ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 3D Mineral Mapping Centre of Excellence Contents

Foreword 2 Chairman’s Report 4 General Highlights 6 Research Highlights 10 Mineral Exploration 11 Petroleum Exploration, Production and Processing 19 Environment and Health 26 High Performance Computing 32 Education and Training 36 Outreach and Engagement 40 Awards and Recognition 42 Industry Clients 44 Financial Report 45 ARRC Metrics 46 ARRC Advisory Committee 48

ARRC, a state-of-the-art technology hub, bringing together research institutions, universities, industry and government to deliver innovative solutions for the petroleum and minerals sector. 2 Foreword

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC The Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC)

Australian Resources Research Centre continues to expand its pool of leading researchers from CSIRO’s Petroleum Resources and Exploration and Mining divisions, Curtin’s Departments of Exploration Geophysics and Petroleum Engineering and other industry and government research collaborators.

The Centre is a major initiative of the Western Australian Government, CSIRO and Curtin University of Technology, developed in conjunction with the petroleum and mining industries.

The location of this leading global research institution in Western Australia is fitting, given that the State produces two-thirds of Australia’s non-fuel minerals and about half of its petroleum.

‘Growth in the sector is underpinned by high levels of investment with the total value of new capital expenditure by the State’s mining industry amounting to $22.8 billion in 2008-09, up 34 per cent from the previous fi nancial year.’ ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 3 Foreword These examples are only a small fraction of the research that is taking place at ARRC to enhance the effectiveness of petroleum and mineral exploration and extraction Australia and around in Western the world. Demand for new petroleum and mineral exploration and extraction technologies continues to grow. With access to a vast global research network, scientists at ARRC can interact, exchange information and explore new ideas in partnership with industry and research collaborators to ensure the ongoing sustainability our of our resources industry, environment and our way of life. Research conducted at ARRC is meeting industry expectations, providing greater efficiencies and increasing environmental and safety standards. The broad leadership presence at ARRC is helping to make the Centre an internationally- recognised focal point for research and development in Australia. I congratulate all of the staff at ARRC for their efforts in lifting the research profile of Western Australia and on delivering outcomes that will greatly benefit the industry in general. The Hon Norman Moore MLC Minister for Mines and Petroleum The Government will allocate $80 will allocate The Government The Pawseymillion to establish High Performance Computing as part ofCentre for SKA Science, Science –the $160 million Super package.Space and Astronomy of iVEC,The Centre will be part hubthe advanced computing research Australia’s for Western on CSIROcommunity and built is a jointland next to ARRC. iVEC and WA’s venture between CSIRO four public universities, with support from the State Government. This year CSIRO and the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) joined to generate a database on West Australian iron ore deposits that is a unique point of (WAIOD) reference optimising iron ore target definition. The database is interactive and compiles and user-friendly tonnage, locations, stratigraphy, mineralogy and grade with a focus on phosphorus levels and provides industry such as exploration companies with the actual figures on iron ore resources based on phosphorus levels. Another successful project was realised by the Integrated and Predictive Evaluation of Traps Seals (IPETS) Consortium who worked to reduce uncertainty in oil and gas exploration. The project, now completed, was initiated in 2004 to investigate factors controlling how oil and gas are trapped underground in natural reservoirs, essential for locating hydrocarbons and making decisions on where to drill. The IPETS Consortium developed methods, tools and workflows, along with providing data on samples. While the research is particularly relevant to exploration on the Australian Margin, it also has global applications.

2008-09 amid challenging economic $71.3conditions and was worth from 2007-08.billion, up 19 per cent the valueOver the past decade resources Australia’s of Western industry has grown on average by a healthy 15 per cent annually and now accounts for almost total 90 per cent of the State’s merchandise exports. Growth in the sector is underpinned by high levels of investment with the total value of new capital mining expenditure by the State’s industry amounting to $22.8 billion in 2008-09, up 34 per cent from the previous financial year. The performance of the State’s resources industry was outstanding during a difficult period which saw commodity prices fall sharply as a result of the global economic downturn. While key challenges remain, growth prospects for the resources industry are strong with a number of significant projects under development across Western Australia. Many exciting research projects were initiated at ARRC in 2008-09, some of which are highlighted in this Report. In May 2009, The Australian 2009-10 Budget Government’s contained funding for a new initiative that will contribute role in the significantly to Australia’s international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) program. Western Australia is one of the Australia Western world provinces of the great mineral sectorand our thriving resources Australiancontinues to drive the economy. industryThe State resources in demonstrated resilience Chairman’s 4 Report Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre Chairman’s Report 5

With access to a vast A recent review of the $130 million Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC research network, CSIRO Energy Domain found the panel of external experts very Australian Resources Research Centre ARRC’s development positive about the direction, impact in 2008-09 continued and science quality of CSIRO’s to champion an energy research activities. The environment in which purpose of the review was to ensure the research activities are scientists can interact, of suitable quality and scale and exchange information address the topics of greatest and explore new ideas potential value to Australia. in partnership with The Energy Review panel industry to ensure the commended CSIRO on having ongoing sustainability of a clear strategic direction in the energy area whilst still our resources industries, being flexible and responsive to our environment and our changing industry and government way of life in Australia. national needs. The panel was also impressed with the range It is a great honour to showcase Since ARRC was commissioned and depth of energy research the high quality work performed in 2001, the facility has more being carried out and found by our scientists at ARRC and I am than met its original objectives of the performance of Petroleum pleased to inform you that 2008-09 enhancing petroleum and mineral Resources in succession planning has been an outstanding success exploration and extraction R&D and mentoring exemplary and the for this Facility. in WA and facilitating technology capabilities world-class. transfer to the State’s resources industries. Construction of a new Gas-to- Liquids (GTL) facility that can Today, the facility is known as house several test rigs as well a world-class R&D centre built as analytical facilities began in David Agostini on strong collaboration between early 2009. Located in the ARRC CSIRO, universities, industry, Chairman, ARRC Advisory building, the project will allow the Committee Federal and State Government GTL team to investigate alternative agencies and the community. routes in gas-to-liquids processes. As ARRC now moves towards its A small-scale Fischer-Tropsch rig ‘Today, the facility second decade of operation, the with a fixed bed reactor is being strong geosciences focus will be built and will be commissioned is known as a enhanced through new initiatives early 2010, with plans for a second, world-class R&D to encompass geothermal energy bigger rig to be constructed and and carbon capture and storage commissioned in the same year. centre built on and state-of-the-art research A third rig, with a different reactor strong collaboration infrastructure, including a gas-to- configuration (slurry bubble liquids pilot plant and hydrates reactor), is planned for the next between CSIRO, flow-loop. phase of the project. The rigs will universities, run uninterrupted 24/7, producing The choice of ARRC as the site industrially significant data, a industry, Federal for the $80 million Pawsey High feature that makes the facility the Performance Computing Centre and State only one of its kind in Australia. for SKA Science will see the facility Government become a world-class hub for high- performance computing that will agencies and the support high-end research in many community.’ disciplines. 6 Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

General Australian Resources Research Centre Highlights General Highlights 7 Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre

Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Kim Carr and State Minister for Science and Innovation Troy Buswell turn the soil on the site of the Pawsey High Performance Computing Centre for SKA Science.

