several natural gas discoveries by Otway Basin south of Warrnambool and Portland, adjacent to companies such as Woodside and Santos in the past decade, with Victoria’s highest yielding gas fields, have been released, for oil some of the fields already well into production,” he said. and gas exploration. The closing date for applications for areas V09-1, V09-2 and V09-3 is December 3, 2009. The closing date for applications for area The region supplies a large part of Australia’s east coast domestic V09-4 is April 29, 2010. and industrial gas market including Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, but the offshore areas are currently under-explored. Contact for investor information: The new acreage, administered by Victoria but lying within Dr Geoffrey O’Brien Department of Primary Industries Commonwealth Government controlled waters, is regarded as highly Phone: 03 96584537 promising and likely to contain as yet undiscovered petroleum reserves. Email: geoff.o’[email protected]

Below: Map showing the 2009 acreage release blocks in yellow, and current blocks in pink.

23 2009 SUMMARY

Minister says Victoria “open for business”

Victorian Resources Minister “Despite the changes in the economic Mr Batchelor said that demand for coal, oil, Peter Batchelor has declared landscape, we have still seen many positive gas and gold has remained strong in the last Victoria “open for business”. stories in Victoria in the last 12 months.” 12 months. “Our massive coal resource continues to Opening the second annual Paydirt These stories include: be in high demand, both for traditional uses Resources Victoria Conference • Work starting on Iluka Resources’ such as electricity, but also for emerging Mr Batchelor said, “After a significant $209 million mineral sands Murray uses such as conversion to fertilizer and period of growth in the resources Basin Stage 2 Project; liquid fuels.” sector both here in Victoria and around • Discoveries of new base metals in “The combination of strategic planning the world, the Global Financial Crisis Western and North Eastern Victoria; around our coal resource and significant hit. However, Victoria is still open for and investment in new technologies and uses business and offers many investment • The 40th anniversary of oil and gas for our coal will ensure our coal resource opportunities in the resources sector. production from Bass Strait by Esso can continue to be a significant contributor Australia and BHP Billiton. to our economy.”

Resources Victoria Conference success

The Paydirt Resources Victoria The conference, which attracted 160 of gold waiting to be discovered from north Conference and subsequent delegates on the first two days, provided a of Bendigo through to the Murray River, there technical forum organised by detailed update on the state of minerals and is certainly a strong case for having a look in energy exploration and production in the the state. GeoScience Victoria (GSV) has state, and was the latest effort by Victoria’s The state is endowed with commodities been hailed as success by Department of Primary Industry to attract such as mineral sands, gold, petroleum and Energy and Earth Resources exploration and development spending in brown coal as well as emerging industries Deputy Secretary Richard Aldous. Victoria. such as geosequestration and geothermal. The technical forum held on the third day Victoria is also firming as an increasingly of the conference attracted more than 300 attractive destination for base metals delegates. explorers. Given that the Victorian Government In an effort to turn all of these opportunities estimates that there is 1,000 or more tonnes into commercial operations mines, the

24 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 The Minister added that the outlook for On the gold front Mr Batchelor said, The Minister Victoria’s oil and gas sector was also bright. “Bendigo and Northgate have both had some concluded by “A significant milestone was reached in April great results this year. The Gold Undercover saying, “The with the 40th anniversary of natural gas study – which looked at possible gold second round of supply to Victorian consumers and oil and deposits under sediment in northern Victoria grants, totalling gas production from Bass Strait. Bass Strait – is one of our success stories and I’m sure $700,000, were oil and gas has produced almost two-thirds of will be a valuable tool for gold explorers in awarded to 11 Australia’s cumulative oil production to date coming years.” companies in and 30 per cent of Australia’s gas production. “To support the geotechnical data we are Minister Peter Batchelor opens Resources November last Victoria Conference 2009. With substantial capacity still available it will providing for industry we have also been year. The third continue to supply gas for many years to running the Rediscover Victoria Drilling round of the grants program will be launched come. grants program, which supplies grants to shortly, and I’m pleased to announce today “Industry’s confidence in this resource is support exploration for minerals in greenfield that for the first time we will not only offer still strong and is highlighted by the almost areas. We have already had some extremely grants for mineral exploration, but also for $3 billion worth of new projects in Bass Strait promising results; for example Beaconsfield geothermal exploration.” announced in the last two years.” Gold’s copper discovery in western Victoria.”