It will build relationships The new high-performance The Pawsey High with institutions like the new centre will be named after Performance International Centre for Radio Dr Joseph Lade Pawsey (1908- Astronomy Research to assist with 1962), the father of radio Computing Centre providing the data-crunching power astronomy in Australia and one for SKA Science needed to interpret information from of the great pioneers in this field the Pathfinder and eventually, it’s internationally. (Pawsey Centre) hoped, contribute to the SKA itself. A new $80 million high- The Centre will go a long way performance computing towards demonstrating that project launched mid- Australia is ready to host the ‘The centre will go 2009 in Perth, is a SKA. It will also boost WA’s significant step forward and Australia’s wider research a long way towards credentials by supporting work in for the joint Australia- other data-intensive disciplines, demonstrating New Zealand bid to host including mineralogy and the $2.5 billion Square chemistry. that Australia Kilometre Array (SKA) It will be operated by iVEC, an is ready to host radio telescope. organisation dedicated to building supercomputing capacity in WA. the SKA.’ This collaborative Centre will have iVEC is a joint venture between a radio astronomy focus and be CSIRO and WA’s four public closely linked with the leading- universities, with support from the edge Australian SKA Pathfinder State Government. radio telescope being built in WA as a precursor to the SKA project. General 8 Highlights Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre

‘CSIRO techniques will measure various CSIRO and VicDPI: CSIRO’s research expertise and properties of unique laboratory facilities will rock cores, well-oiled research be used to evaluate all aspects plans to dip into of Victoria’s petroleum systems, organic matter, from source rock to reservoir. new reserves This will be teamed with VicDPI’s and formation comprehensive knowledge of the A new research fl uids,’ James geologic framework and extensive partnership between datasets of the State’s sedimentary Underschultz CSIRO and the Victorian basins. said. Department of Primary CSIRO project leader James Industries (VicDPI) will Underschultz said CSIRO will delve deep into Victoria’s study the mechanisms that drive basins to unearth new the petroleum systems, aiming to eventually discover new reserves. oil and gas reserves. The collaboration between The outcome of the agreement will CSIRO and VicDPI will see the reduction of exploration risk and provide integrated address the challenge of petroleum systems analysis to defining the potential for stimulate oil and gas exploration. new oil and gas reserves Oil and gas resource estimates are in support of the nation’s therefore expected to increase, attracting industry to further invest growing energy needs. in the State.

The collaboration agreement A complex 3D model of Victoria’s was signed by CSIRO Petroleum sedimentary basins is one of the Resources Deputy Chief, David planned deliverables of the project. Whitford and Victorian Department The project is expected to be of Primary Industries Deputy completed in 2011. Secretary, Richard Aldous. ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 9 General General cations Highlights ‘Mark brings 15 years almost in experience and research innovation management, creative and leadership, qualifi New WA:ERA CEO Mark Stickells New WA:ERA and in business governance, to the highly regarded research alliance.’ Mark is keen to promote the key achievements of WA:ERA’s government scientists to industry, His goal is and the community. to firmly establish the WA:ERA brand and reputation in Australia and internationally as a world-class energy research centre and a collaborative partner of choice. is approaching the end of WA:ERA its first phase of Major Research Facility funding. Key achievements in 2009 included establishing a research alliance with CGGVeritas and the renewed commitment of the three partners (CSIRO, The Australia University of Western and Curtin University of (UWA) to a further five year Technology) alliance. Mark brings almost 15 years experience in research and innovation management, creative leadership, and qualifications in business and governance, to the highly regarded research alliance. he was the Commercial Previously, Director for a national Cooperative Research Centre. The Western Australian Australian The Western Research Energy (WA:ERA) Alliance Chief a new welcomed Mark Officer, Executive job in the top to Stickells, champion to 2009 March on a global the brand sees also The post scale. athim join the team ARRC, of which WA:ERA is a partner. New CEO builds CEO builds New WA:ERA’s as reputation collaborative partner of choice and ‘for ‘impressed with

. The Division’s two . The Division’s During the course of this major review the panel heard presentations from senior CSIRO science leaders in the energy as well as from many sector, researchers and companies research. involved in CSIRO’s The Energy Review panel’s report commended CSIRO identifying clear strategic direction in the energy area whilst still being flexible and responsive to changing industry and government national need’. The panel was the range and depth of energy research that is being carried out’ and ‘considers that there is a good balance of research into close-to- market technologies and more speculative but highly promising technologies and energy science that address the vision of CSIRO Energy’. The Review report noted that ‘the performance of Petroleum Resources in succession planning and mentoring is exemplary’ ‘the capabilities are world class and well led’ core capabilities of Petroleum Geoscience and Petroleum Engineering were assessed as ‘Benchmark’ (top rating). A review of energy of energy A review class world shows at CSIRO science a panel of This year and international ten was experts Australian the review to invited $130m CSIRO overall Domain to Energy research the ensure of suitable activities are and quality and scale of the topics address value potential greatest Australia. to Research 10 Highlights Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre Research Highlights ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 11 Mineral Research Highlights Exploration The discovery of new Australian mineral resources is critical to the to is critical resources mineral Australian of new The discovery and our national industry of the minerals ongoing sustainability mining industry Australian ARRC is supporting the prosperity. technical solve to and ideas technologies new with revolutionary in the future. industry with the associated challenges Mineral Exploration Mineral The unique network, upon which the MDU Flagship is providing development services, is using and developing open source, open standard solutions to solve a data exchange problem across organisational boundaries. Pre-competitive geosciences information is very important to the exploration and mining It is expected that industry. by improving accessibility to information, Australia will become more attractive for exploration investment and creating opportunities for integrating and analysing data that will lead to improvement in geoscience industry outcomes. The AuScope Earth Model is running successfully and has several geological surveys and research groups contributing their data, with the number of contributors increasing monthly. Minerals Down Down Minerals Under leading Grid AuScope Consortium Down Minerals CSIRO’s Under (MDU) National Flagship is Research Grid the AuScope leading in building consortium a National Geoscience Network, Information data so that Australian research custodians, and groups organisations make to will be able data their geosciences the nation to available in an interoperable, manner accessible web the AuScope through Earth Model. Research Highlights

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 12 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 13 Mineral cant diamond cant Exploration be missed nds could June 2009, field sampling program in diamond-rich regions of The Kimberley in WA. Australia. It addresses the issueAustralia. It companies havingof many big because it isstopped exploring here to discoverperceived to be difficult Canada ordiamonds relative to Africa. The team of researchers to addressdeveloped the project potential ofthe poor preservation KIMs in Australia. These KIMs are These KIMs are to the surface brought of the Earth, along with diamonds, during the eruption of kimberlite magmas tropical in but degrade meaning conditions, signifi fi using conventional geochemical exploration techniques. exploration that involve searching for that involve searching exploration indicator minerals (KIMs)kimberlite pyroxene. such as garnet and Cr-rich to theThese KIMs are brought along withsurface of the Earth, eruption ofdiamonds, during the degradekimberlite magmas but meaningin tropical conditions, couldsignificant diamond finds be missed using conventional techniques. geochemical exploration This new tool will enable researchers to analyse indicator minerals that are resistant to weathering, such as zircon, to enhance exploration. The standard industry practice of collecting stream sediment samples will be used and an additional stage of separating zircon from the material will be carried out. Championed by industry and state governments through the Minerals and Energy Research Institute of Australia, the program aims Western to bring diamond explorers back to Diamond mine in The Kimberley. Through the MDU Flagship, CSIRO researchers Brent McInnes and Noreen Evans have completed a proof-of-concept study of a zircon double-dating method in stream sediments adjacent to the Merlin kimberlite field in the Northern Territory. The researchers believe their approach will improve upon traditional methods for diamond Diamond explorers Diamond explorers at their tool a new have ondisposal based into research CSIRO’s thermochronology. zircon New diamond diamond New detection project poor addresses of preservation KIMs in Oz The database is interactive The database and compiles and user-friendly tonnage, locations, stratigraphy, with a focus mineralogy and grade on phosphorus levels. has been integrated WAIOD virtual globe into Google Earth™ successfully, graphic environment feature where a ‘point and click’ portal opens an information displaying deposit characteristics. is backed by Open WAIOD Geospatial Consortium web services enabling seamless integration through numerous GIS products. The new database provides industry such as exploration companies with the actual figures on iron ore resources based on phosphorus levels. ‘The database is interactive and user-friendly ‘The database is interactive and user-friendly tonnage, and compiles locations, stratigraphy, mineralogy and grade with a focus on phosphorus levels.’ The project is a joint collaboration MDU Flagship between CSIRO’s and the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP). New database database New ore optimises iron definition target and Government generated have industry West on a database ore iron Australian that deposits (WAIOD) ofis a unique point optimising iron reference definition. target ore Research Highlights