Above: Ingrid Campbell from Lakes Oil.

Department has gone on the front foot to Victoria Drilling (RVD), which offers grants For more information contact: attract new investment. The Resources to Victorian tenement holders to “encourage Kalé Nakazwe Conference Manager Victoria Conference, organised by Paydirt drilling programmes in areas previously Paydirt Media Pty Ltd Media, provided a platform to highlight the seen as either higher risk or having limited Phone: 08 9321 0355 work being undertaken by both government prospectivity”. Email: [email protected] www.resourcesvictoriaconference.com and industry. Grants have been awarded to a variety One incentive-driven campaign that has of companies with a number of potentially For more information relating to the technical forum contact: proved popular in securing new investment in significant new discoveries already coming Paul McDonald Victoria is the Rediscover Victoria initiative. to light. Manager Resources The Victorian Government has committed With accelerated drilling, more discoveries GeoScience Victoria Email: [email protected] $5 million over four years, until 2012, to will be unearthed in the state, ensuring a support exploration in the state. Half of this bright future for the resources sector. figure has been dedicated to Rediscover

25 2009 Resources Victoria Conference POST CONFERENCE SUMMARY

Victorian oil and gas Morning Star mine to exploration set to grow resume gold production

A return to higher levels of exploration “The area is still attracting investment, Gold is set to flow from the Morning Star in the Victorian offshore Otway and Bass with eight new projects valued at mine near Woods Point once again after basins should be expected as the global A$3.3 billion recently announced or the company started mining ore from financial crisis eases and capital begins under active consideration.” as many as five stopes, the managing flowing again, according to the Australian On the national scale, Mr McCallum warned director of Morning Star Gold NL, Petroleum Production and Exploration that Australia’s oil and condensate production Nick Garling, told the Victorian Association (APPEA). had declined every year since 2000, from Resources Conference. But the peak industry body has also 715,000 barrels per day to 461,000 barrels per Mr Garling told delegates that the warned that the nation faces a crude oil day last year – a decline of 35%. refurbishment of the Morning Star mine and condensate deficit worth $28 billion in “By 2017, without major new discoveries, has reached the 10th level of the mine, and under 10 years unless major new domestic consumption will be offset by 32% production, development has been concentrated on the discoveries, such as those from the Otway areas higher in the mine. and Bass Basins, “Large volumes of gas, In the June are forthcoming. quarter Morning Addressing already discovered and Star mine the first day of awaiting sale, exist in refurbished several the Paydirt 2009 the Gippsland basin levels between the Resources Victoria 4L and 9L ahead of Conference, with strong potential for ore extraction. APPEA’s Deputy new discoveries off the “The company Above: Mark McCallum Chief Executive – state’s west coast.” Above: Nick Garling is now ready to Policy and External Relations Mark McCallum recommence mining in the upcoming quarter,” said that while considerable attention had said Mr Garling. “Work has also focused on been recently focused on the potential of the resulting in a crude oil and condensate trade independently reconstructing the geological massive gas resources being found in the deficit of A$28 billion or higher.” model with a view to locating the most Browse basin offshore Western Australia and Mr McCallum said that in the case of oil, accurate sites within the mine to recommence the coal seam projects of central Queensland, Australia had less than 10 years of reserves at production.” Victoria “has certainly not run its race.” current production levels. Part of this work included having the “While exploration offshore Victoria has He went on to add that the story for Morning Star mine comprehensively slowed considerably with the onset of the Australia’s natural gas outlook was much resurveyed by registered surveyors. global financial crisis, the improvement in different and brighter. “Right now, natural gas Morning Star Gold has also completed equities and energy markets will see an uplift presents a compelling opportunity to address preliminary feasibility, and costing work on a in exploration activities, particularly in the climate change, provide energy security to standalone treatment plant for the Morning Otway and Bass Basins and the deeper water Australian and key Asian economies and Star mine has been completed. areas of the Gippsland Basin,” he said. in doing so, strong economic growth for Mr Garling told conference delegates that in Australia.” the meantime ore could be treated on a batch “Large volumes of gas, already discovered basis at other mills in the state. He went on to and awaiting sale, exist in the Gippsland basin add, however, that the company’s focus is to with strong potential for new discoveries off remove the cost and risks associated with toll the state’s west coast.” milling and build its own gravity gold plant on site which could also serve ore produced from For more information contact Morning Star’s regional projects. Mark McCallum The company has moved to the tender APPEA Phone: 0414 955 414 stage with various parties on a range of gravity plant options, which are currently being considered.