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 14 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 15 Mineral Exploration LWDD - photomicrograph of the spectacular so called ‘spinifex - photomicrograph of the spectacular so called LWDD texture’ - dendritic crystal forms of the mineral olivine - 2 cm wide. characteristic of komatiite lavas - field of view is about was added back to the surface of the planet as a result of a heavy bombardment of meteorites up to 4.3 billion years ago. With time, this material was stirred down into the deep interior of the Earth, causing the komatiite source regions to become progressively more platinum rich. The researchers are now seeing the signal of that stirring, which took about 1.5 billion years to occur. This is the first time a time scale has been put on the stirring, which has important implications for the people who study the dynamics of mantle processes and the mechanisms that cause plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes.

Nature ’. Progressive mixing The research is reported in a paper titled ‘ Stephen CSIRO’s Report author, Barnes said the study group collected a large body of data on the platinum content of lava flows called komatiites, which host some of the major nickel deposits. world’s They found that the oldest komatiites have the lowest platinum content, which shows that the deep mantle source where the komatiites came from gradually gained platinum over the period from about 3.5 to 2.7 billion years ago. When the Earth’s core formed, it took all the available platinum with it, leaving the source regions highly depleted, but platinum of meteoritic veneer into the early deep mantle Earth’s rst time researchers have been able to put a time scale to put a time scale able been have researchers time rst A research program program A research aimed at originally using platinum as guide an exploration has had nickel for spin- an unexpected time the first For off. been have researchers put a time scale to able on the ancient planet’s convection large-scale processes. Extraterrestrial Extraterrestrial platinum was into the ‘stirred’ Earth Wuildara Dunite - photomicrograph (about 3 cm across) in crossed polars of crystals of olivine in an Wuildara komatiite lava flow - this rock type is probably unusally olivine-rich rock called ‘dunite’ from a large deep source regions of the komatiite magmas. very similar to that which would have existed in the ‘For the fi ‘For on the ancient planet’s large-scale convection processes.’ convection large-scale on the ancient planet’s A rock sample of less than 1 mm that was deformed in the middle crust of the earth. Its porosity is highlighted in red. Rock samples being prepared for tomography analysis. ’. The authors ductile shear zones of the paper include CSIRO’s Rob Hough. The process revealed is called creep cavitation and involves fluid being pumped through pores in deformed rock in mid-crustal shear zones, which are approximately 15 km surface. below the earth’s Led by Florian Fusseis from the discovery was made by UWA, examining one millimetre sized cubes of exposed rock in Alice Springs using high resolution Synchrotron X-ray tomography and scanning electron microscopy. It is the first direct observation of fluids moving through a mid-crustal shear zone and provides valuable information for understanding how earthquakes are formed and how fluids migrate through the crust that can then go on to form ore deposits. Lead author from UWA Florian Fusseis Lead author from UWA preparing rock samples from Alice Springs. Creep cavitation can establish a The discovery, which was a The discovery, collaborative effort between is scientists at CSIRO and UWA, described in a paper published in a recent edition of Nature entitled ‘ dynamic granular fluid pump in For the first time the first For have scientists the presence discovered deep earthof a natural pump that is a crucial in the formation element deposits and of ore earthquakes. New discovery aids discovery New understanding of earthquake formation processes Research Highlights

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 16 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 17 Mineral Exploration Department, to evaluate evaluate to Department, suitability the method’s for in exploration gold and copper, nickel, uranium. totallingInterpretation of datasets of 3D surveymore than 16 sq km forarea provided drill targets (IGO) andIndependence Group (CSM) in theConsolidated Minerals of the CSMKambalda area. Drilling targets resulted in three significant discoveries, and IGO are looking forward to testing new targets identified by this data. surveys conducted at the Two Ranger Mine provided high quality images that the Energy Resources Australia (ERA) exploration group are now drill testing, with further follow-up work planned for 2010 that will aid exploration and mine development. Another coup for the CHDG group is the success of a test trial of 2D seismic reflection in the Carlin district of Nevada, USA for Barrick Gold, where Curtin geophysicists were able to image the expected geological structures to depths of more than 1000 m. ‘CSIRO is determined‘CSIRO and closely to work with strategically partners industry to deliver in order impact to the nation through these partners,’ Peter said CSIRO’s of the Director Lilly, Under Down Minerals Flagship. MiniBuggy Seismic Vibrator Seismic reflection Seismic reflection base-metal and for gold exploration seismic Several were surveys reflection by the Centre performed High Definition for Geophysics (CHDG), as part of the Curtin Geophysics Exploration James Cleverley collecting data as part of a strategic collaborative research project with in WA. GFA The Agreement is expected to result in the linking of strategic planning of both parties, a closer working relationship in specific areas and new R&D projects of interest to each organisation. CSIRO aims to help increase the competitiveness and sustainability of Australian industry and create new industries or significantly transform existing industries. is committed to optimising GFA existing exploration and mining operations and aggressively pursuing and developing additional world-class deposits and applying best practice technology. The Agreement was signed for Director of the CSIRO by Peter Lilly, MDU Flagship and Neville Bergin, President and Head of then Vice Australian Operations on behalf of GFA. During the year CSIRO During the year Australia and Gold Fields signed a historic (GFA) agreement relationship help create to in Perth and Australia for wealth of support the future to industry. the minerals Historic agreement agreement Historic CSIRO between and Gold Fields Australia Research Highlights

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 18 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 19 Petroleum Exploration, Petroleum Production and Processing Production To contribute to Australia’s energy security, wealth creation and creation security, wealth energy Australia’s to contribute To on ARRC is focused energy, emissions lower towards transition extraction viable economically enable which technologies developing 2015. beyond oil and gas reserves offshore of Australia’s Petroleum Exploration, Exploration, Petroleum and Processing Production Research 20 Highlights Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre

Interpretation of geophysical data and numerical modeling are used in IPETS to visualise hydrocarbon leakage and predict trap integrity.