For more information contact Nick Garling Managing Director, Morning Star Gold NL Phone: 02 92913888 26 DISCOVERY JOURNAL Email: [email protected] NOVEMBER 2009 2009 Resources Victoria Conference POST CONFERENCE SUMMARY

Inferred resource for Heron plans to spend Geelong Geothermal power project $A18 million at A1

Geothermal energy exploration company The Inferred Resource estimate of “stored Heron Resources Limited, the new owner Greenearth Energy Limited has declared heat energy” covers an area of approximately of Victoria’s historic A1 gold mine, plans an Inferred Geothermal Energy Resource 100 square kilometres (km2). The target to spend up to $18 million over the estimate of 17,000 petajoules (PJ) in a reservoir has an estimated volume of 55 cubic next two years to prove up the mine’s target geothermal reservoir within permit kilometres (km3) and has the potential to host modern day potential and have it back in GEP10 containing the company’s Geelong a significant geothermal field. production from late in 2011. Geothermal power project. Greenearth Energy’s Managing Director After falling on tough times when the Greenearth’s geothermal project, 11 km Mark Miller said at the conference, “This is previous owners of the mine ran out of cash, northwest of Anglesea, a town southwest a major step forward in our quest to deliver Heron picked up the assets and plan to of Geelong, is targeting a hot sedimentary renewable, sustainable, base load, emissions continue the successful appraisal of the area. aquifer from which to generate clean, free energy. Given its location close to our Speaking at the Paydirt 2009 Resources emission free electricity. two major Victorian cities, Geelong and Victoria Conference, Heron’s Managing Engineering Melbourne, and proximity to existing energy Director Mathew consultancy infrastructure, the possibilities it presents Longworth said Sinclair Knight for both the state and the company are truly that the evaluation Merz completed exciting.” program for the A1 the resources “We have here the potential, over the next mine was realistic estimate for few years, to commence the development in an area that was Greenearth based of Victoria’s first Hot Sedimentary Aquifer highly prospective on its analysis geothermal resource.” and underexplored. Above: Mark Miller of the reservoir Above: Mathew Longworth “We are focused geology and temperature. The consultant said For more information contact on ounces, not tonnages, are well cashed in a report to the company, “The projected Mark Miller up and are able to undertake work through Managing Director temperature and flow for the [planned] Greenearth Energy the evaluation phase for A1 without having to productive wells would make the reservoir Phone: 03 9620 7299 raise further capital,” Mr Longworth said. suitable for generation using Organic Rankine “This is an opportunity to get into gold Cycle power plant technology”. “We have here the potential, production within our own capability, Greenearth Energy announced its inferred over the next few years, to considering the non-availability of project resource estimate at the Victorian Resources commence the development finance and being at a mine site which was conference. Victoria’s longest serving mine – operating The Inferred Resource Estimate complies of Victoria’s first Hot from 1861 through to 1992 when A1 closed with the Australian Code for Reporting Sedimentary Aquifer down due to antiquated infrastructure and low Exploration Results, Geothermal Resources geothermal resource.” gold price.” and Geothermal Reserves (2008 Edition). “The immediate focus is on progressing the exploration decline to access drilling locations, and undertake bulk sampling of stockworks and reefs in the historic workings. DPI would like to thank all speakers, sponsors, delegates and The decline will be eventually useful for exhibitors who participated at the Resources Victoria Conference 2009. production,” he added. We hope to see you again in 2010. Mr Longworth said that Heron expected to commence feasibility studies by late next year, with commencement of new production in just two years. “The Mansfield area has been a sleeper for last number of years but we are excited by its future potential as our first cash flow,” he said.

For more information contact Mathew Longworth Managing Director, Heron Resources Ltd Phone: +61 8 9215 4444 27 2009 Resources Victoria Conference POST CONFERENCE SUMMARY

TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Increased appetite for resources investment in Victoria Science driving gold exploration

The appetite for risk has returned to Australia’s equities market, The Victorian gold rush of the 1850s was driven by raw human with a few “bounces” here and there providing the steadying energy and initiative. That worked fine when plenty of gold was influence in the rate and scope of this flush of new investment lying close to the surface. But times are different now, and the decisions, according to the Phillip Resources Fund. modern gold rush will be driven by science. Addressing the first day of the of the Paydirt 2009 Resources Victoria That’s the message from the recently completed Gold Undercover Conference in Melbourne, the Fund’s Chief Investment Officer Chris project, the results of which were presented at the Victoria Resources Bain said that commodity prices had recovered well, with indications Conference in August. that there was significant cash available to come back into the market, During three years of research, geologists from GeoScience and that the market’s appetite for risk had returned. Victoria assessed the potential for buried gold under Murray Basin Mr Bain added that many recent equity issues had been sediment in northern Victoria and the best exploration methods for oversubscribed and “hot money” was piling in where good exploration locating the metal. results were evident. “While I believe there is no doubt a recovery is underway, there is perhaps some over confidence in the speed of that recovery,” he said. “And the message is – it is still all about China. Underlying demand and a reduction in domestic Chinese supply has boosted seaborne trade to the great advantage of many Australian minerals companies.” Above: Chris Bain Mr Bain said that Chinese companies had been scouring Australia for resources and that it was hard to find a quality asset that did not have a deal attached to it. “The big picture remains intact and the commodity price boom that peaked last year was because of both excess demand and undersupply,” he explained. “We have had a “And the message is – break in the cycle and it is still all about China. demand has certainly Underlying demand and eased but unlike many previous busts, supply a reduction in domestic has also contracted.” The study concluded that there is potential for 73 million ounces of Chinese supply has Mr Bain said that undiscovered gold, and a new 3D model of the basin shows that 45% boosted seaborne trade Victoria remained the of the area is covered by less than 200m thickness of sediments. domain of many smaller The real strength of the research lies in the science that offers a to the great advantage of explorers and while it new understanding of how gold forms and improved methods for many Australian minerals had significant potential, exploring under sediment cover. companies.” the GFC had bitten hard A deep seismic reflection survey has provided exciting new into exploration activity. evidence that major faults were important pathways for gold- “It will take some years of solid well funded exploration, including the bearing fluids more than 400 million years ago. The faults have also Government-backed Rediscover Victoria scheme, for the rewards to been traced under the Murray Basin sediments in a gravity survey come – and only a spectacular success before the major companies that provides gold explorers with new data for targeting the most get back on board.” prospective mineralised areas. (continued opposite)

For more information contact Above: Depth to basement model beneath the Cainozoic Chris Bain sediments of the Murray Basin, northern Victoria. The topography of the upper basement surface was modelled from Phillip Resources Fund aeromagnetic data and constrained by nearly 1000 borehole Phone: 0413 275 756 intersections.The yellow lines show the location of the 2006 seismic survey lines.

28 DISCOVERY JOURNAL TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources NOVEMBER 2009 2009 Resources Victoria Conference POST CONFERENCE SUMMARY