The project was developed in 2004 Consequently, feedback from IPETS Consortium: to investigate factors controlling industry participants about the reducing how oil and gas are trapped application of IPETS has been very underground in natural reservoirs, positive. Representatives from uncertainty in oil essential for locating hydrocarbons Schlumberger noted, ‘I would rate and gas exploration and making decisions on where this project…as being currently the to drill. The areas of research leading investigation worldwide CSIRO is pleased to included regional and local structure, into fault sealing and fault integrity announce that the computational deformation related to hydrocarbon resources’ $4.9 million Integrated and fluid flow modelling, shale and ‘…the research undertaken Predictive Evaluation of geomechanics, calibrating seal for the IPETS Consortium has capacity and wettability. been creative, innovative and has Traps and Seals (IPETS) provided new knowledge, tools, project was completed in The IPETS Consortium developed workflows and case histories for early 2009, led by Dave methods, tools and workflows, the consortium membership and along with providing data on wider petroleum industry’. Dewhurst. samples. While the research is particularly relevant to exploration Origin Energy said, ‘…the value on the Australian Margin, it also has added to the Australian petroleum global applications. industry and related industries…. ‘While the research in regard to the IPETS Consortium Already several major scientific research outcomes is potentially is particularly achievements related to the very large (conservatively tens of relevant to research undertaken in the IPETS millions of dollars to significantly project have been published. Also, more, in the right circumstances exploration on the many of these conceptual insights many hundreds of millions)’. have already been successfully Australian Margin, applied by a number of companies it also has global in their exploration programs. applications.’ ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 21 ‘CSIRO technologies are are ‘CSIRO technologies helping China already the challenges address geological of its diverse says environments,’ CSIRO Petroleum’s Chinese program and Research coordinator Liu. Leader, Keyu Team Petroleum Exploration, Petroleum types of hydrocarbons, enabling researchers to estimate the current and previous oil saturation of reservoirs. The analyses can indicate where oil is likely to have migrated and accumulated. The techniques are cost effective and involve short turn-around times, enabling companies to analyse more samples than conventionally possible in a shorter time, which is significant for oil and gas exploration programs. formalise the collaboration, To a strategic alliance was signed in 2008 by Bev Ronalds, CSIRO Group Executive, Energy and Daofu President of the Research Wang, Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED) – the research arm of PetroChina. Reaffirming their 20 year relationship, the alliance strengthens long-term cooperation and research into oil and gas exploration and production as well as wider energy technologies. Production and Processing Production In fact, the technologies have already helped PetroChina discover a giant oilfield with an estimated reserve of over seven billion barrels in the Bohai Bay area. CSIRO developed the Quantitative Grain Fluorescence and Quantitative Grain Fluorescence on Extract techniques for detecting oil zones and oil migration pathways. These in-house techniques provide information on the presence and CSIRO technology CSIRO technology helps China oil strike China’s PetroChina, oil and gas largest using are producer to CSIRO technologies predictions improve and on the presence reduce quantity of oil to the risk of drilling dry wells. CSIRO-PetroChina strategic alliance signing ceremony. Speakers from WA:ERA, Corelab, Speakers from WA:ERA, Haliburton and Schlumberger presented on tight gas related R&D capabilities ranging from reservoir characterisation, sweet spot identification to engineering and fraccing technologies. Through the presentations and workshop sessions, participants key scientists helped WA:ERA’s develop and prioritise research questions in tight gas and identify the first steps towards industry adoption of new technologies and applications. As a result of the workshops an unconventional gas proposal was and industry submitted by WA:ERA to the DMP within the GSWA Exploration Incentive Scheme. ciently hydrocarbons are extracted –Julian Strand, CSIRO.’ –Julian Strand, extracted are hydrocarbons ciently ‘The project will help companies better understand and better understand will help companies ‘The project how controls - which ultimately behaviour reservoir forecast effi Mount Messenger Formation outcrops, northern Taranaki. This view gives a representative Mount Messenger Formation outcrops, northern Taranaki. of the Miocene turbidites. The foreground sea overview of some of the 25km continuous exposure the TURI field site. cliffs and the flat paddocks immediately behind constitute With this in mind, during the year collaborated with DMP to WA:ERA hold two tight gas R&D workshops scientists and service for industry, to discuss tight suppliers of WA gas capabilities and industry applications. Communicating priorities around gas unconventional gas Unconventional such as tight resources a good option gas are difficulties address to in acquiring sufficient gas suppliesdomestic the South West for of Western region Australia. With advances in deepwater drilling technology unlocking challenging, frontier resources of petroleum, the ability to find and develop deepwater turbidite fields holds huge potential for the energy industry. Research The TURI (Turbidite Initiative) project was initiated to take advantage of the superbly exposed late Miocene, Mount Messenger Formation, turbidite system. The site has enabled the gathering of substantial outcrop, geophysical and borehole data. The project will help companies better understand and forecast turbidite reservoir behaviour and how to incorporate them in reservoir models, ultimately controlling how efficiently hydrocarbons are extracted. leaders in reservoir modelling World have thrown their software, Roxar, support behind the project. TURI: optimising oil optimising TURI: and gas reservoir performance in Taranaki, A site Zealand has beenNew by CSIRO, in developed with GNS conjunction (NZ) and Curtin Science into WA:ERA, through to laboratory a natural of production investigate hydrocarbon deepwater reservoirs. Research Highlights

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 22 Petroleum Exploration, Production and Processing 23 Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre

‘Research at ARRC is supporting the Gorgon resource project, Australia’s largest single resources project.’

The National Measurement Institute NMI supports (NMI) in WA has allocated resources Australia’s to investigate NMI’s input into the Curtin National Gas Separation resources sector and Subsea Multiphase Flow Loop The recent announcement Facility at the Woodside Research of the $50 billion Gorgon Facility (WRF) in Bentley. NMI is interested in the Centre’s research resource project signals potential. The WRF will be an the creation of Australia’s important multi-phase flow, subsea largest single resources processing and flow assurance project, which in turn facility in the region. NMI is currently The Gorgon Joint Venture plans to develop the assessing ways to ensure that the Greater Gorgon area gas fields, located between is the country’s largest 130km and 200km off the north-west coast of measurements and calibrations Western Australia (picture copied from Gorgon subsea project. With made through the new flow loop Website http://www.chevronaustralia.com/ such a facility planned to will be traceable to national and ourbusinesses/gorgon.aspx#z). produce 15 million tonnes international standards and thereby to SI units of measurement. per annum of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the Along with this, NMI has recently accurate measurement of established a national flow facility for large volume flow measuring the flow of this gas is very equipment at Londonderry, an outer important. western suburb of Sydney. Research Highlights