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Seamless geological data for Western Victoria The faults have also been traced A major rework of geological maps and datasets of Victoria is underway to create a seamless three-dimensional geological map under the Murray Basin sediments in of the entire state, which will assist the discovery and exploitation a gravity survey that provides gold of major new mineral deposits. explorers with new data for targeting The 1:250,000 scale geology for the western half of Victoria is now seamless, the existing 1:50,000 scale geology has also been made the most prospective mineralised areas seamless, and a large new area of mapping at this scale in the south of the state has been added. This dataset is being used by the Rediscover Victoria team to In other Gold Undercover studies, improved guidelines have been construct the 3D models of the state’s geology. developed for conducting geochemical surveys, and the nature of The project will create a seamless geology layer across the state of alteration haloes around gold deposits has been better defined. Victoria at 1:50 000, 1:250 000, 1:1,000,000 and 1:4,000,000 scales. One of the most useful alteration features for explorers is the The work involves: envelope of carbonate spots and veinlets that surround most gold • Matching geological deposits. The spots can be revealed by simple chemical stains. boundaries and polygons DPI has delivered a range of new geoscience insights and across pre-existing map edges; techniques to assist exploration for the potentially large undiscovered • Checking the accuracy gold resources concealed under cover, and these are available of older maps against in a series of free reports through DPI’s online store. radiometrics, topography, Go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/store. aeromagnetics, aerial

For more information contact photos, boreholes and field Paul McDonald observations; Manager Resources Above: Progress of seamless geology 1:250 000 • Updating stratigraphic names GeoScience Victoria data. The seamless geology team. and reconciling name changes Email: [email protected] across map edges; and • Assigning many geological attributes to geological units, boundaries and faults. The new geological data is available as a DVD, with seamless geology layers for western Victoria at 1:50,000 and 1:250,000 scale available in ESRI and Mapinfo formats, registered geophysical images, geological interpretation of 1:1 000 000 and 1:500 000 geophysics, mineral occurrence and production data and exploration geochemical data. In addition, a report detailing the updated stratigraphy and name changes for the Bendigo Zone has been released, 2009 Resources Victoria Conference with numerous photos of critical outcrops: GSV Report TECHNICAL FORUM presentationS 129 - Rock unit names in the Bendigo Zone of central Victoria, Seamless Geology Project. The seamless now availabLE on a CD from the DPI Online store. 1:250,000 geology data for western Victoria is www.dpi.vic.gov.au/earth-resources also available on the OneGeology portal – a website (www.onegeology.org) that is making dynamic geological map data of the world accessible over the Internet.

For more information contact David Higgins Geospatial Information Officer GeoScience Victoria Phone: +61 3 9658 4506 Email: [email protected]

TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources 29 2009 Resources Victoria Conference POST CONFERENCE SUMMARY

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Below: A previously published, and widely accepted, reconstruction of part of Gondwana as it was 100 million years A new geological ago, centred on Victoria. The results of the new work are summarized by the yellow shaded area-extending beneath central Victoria-that shows the proposed extent of crust belonging to the exoticTasmanian microcontinent that accreted concept for Central Victoria to the eastern Gondwana margin in the Cambrian, over 500 million years ago. Parts of central Victoria may be more ‘exotic’ than they first appear! New research suggests that the bedrock beneath central Victoria - the Selwyn Block, the northern part of a ‘Tasmanian microcontinent’ - may be a blow-in from the south Pacific. Building on the success of the pmd-CRC T13 deep seismic transect across central Victoria in 2006 (see Discovery articles July 2007, April 2008), GeoScience Victoria is investigating potential geological reconstructions of Gondwana. The aim is to reduce exploration risk by inspecting geological models (even up to sub-continental scales) to see which ‘stack up’ in light of the new seismic data. The bonus for Victoria is a greatly improved understanding of the original context of our mineral systems, with potential to greatly enhance the prospectivity of previously underexplored regions. The new GSV work has Australia – cherry-picked the best including Victoria elements of published – was once part of the Gondwana tectonic reconstructions, supercontinent. added new constraints This began to from the seismic data, and break up around 200 million years mixed them together. ago, with Australia separating around 95 million years ago. Victoria’s major bedrock mineral systems were formed 500 to 370 million years ago at a time when Gondwana was undergoing growth, developing new rock and mineral systems. Understanding exactly how and when today’s continents The new GSV work has cherry-picked the best elements of fitted together in Gondwana is critical to inter-continental – and published tectonic reconstructions, added new constraints from the even interstate – correlations, yet analysis of published models seismic data, and mixed them together. After vigorous stirring and for the southeast Australian region has revealed significant cooking on ‘high’, a new tectonic scenario has emerged that argues shortcomings. Many models are mutually exclusive. for an exotic origin for Tasmania and central Victoria in the Cambrian One recent geological theory, the central Victorian ‘Selwyn with respect to the rest of Gondwana. Block’ concept, received a boost from the 2006 seismic As well as being able to explain the presence of the Selwyn Block programme which successfully imaged this body beneath beneath central Victoria, the new scenario explains some of the younger cover rocks. No published continental-scale geological more confounding evolutionary differences - and some surprising reconstructions can easily accommodate the Selwyn Block similarities - that have existed in the geological datasets of the concept back to the time of generation of Victoria’s major mineral Delamerian and Lachlan orogens in Eastern Australia, Tasmania, deposits. and the Ross Orogen in East Antarctica, for many years. A paradox introduced by the Selwyn Block is that its geology shows some very close similarities to far western Victoria, but big For further information contact: differences with intervening rocks such as those at Bendigo and Ross Cayley Ballarat. This paradox cannot be explained within existing models Senior Geologist – a new reconstruction is needed. GeoScience Victoria. Phone: 03 9658 4517