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 24 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 25 The contract enabled Curtin to work with Petrobras to build an automated physical modelling system, which would simulate all of the realities of a producing field to allow comparison of physical models of Brazilian fields with reservoir simulators. The expectation is that by understanding the physical nature of the flow processes in a simulated physical model of an oil field, Petrobras will be able to drill more deviated wells rather than vertical wells. This will save Petrobras millions of dollars on the cost of additional vertical wells over the life of the field. The system was installed at UENF Research Laboratories for Petrobras in North Fluminese University. with Petrobras - the with Petrobras national petroleum of Brazil. company Petroleum Exploration, Petroleum This year Curtin’s Curtin’s This year Department of Engineering Petroleum win an to was pleased contract international Curtin works Curtin works with Petrobras in a coveted international contract View of computer controlled modelling system, with a model inside of its frame. The modelling View are computer controlled to step around the system comprises of a frame containing motors which a seismic profile of the interior of the model. model, firing ultrasonic pulses into the model to produce At the forefront of GTL research is CSIRO Fellow and Petroleum Resources Science Leader David David was honoured with Trimm. the Catalysis Society of Australia 2009 from the University Award and the of New South Wales Catalyst Society of Australia, which recognised his 30 years of outstanding service, particularly his significant contribution to the development of GTL technology. Production and Processing Production ‘David Trimm was honoured with the Catalysis Society of Australia Award 2009 was honoured with the Catalysis Society of Australia Award ‘David Trimm and the Catalyst Society of Australia, from the University of New South Wales cant particularly his signifi which recognised his 30 years of outstanding service, contribution to the development of GTL technology.’ Construction of a new GTL facility in the ARRC building began early 2009. At this stage, a small-scale Fischer- rig is being built and will be Tropsch commissioned early 2010, with a second, bigger rig to be constructed and commissioned in 2010. The rigs will run uninterrupted 24/7, producing industrially significant data, a feature that makes the facility the only one of its kind in Australia. The facility has been designed to also study synthetic fuels production from non-natural gas feedstocks such as coal and biomass. In an effort to tackle the tackle to In an effort and cleaner demand for efficient transport more the increase fuels, and to and of stranded value gas resources, offshore for CSIRO is searching for processes better of liquid production fuels from transport gas, through natural the ‘modified Fischer- for processes Tropsch program. synfuels’ is aimed atThis work gas-to-liquids improving in technology, (GTL) simplify the to order the and reduce process and plant footprint GTL investment. capital Converting remote remote Converting gas into natural transportable liquid fuels Research 26 Highlights Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 27 and Health and Environment With global warming being a social and environmental issue, issue, environmental being a social and warming With global energy affordable cleaner developing within ARRC are researchers is also a focus Health research future. sustainable a for technologies risks. safety food help minimise to of NMI at ARRC Environment and Health Environment plume predicted by 2 2km underground. 2 reservoir simulations and amplitude variations predicted by seismic modelling. Research partners for the CO2CRC Otway Project include CSIRO and Curtin. The project is financially supported by the Australian Federal Government, the Victorian State Government and the US as well Department of Energy, as Australian and international CO2CRC participants from industry and governments (see for more www.co2crc.com.au information). To meet this challenge Curtin meet To developed a comprehensive seismic monitoring program that has now observed a time- lapse anomaly at the reservoir level, and found that its location and amplitude agrees with the position of CO , 2 plume within the 2 storage in other geological storage using geophysical 2 2 formations. Exploration Meanwhile, Curtin’s Geophysics Department, who are responsible for monitoring CO methods, are using time-lapse seismic reflection surveys to verify that the injected gas remains confined to the target formation. Curtin is now also attempting to image the CO the presence of residual methane saturation already in the pore space and the significant depth and complexity of the reservoir. for further research in Stage 2, and for future investigations of CO depleted gas reservoir. This is depleted gas reservoir. particularly challenging due to the small injection volume of CO A comprehensive monitoring program is a key part of the CO2CRC Otway Project. A comprehensive monitoring program is a key part of The CO2CRC Otway Project has safely injected over 65,000 tonnes of CO The CO2CRC Otway Project has safely injected over 65,000

2

2

to 2 2 ). 2 in a depleted gas 2 rich gas. This will free up the . The custom designed 2 2 supply of naturally occurring CO monitoring equipment installed in the observation well measures transient formation water and gas chemistry within the injection reservoir which validates the numerical modelling. While monitoring of the stored CO achieve the monitoring objectives the results of Stage 1; however, needed were evident after injecting approximately 65,000 tonnes of CO reservoir. Using their computer reservoir. models they can effectively predict the behaviour of the injected CO storage related to estimating capillary trapping potential of deep saline aquifers. Drilling for a new injection well is planned to begin in 2010. The team was prepared to inject up to 100,000 tonnes of CO The project team, including CSIRO researchers, has confirmed that Stage 1 showed they can safely store CO Project partners partners Project science plan new Project Otway for a very Following by the year successful Research Cooperative Greenhouse for Centre Gas Technologies (CO2CRC), new is planned for science the CO2CRC Otway only Australia’s Project, of the demonstration of storage geological (CO dioxide carbon Research Research Highlights Highlights will continue, injection is now on hold while Stage 2 is planned. This second test will allow researchers to study new aspects of CO

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 28 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 29 and Health and sediment transport model called transport model called sediment a range of possible Sedsim over the climate scenarios across territory. entire Australian marine help The research will hopefully planning with more effective coastal and and management of offshore resources. been Sedsim has already Germany successfully used in in to model coastal changes In Australia the Southern Baltic. the versatile model will be applied to predict the effects of various disturbances on seabed environments and develop response scenarios and coastal protection strategies. Environment The results of the five-year study of the five-year study The results due high-risk areas predict potential erosion and to seabed mobility, and salinity changes in temperature affecting reef growth. from Oceans According to Wealth Cedric Flagship project leader, between Griffiths, the interaction is the ocean and the seabed believes poorly understood. He on future the lack of knowledge our seabed changes is affecting ability to fully understand the risks to present and planned offshore infrastructure. Cedric and As part of the study, his team applied a numerical ve-year study predict potential high-risk areas due to seabed due to potential high-risk areas predict study ve-year CSIRO scientists view a 3D model of Australia’s marine territory. Simulations using Sedsim software were marine territory. CSIRO scientists view a 3D model of Australia’s performed to predict the potential impact of climate change on the seabed. In an Australian first, first, In an Australian have CSIRO scientists on a study reported predict designed to of impact the potential change on the climate seabed of the Australian Economic Exclusive Zone. CSIRO study study CSIRO seabed predicts to climate response change mobility, erosion and changes in temperature and salinity affecting reef growth.’ reef and salinity affecting and changes in temperature mobility, erosion ‘The results of the fi ‘The results century and will help to st The second advance involves which a back flush technology, results in a cleaner background without resorting to re-injections of extracts and frequent instrument clean-up. The outcome of the trial is expected to offer a more efficient processing and rapid turnaround of sample analyses. Once NMI has validated the advances, the methods will be forwarded to the National Association of Testing Authorities for accreditation to international standards. These innovative changes to the mechanics of sample flow have taken the gas chromatograph into the 21 build an environmentally friendly petroleum industry. century st Lake Joondalup. The first package utilises a low thermal mass column module that enables more efficient heating and cooling of the chromatography capillary column, leading to much shorter analytical cycle times. NMI helps gas move chromatography into the 21 a NMI has commenced to project cooperative advances new trial two in gas chromatography the for technology of total analysis hydrocarbons petroleum in the environment. CHDG is working with the Corporation and the Water to use Department of Water WA new geophysical techniques to characterise the recharge and storage of groundwater systems over an area of more than 1000 sq km. This is a major achievement as no other geophysical group has worked at this large scale and linked it to the scale measurements. near-surface Corporation initiated The Water this research after seeing the need to become more efficient in water resource mapping, and to develop a greater understanding of the systems they manage at different scales. CHDG have provided cost effective seismic reflection imaging and integrated many other surface and borehole geophysical methods in this new environment. Several linked research research linked Several at Curtin’s projects High for Centre Definition Geophysics an providing (CHDG) are of Perth’s understanding northern groundwater supplies. Hydrogeophysical Hydrogeophysical of characterisation and deep shallow aquifiers Research Highlights

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre ‘This is a major achievement as no other geophysical at this has worked group it and linked scale large scale to the near-surface measurements.’

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 30 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 31 and Health and It has been estimated that over 9,000 people in the Asia Pacific region die each year from food poisoning. The majority of these food poisoning cases are caused by microbiological contamination of the food. Through the joint effort of NMI in and the German Physikalisch- WA Bundesanstalt, Technische on an International Workshop Metrology in Food Microbiology (IWMFM) was held in Melbourne in early 2009 to aid the development of the measurement of microbiological contaminants in food and to help identify and reduce the causes of food poisoning deaths in the region. Following on from the workshop presentation to the was NMI’s APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum in Singapore in July 2009. A proficiency testing study amongst IWMFM participants and an action plan for the future to ensure the reliability of food microbiology measurement in the region were also developed. Meanwhile, NMI continues to promote food safety through close communication with relevant networks and colleagues in the region. Environment the hydrocarbons after ten days of storage, even in a refrigerator. This variation can have a significant impact on the interpretation of hydrocarbon contamination of the environment. Research continues on the effects of acid preservation and different sample types on the storage stability of hydrocarbons. NMI will provide the validated experimental data to relevant authorities to enable them to set the true sample holding times prior to analysis of environmental residues. This will eventually enable environmental testing laboratories to have more control over the preservation of their samples and allow environmental consultants to have more confidence in the results of the analysis. NMI working to NMI working regional improve safety food NMI This year championed recognition develop of the need to microbiological regional help to metrology minimise food risks. safety Over 9,000 people in the Asia Pacific region die each year from food poisoning. The NMI Over 9,000 people in the Asia Pacific region die each improve the quality of food testing to help continues to work with regional food laboratories to identify and reduce these incidences of food poisoning. The trial has been completed and the examination of the results has shown that a water sample could lose up to 50 per cent of NMI and Curtin to collaborated have the storage investigate of petroleum stability in hydrocarbons environmental collected a period over samples of time. NMI & Curtin investigate stability storage of petroleum hydrocarbons Research 32 Highlights Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 33 Computing High Performance Performance High iVEC is increasing Western Australia’s innovative capacity and economic and economic capacity innovative Australia’s Western iVEC is increasing evolution and supporting the exploration, encouraging by development high-speed storage, large-scale computing, of advanced and exploitation visualisation. and scientific communications High Performance Performance High Computing Inside the SL8500 there are eight robotic arms and copy 6,500 usable tape slots; tapes store a near-line of the data for the iVEC Petascale Data Store. particularly in understanding opportunities and capabilities. It was recommended that the local ICT industry engage in R&D with the astronomy community and larger ICT companies throughout the duration of the project. Also, the local ICT industry should be represented in the Australasian Square Kilometre Array Industry Consortium (ASKAIC) to maximise collaboration opportunities. Following the recommendations of the report, iVEC joined ASKAIC to represent small ICT companies of with Australia. Together Western ASKAIC, the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research and Department of Commerce, the WA iVEC is now exploring ways to keep the local ICT industry informed of opportunities and capabilities, and engaged in the development process. les and has provided and has provided les iVEC has 70TB of online usable disk cache with nearly half a petabyte of data in over 50 million files stored within the system. The iVEC report helps bridge the knowledge gap between the astronomy community and local Information and Communication (ICT) providers, Technology Of significant importance importance Of significant was thethis year of an commissioning which iVEC report and maximises explores the opportunities for Australian Western engage with to industry the SKA and associated projects. iVEC report iVEC report maximises opportunities for industry WA ‘The iVEC Petascale Data Store is currently storing nearly half nearly storing is currently Data Store ‘The iVEC Petascale 50 million fi a petabyte of data in over data scale to large access Australia in Western researchers high speed networks.’ over technologies storage This collaboration has provided iVEC with a storage solution that will meet the ever growing requirement for storage from the scientific community and enable them to share large amounts of data between researchers within a single file system. The iVEC Petascale Data Store is currently storing nearly half a petabyte of data in over 50 million files and has provided researchers Australia access to large in Western scale data storage technologies over high speed networks. With the additional high performance computing resources iVEC has available to the scientific researchers can easily community, transfer data to these systems from the Petascale Data Store. This past year sawyear This past and the completion of the commissioning CSIROmuch anticipated at ARRC. Centre Data iVEC, This has enabled of with the assistance to SUN Microsystems, tape the large construct of component library Data the iVEC Petascale 10,000-slot This Store. the forms library tape backbone of the iVEC infrastructure. storage Data Centre Data Centre at ARRC gives new researchers opportunities Research Highlights

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 34 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 35 by UWA by UWA Nature Computing The workstations have specialised visualisation software installed which gives researchers the features and tools they need to process and analyse the CT data. Also, the large memory feature of the workstations allows researchers to tackle greater size and resolution of investigation than on other computers currently available to them. Several new insights into the microstructure of rocks have been obtained through use of the workstations and these have led to some key publications, including one publication in Visualisation Visualisation workstations in new assisting at discoveries ARRC visualisation This year, purchased workstations been by iVEC have used by heavily CSIRO, Curtin and researchers UWA at ARRC to working and analyse process micro-CT volumetric micro- and synchrotron of a range for data CT disciplines. The science of subject matter range and processed analysed workstations on the new rocks, includes volcanic rocks, mineralised plant rocks, sedimentary seeds and bread. and CSIRO researchers from Geothermal Centre of the WA Excellence. High Performance Performance High X-ray computed microtomography (CT) image showing the 3D distribution of iron-nickel sulfide minerals (red), chromite (grey) and platinum-rich minerals (yellow) in a sample of platinum ore from the Merensky Reef, South Africa. Field of view about 2 mm across. Image collected by Peter Austin, Belinda Godel, Steve Barnes using the Skyscan desktop CT scanner at CSIRO Minerals, Perth. Impression of how the dishes may look at Boolardy Station X-ray computed microtomography (CT) image showing microcrystalline structure of a 1mm cube of 2700 million year old Australia. komatiite lava from Western Blue colour is olivine, green is chromite. Two rotated views of the same volume, rotated Two each about 1 mm across. Education 36 and Training Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC

Australian Resources Research Centre ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 37 Education and Training and As a vibrant leading research centre, ARRC facilitates education education ARRC facilitates centre, research leading As a vibrant Scholarships and industry. students scientists, for and training and workshops programs, mentoring programs, and education by encouraging and students scientists assist training formalised opportunities. and networking sharing of knowledge collaboration, Education and Training Education ‘Following on from the success of the CSIRO of the success the on from ‘Following Mentor the WA Program Victorian Mentoring between relationships is fostering Program and senior researchers.’ scientists young The program involves one-on- one mentoring in which mentees develop goals and receive feedback on their progress. These sessions provide an opportunity to share information and ideas, and benefit from the mentors’ experience. Formalised training programs and bi-monthly workshops also encourage collaboration and networking between scientists. The program has provided benefits to the mentor and the mentee as well as having contributed to the organisation as a whole. Following on from the success of Mentoring the CSIRO Victorian Mentor Program Program the WA is fostering relationships between young scientists and senior researchers. The program has matched mentor/ mentee pairs from the divisions of Petroleum Resources, Exploration & Mining, and Minerals. The matching process is similar to speed dating, lining up pairs with compatible interests, and matching mentee career aspirations with mentor skills and knowledge. Speed dating for dating for Speed mentor matchers CSIRO This year launched a mentor help less to program individuals experienced their careers advance their and expand knowledge. Education Training and