30 DISCOVERY JOURNAL TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 NOVEMBER 2009 2009 Resources Victoria Conference POST CONFERENCE SUMMARY

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New techniques in regional 3D geological mapping, simulation and visualisation

Images: Left: Simulation of strain partitioning and fault development in western Victoria during the Paleozoic. Below: Tim Rawling, 3D Modelling Manager

Explorers will be able to assess the value of the different simulation techniques and methods, after which they will be able to run simulations related to their own exploration problems at smaller scales.

The Rediscover Victoria 3D program is developing a initiating “pilot” value- sophisticated 1:250,000 scale 3D model of the earth’s crust add projects utilising across Victoria to provide new 3D data that will assist existing the 3D model outputs minerals and energy explorers. It will also help determine next- to constrain numerical generation exploration targets, such as potential geothermal simulations and 3D sources and carbon geosequestration sites. inversions. The 3D modeling work, incorporating onshore and offshore Models have geology, will provide a robust geometric framework for analysing been developed controls on the formation and accumulation of resource systems. to investigate the New models of the Murray Basin, Bendigo zone and Otway Basin distribution of stress (and work underway in the Gippsland Basin) is allowing integrated and the nature of analysis of complex systems such as the pressure regime within a fluid flow during deformation, geometrically constrained heat flow basin undergoing simultaneous irrigation from onshore freshwater (particularly beneath the Latrobe Valley coal measures), and strain aquifers, drawdown of offshore oil and gas reservoirs and injection of partitioning during the closure of an asymmetrical basin associated captured CO2. with a tectonic collision. Models are stored in a 3D Model Management System (3DMMS), Modelling is typically done at the crustal-scale as this allows better a geospatially aware database developed for GeoScience Victoria by understanding of the entire system and in particular the regional Runge Ltd. controls on mineralisation. The system stores models with associated metadata and can Explorers will be able to assess the value of the different simulation be searched or queried accordingly. The 3DMMS also provides techniques and methods, after which they will be able to run a data format conversion, reprojection, visualisation and delivery simulations related to their own exploration problems at smaller scales. mechanism, so that explorers can upload their own 3D data into a FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: secure and confidential part of the database. They can then visualise Tim Rawling their data with whichever model objects they choose (available in 3D Modelling Manager stereo in DPI’s 3D visualisation room in Melbourne.) GeoScience Victoria Phone: +61 3 9658 4584 The successful application of these 3D datasets to real exploration Email: [email protected] questions will be the true test of their value. To this end, GSV is Website: www.rvd.dpi.vic.gov.au

TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 Resources Victoria Conference TECHNICAL FORUM 2009 31 Mineral Exploration Tenements New applications and grants during April 2009 – August 2009

Exploration Licence Applications Exploration Licences Grants Tenement Primary Owner Application Date Tenement Primary Owner Application granted