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 38 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 39 Education NMI plays a critical a critical NMI plays in education role and training its close NMI continued TAFE with collaboration a Return with this year five-day Industry to a Science for workshop Central from Lecturer TAFE. The program consisted of visits to all sections of NMI in WA to facilitate the industry focus The training included of TAFE. sampling, quality systems, organic atomic absorption chemistry, infrared spectrophotometry, spectrometry and soil analysis. mission is to help Part of NMI’s develop and promote competence in Australian and overseas chemical testing laboratories. One way of doing this locally is by maintaining a close educational relationship with universities, and schools. NMI offers a TAFEs number of training programs that cater for all students throughout Australia and some overseas. During 2008-09 NMI also provided significant input into the academic Chemistry program for UWA Masters students through a series of lectures that provided focus on the NMI ARRC facilities as a model analytical laboratory. and Training and scholarship from Curtin As a vibrant international As a vibrant Curtin institution, an attract to continued number increasing ever abroad from of students their study to this year of Petroleum Masters Engineering. It highlights that Curtin is recognised for the practical and applied nature of their courses and continues to foster successful business partnerships with industry, and government to enhance the quality of its scholarships, teaching and research. In 2009, Pertamina, the national oil and gas company of Indonesia, were so impressed with the Masters Program in Petroleum Engineering they sent 11 future employees to undertake one semester of the one-and-a-half year program operated by the Institute Bandung Indonesia, of Technology, at Curtin. Curtin Petroleum Engineering was pleased to receive four PhD Curtin (CIRT) International Research Tuition scholarships and one prestigious Endeavour These scholarships during the year. have allowed Curtin Petroleum Engineering to expand research capacity and have assisted the teaching of Petroleum Engineering. All PhD students have a highly regarded Masters in Petroleum Engineering or equivalent degree from quality international universities. Students travel travel Students and wide far from at Curtin to study to deliver a PetroSkills LLC Curtin hopes it will help to address a shortfall, highlighted in an international survey commissioned which showed by Schlumberger, 4000 more engineers and geoscientists will be required by 2012 than will graduate. The Master of Engineering Science has been introduced as a new two year degree allowing qualified international students to apply Also, for local jobs more easily. a new Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum Engineering) degree has been introduced to increase undergraduate numbers in this discipline. In addition, Curtin Petroleum Engineering commenced a new Online Masters Program in Partnership with part-time and online Master of Technology. To meet the demand of meet the demand To in workforce a growing and replace geosciences petroleum retiring Curtinengineers, education its expanded during the year program with a number of new and research education initiatives. Curtin expands expands Curtin engineering education program industry to address shortfall ‘Curtin Petroleum Engineering was pleased to receive four PhD Curtin four to receive Engineering was pleased ‘Curtin Petroleum and one prestigious (CIRT) scholarships Tuition International Research Curtin during the year.’ from scholarship Endeavour Outreach and 40 Engagement

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC Visitors

Australian Resources Research Centre During 2008-09 ARRC staff hosted a number of international delegations and individual visits, which assisted in building relationships and strengthening ties with government and industry decision makers, as well as other international institutions.

• Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, The Honourable Stephen Smith and The Republic of Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, The Honourable Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, The Hon Stephen Smith and Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister, Moses Moses Wetangula visited Perth Wentagula are fascinated with the gold collection showcased by CSIRO’s Rob Hough. for a tour of ARRC, hosted by CSIRO’s Steve Harvey. with a Swiss company looking The Ministers were treated to operate in Australia. During to a tour of ARRC’s facilities, the visit, Daniel enjoyed a consisting of a 3D presentation presentation from the CEO of by iVEC, a look at the world WA:ERA, Mark Stickells and class geomechanics rock CSIRO Business Development physics laboratories by Bruce Manager, Amir Aryana. Maney and concluding with a showcase of Australia’s largest • In December 2008, CSIRO and gold research collection by Japan’s Earth Remote Sensing Rob Hough. Data Analysis Centre (ERSDAC) renewed their long-standing • A selection of officials from the collaboration in remote sensing Indian Government visited Perth CSIRO at ARRC, Perth, host a visit by Japan’s ERSDAC. technologies by signing a new to explore potential engagement Memorandum of Understanding areas for collaboration in India. (MoU) that will help foster ARRC staff met with the ten increased collaboration, Indian delegates including • CSIRO was asked to conduct particularly in the areas of Minister for Petroleum and studies on Australian acreages, instrument calibration-validation Natural Gas, Murli Deora, when TOTAL’s visiting and data applications. The MoU Director General Directorate of dignitaries, Chief Geophysicist, was signed by MDU Flagship General Hydrocarbons, Vinod Pascel Le Nen, Senior Director, Peter Lilly and the Sibal, Director of Exploration, Geophysicist, Julian Mather and Director General of ERSDAC, Maninder Singh, and Directorate Geologist, Kimberley Dupuy Takaaki Yoshida. The first official General of Hydrocarbons, met with ARRC representatives MoU meeting took place at Amritha Kumar. to tour the facilities. TOTAL ARRC at the beginning of 2009, was particularly interested in • Swiss Ambassador to Australia when CSIRO hosted a visit from identifying technologies that can Daniel Woker was invited to the ERSDAC Managing Director, be deployed during exploration tour CSIRO facilities to assess Hiroji Tsu, and the Deputy to better characterise reservoirs the Organisation’s capabilities General Manager, Osamu and improve exploration and potential for engagement Kashirmura. success. Outreach and Engagement 41

• Seminar Series – A new seminar Industry and Research Report 2008-09 ARRC series hosted by CSIRO was

launched during the year Australian Resources Research Centre to encourage collaboration, networking and knowledge transfer among ARRC staff and industry participants. The seminars featured presentations by CSIRO researchers and special guest speakers. The seminars also enabled feedback to those presenting new research and allowed guests to learn about the research being undertaken by other science organisations. • Gas Hydrates Flow Loop Workshop – In April 2009, ARRC hosted a two-day workshop on flow assurance research and challenges within the offshore petroleum industry. Teachers experienced the 3D visualisation technologies being used in the mining industry. The workshop featured a wide variety of presentations by researchers from CSIRO, their teacher and parents. The Curtin, UWA and the Australian Events day involved a tour of ARRC’s Nuclear Science and Technology research facilities to encourage ARRC is the petroleum Organisation, who focused on students to get excited about and minerals hub of issues associated with pipeline earth sciences and to get a gas and fluid flow as well as excellence in science glimpse of scientists at work. design and operations. The The students were treated to a for the South-East Asia second day showcased the 3D visualisation experience by region. It’s a focal point of unique capabilities of CSIRO’s iVEC, examined a specimen on activity where scientists Hytra Flow Loop; an instrument a scanning electron microscope, built in-house that can study the interact, exchange viewed the big experimental rigs formation of gas hydrates using used to measure rock properties information and explore real gas under high-pressure and looked through optical new ideas in partnership and low temperature conditions. microscopes. The highlight for with industry. Throughout The interactive workshop the students was the chance provided a forum for industry the year ARRC’s state- to look at gold nuggets and the representatives and researchers show bags they received. of-the-art facility is the to gain an overview of the location of choice for • ARRC Teachers Night – As knowledge, skills and issues industry when hosting part of National Science Week, faced in flow assurance in the oil events and showcasing primary, secondary and tertiary and gas industry. science teachers were invited new technologies and to learn about some of the techniques. latest scientific research and technology being developed at Events hosted at ARRC or ARRC. To inspire and encourage featuring research conducted at earth science in the classroom, the centre during 2008-09 included: the teachers were treated to a • School visits – As part of the night of lectures, tradeshows Murdoch Summer School and tours. The event was a great STAR Program, students from success and gave the teachers Manning Pre-Primary School first-hand experience of the CSIRO’s Dr Mauricio Lorenzo demonstrates the capabilities of cutting edge research being the Hytra Loop, used to simulate the deep sea conditions that oil visited ARRC, accompanied by and gas pipelines are subjected to. undertaken. CSIRO technology CSIRO technology applied by a Brazilian company, energy the was awarded Technical ‘Best at Award’ Innovation Asia the 2009 Offshore in Thailand. Conference The award recognised the value Genesis, which of the technology, is an information management software package that allows easy and comprehensive analysis of drilling and completions data. The CSIRO developed software is a planning tool used to improve drilling and completion of new wells. Ultimately it will help industry improve their efficiency performance and reduce costs of new operations. Genesis’ strength is to allow the breakdown of all operations performed and then use this information to analyse past performance and accurately predict future operations under similar conditions. Genesis was recognised for its innovative approach and effectiveness by an experienced group of oil and gas industry experts and professionals from around the world. Genesis is currently commercialised by Genesis Petroleum Technology (www.genesispetroleum.com) under exclusive license from CSIRO. CSIRO awarded awarded CSIRO in innovation for technology