EL5215 B Hochwimmer & Associates Pty Ltd 23/3/09 EL4221 Gipps Ausx Pty Ltd 22/8/97 8/4/09 EL5218 Australian Zircon NL 8/4/09 EL5040 Strategic Energy Resources Ltd 26/3/07 31/7/09 EL5224 Twyerould, Stephen 4/5/09 EL5125 Rocky Mining Pty Ltd 22/11/07 3/6/09 EL5227 Greenpower Natural Gas Pty Ltd 29/5/09 EL5126 Rocky Mining Pty Ltd 22/11/07 3/6/09 EL5228 Greenpower Natural Gas Pty Ltd 29/5/09 EL5127 Ausgold Exploration Pty Ltd 23/11/07 15/7/09 EL5229 Wassylko, Stanislaw 9/6/09 EL5128 Ausgold Exploration Pty Ltd 23/11/07 27/3/09 EL5231 Brimstone Resources Ltd 15/6/09 EL5161 Beaconsfield Gold Mines Pty Ltd 11/6/08 15/7/09 EL5232 Goldsearch Ltd 18/6/09 EL5166 Castlemaine Goldfields Ltd 4/7/08 24/4/09 EL5233 Twyerould, Stephen 18/6/09 EL5173 Cuevalley Pty Ltd 28/7/08 8/4/09 EL5234 Connor, Glenn 18/8/09 EL5177 Maldon Resources Pty Ltd 1/8/08 8/4/09 EL5235 Golden Deeps Ltd 24/8/09 EL5186 Sovereign Gold NL 8/8/08 8/4/09 EL5187 Iluka Resources Ltd 12/8/08 26/8/09 EL5189 Nagambie Mining Ltd 28/8/08 31/7/09

TENEMENT UPDATE EL5190 Highlake Resources Pty Ltd 29/8/08 6/5/09 EL5191 Iluka Resources Ltd 18/9/08 26/8/09 EL5193 Ballarat Investment Project Mgmt PL 2/10/08 27/3/09 EL5198 Jabiru Metals Ltd 5/12/08 24/4/09 EL5203 Oscar Mining Pty Ltd 2/1/09 22/6/09 EL5210 Resolve Geo Pty Ltd 10/2/09 3/6/09 EL5211 Sovereign Gold NL 26/2/09 22/6/09 EL5212 Resolve Geo Pty Ltd 2/3/09 3/6/09 EL5214 P S & G F Forwood Pty Ltd 11/3/09 20/5/09 EL5216 Petra Minerals Pty Ltd 31/3/09 3/7/09 EL5218 EL5217 Twyerould, Stephen 6/4/09 12/8/09 Mildura ^ EL5219 Australian Zircon NL 8/4/09 22/6/09 EL5219 EL5220 Gold Fields Australasia Pty Ltd 15/4/09 31/7/09 EL5221 Twyerould, Stephen 16/4/09 3/7/09 EL5222 Twyerould, Stephen 16/4/09 3/7/09 EL5223 Iluka Resources Ltd 1/5/09 31/7/09 EL5225 Petra Minerals Pty Ltd 7/5/09 3/7/09 Swan EL5226 Iluka Resources Ltd 11/5/09 15/7/09 ^Hill EL5230 Brimstone Resources Ltd 15/6/09 26/8/09

EL5233 EL5220 EL5203 EL5190 W^odonga EL5215 EL5226 Shepparton EL5217 EL5186 ^ ^Wangaratta EL5224 EL5223 EL5230 EL5221 Horsham Bendigo EL5235 ^ EL5211 ^ EL5161 EL5222 EL5126 EL5128 EL5177 EL5125 EL5198 EL5191 EL5216 EL5166 EL5231 EL5189 EL5225 EL5187 EL5127 EL5193 EL5234 Ballarat EL4221 EL5214 ^ EL5232 EL5040 ^Hamilton Melbourne ^ ^Bairnsdale

Geelong EL5228 ^ ^Traralgon EL5210 EL5173 ^Portland Warrnambool ^ EL5227 EL5229

EL5212 N Applications Granted Current

Complete mineral, petroleum and extractive tenement details are available from www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet/geovic

32 DISCOVERY JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2009 Information atDPI [email protected] F: (613)9658 4760 T: (613)96584440 Melbourne VictoriaAustralia3001 GPO Box4440 16th Floor, 1SpringStreet [email protected] T: (613)96584406 Petroleum DevelopmentManager [email protected] T: (613)96584401 Senior ResourcesDevelopmentOfficer [email protected] T: (613)96584739 Acting Director, BusinessDevelopmentandFacilitation and Facilitation Business Development [email protected] T: (613)96584410 Energy ResourcesDevelopment Acting ExecutiveDirector, Executive Development Division Energy Resources geoff.o’[email protected] T: (613)96584538 Manager, EnergyGeoscience [email protected] T: (613)96584531 Manager, Resources peter.o’[email protected] T: (613)96584525 Manager, MineralsGeoscience [email protected] T: (613)96584511 Manager, GeoscienceInformation [email protected] T: (613)96584562 Director, GeoScienceVictoria GeoScience Victoria [email protected] T: (613)96584451 Acting ExecutiveDirector, EarthResources Executive [email protected] T: (613)96584454 Tenements RegistrationOfficer Business Centre Earth Resources Earth ResourcesDivision

Dr. Department ofPrimaryIndustries Geoff Collins Gordon Chakaodza Sean Rooney Cliff Kavonic Paul McDonald Peter O’Shea Linda Bibby Kathy Hill Doug Sceney Kim Ricketts Geoff O’Brien

[email protected] T: (613)96584495 Director, CarbonCapture&StorageCoordination & StorageCoordination Carbon Capture [email protected] T: (613)51609000 Director, CleanCoalVictoria Clean CoalVictoria [email protected] T: (613)96584703 Acting Manager, CoalDevelopment Director, EarthResourcesRegulation Earth ResourcesRegulation [email protected] T: (613)96584536 Manager, StrategicGeoscience [email protected] T: (613)9280 3928 Communication Manager, Energy and Earth Resources Corporate Communications [email protected] T: (613)96584571 Manager, InformationDevelopment Information Development [email protected] T: (613)96584407 Minerals DevelopmentManager Minerals Development [email protected] T: (613)96584804 Acting Manager, EarthResourcesPolicy Earth ResourcesPolicy [email protected] T: (613)96584439 Manager, EarthResourcesTenements [email protected] T: (613)96584414 Manager, Petroleum andGeothermalOperations [email protected] T: (613)96584422 Manager, MineralsandExtractiveOperations [email protected] T: (613)96584451 FionaClarke CharlieSpeirs

Renee Kjar Kathy Friday Danny Suster David Boothroyd Terry McKinley John Mitas Doug Sceney David Gallus Alistair King Boris Rudoy

Geoscience Portal Australian Governments Government Monash EarthSciences Academic Resources SectorWebsites and ExplorationAssociation Australian Petroleum Production Peak Bodies and Energy, Queensland Department ofMines and Resources Department ofIndustry, Tourism Western Australia Department ofMinesandPetroleum, Fisheries andResources Development, PrimaryIndustries, Department ofRegional of EarthSciences University ofMelbourneSchool University of Ballarat Geology Department Seismology ResearchCentre and ChemicalEngineering RMIT DepartmentofCivil Victorian MiningWardens Court Association ofVictoria Prospectors andMiners Minerals CouncilofAustralia(Vic) Processors Association Construction Material Aggregrates Australia Cement Concreteand South Australia Primary IndustriesandResources, Mineral ResourcesTasmania Geoscience Australia Environment Australia Department of Primary Industries, Victoria New SouthWales Department ofPrimaryIndustries,                      www.industry.gov.au www.dmp.wa.gov.au www.minerals.nt.gov.au www.geoscience.gov.au www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au www.ballarat.edu.au/ard/sci-eng/geology www.seis.com.au www.rmit.edu.au/eng/civil-chem www.miningwarden.vic.gov.au www.pmav.asn.au www.minerals.org.au/victoria www.cmpavic.asn.au www.concrete.net.au www.appea.com.au www.pir.sa.gov.au www.mrt.tas.gov.au www.ga.gov.au www.environment.gov.au www.dpi.vic.gov.au www.minerals.nsw.gov.au www.dme.qld.gov.au www.earth.monash.edu.au 33 CONTACTS