2 safely and 2 storage 2 research The CO2CRC Otway Project is demonstrating the safe geological storage of carbon dioxide to the community. securely injected two kilometres underground. Storing carbon dioxide deep underground is now widely recognised as an essential part of the portfolio of solutions required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. projects world-wide with over 65,000 tonnes of CO The oil and gas giant, The oil and gas giant, Schlumberger presented the GOLD award in November 2008 to the CO2CRC Otway Project team members from CSIRO, Curtin, the Adelaide School of Petroleum (ASP), and the University of (UNSW). The New South Wales CO2CRC Otway Project, themed ‘Carbon: Hot at Cooling the Climate’, was one of four selected out of approximately 460 world- wide projects competing to win a GOLD award. The CO2CRC Otway Project, valued for its delivery of outstanding science and significant impact, is regarded as one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive CO GOLD glory for CO for glory GOLD as part CSIRO expertise recently of the CO2CRC a prestigious received for award industry value its teamwork, and innovation. creation Awards and and Awards Recognition

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 42 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 43 CSIRO scientist scientist CSIRO Officer awarded of of the Order Australia Hobbs, In 2009, Dr Bruce scientist a pre-eminent and with Exploration the Mining, was awarded civilian highest second honour in the Queen’s of Officer Birthday list, of Australia. the Order Dr Hobbs remains active in research at CSIRO as a post- retirement honorary Fellow and as an adjunct professor at UWA. The official citation states that his Order of Australia was for service to science, particularly in the field of structural geology as a leader in the development of innovative research centres and mineral exploration technologies. Dr Hobbs previously held a number of senior management positions in CSIRO, including Deputy Chief Executive responsible for the research efforts in Organisation’s exploration, minerals and mining, until his retirement when he was offered a role as a CSIRO Fellow. Awards and and Awards Recognition ‘It is the third ‘It is the third time Beverley Ronalds, Group Executive, and Energy, Chief of Petroleum has Resources such received an honour and she is among women the few on the list.’ It is the third time Beverley Ronalds, Group Executive, Energy, and Chief of Petroleum Resources, has received such an honour and she is among the few women on the list. Bev is a civil engineer with expertise in structural reliability of offshore platforms. CSIRO staff members CSIRO staff among again ranked are in engineers the top This this year. Australia that is the sixth year body the professional Australia Engineers oflist a has produced influentialthe 100 most in Australia engineers no surprise itand to included one of CSIRO’s senior executives. CSIRO engineers engineers CSIRO amongst ranked the best Murphy Oil Nautilus Minerals Neptune Resources Newmont Australia Northparkes Oil Search Oolithica (United Kingdom) Origin Patterson Instruments Pilbara Iron Placer Dome PETROBRAS PETRONAS Petronas Research Sdn Bdh (PRSB) PT Caltex Regis Resources Rio Tinto ROC Oil Santos Schlumberger Senergy SGS Minerals Shell Southern Gold Stellar Resources Sumitomo Metal Mining Cominco Teck Copper Tethyan TOTAL WMC Resources Energy Woodside Xstrata Zinifex Geolnformatics Geological Survey of Australia Western Geoscience Australia Goldfields GNS Science (New Zealand) Halcyon Resources Helix Resources Heron Resources Independence Group Icon Technologies Institut Francaise du Petrole (IFP) Services Inco Technical INPEX Corporation InterMet Resources InterOil Jabiru Metals Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) Petroleum Japan Vietnam Company (JVPC) Johnson Matthey Kerr-McGee Leviathan Resources LionOre Australia Magellan Metals Minara Resources Mincor Minerals and Energy Research Institute Australia of Western (MERIWA) Minotaur Exploration Multiplex Abu Dhabi National OilAbu Dhabi Company (ADNOC) Adelaide resources Alkane Resources Anglo American Exploration (Australia) Australian Scientific Instruments Baker Hughes Barrick Gold Corporation BHP Billiton Cameco Corporation Chevron Codelco Corelab (Indonesia and United Kingdom) CVRD (Brazil) De Beers Department of Industry and Resources, Western Australia Department of Mineral Resources, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Resources of South Australia Department of Primary Industries (DPI) of – Geoscience Victoria Victoria Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft ENI Australia Falconbridge Fugro Robertson (United Kingdom) Industry Clients

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 44 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 45 /09. 8 Report Expenditure Staff Count Financial

State Government Departments & Universities Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) Program & Other Federal Funding Private Sector and other non-government sources *note : Expenditure excludes BHP from FY03/04 to FY0 As such staffing numbers from BHP will be excluded. TOTAL TOTAL 350.0 300.0 250.0 200.0 150.0 100.0 /09 8 0 - - 8 ($'000) External 07/0 Support ($'000) Operations and 52% - - - - 567 3,515 4,082 Staff 2,877 1,765 4,928 2,317 7,805 3,400 4,082 5,734 9,134 ($'000) ($'000) 16,673 23,520 40,193 22,800 17,393 40,193 18% 30%

03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 Staff Count Staff

0.0

60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 Expenditure ($m) Expenditure FundingCSIRO Institutional* CSIRO Curtin NMI BHP Billiton Curtin NMI Total 26,767 26,642 53,409 Expenditure Category Chevron Total 21,315 30,765 52,080 ARRC 2008-09 Expenditure and Funding and ARRC 2008-09 Expenditure ARRC 2008-09 Expenditure and Staff Count ARRC 2008-09 Expenditure ARRC 2008-09 Funding Sources 2008-09 Funding ARRC 3 CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M NMI CO2CRC CSRP WfO ETF MDU BHP Billiton Chevron Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng AES:WA ESWA AARNet CoE HDG Curtin RGC WAGCoE for WACoE 3DMM iVEC WA:ERA R2D 3 CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M NMI CRC LEME pmd* CRC CO2CRC CSRP WfO ETF MDU Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng BHP Billiton Chevron iVEC WA:ERA R2D AES:WA ESWA AARNet CoE HDG Curtin RGC WAGCoE for WACoE 3DMM 3 CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M NMI CRC LEME pmd* CRC CO2CRC CSRP WfO ETF MDU Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng Chevron AES:WA ESWA AARNet CoE HDG Curtin RGC iVEC WA:ERA R2D 3 CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M CRC LEME pmd* CRC CO2CRC CSRP Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng WfO ETF BHP Billiton BHP Billiton AES:WA ESWA AARNet CoE HDG Curtin RGC iVEC WA:ERA R2D 3 CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M CRC LEME pmd* CRC CO2CRC CSRP Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng WfO ETF iVEC WA:ERA R2D AES:WA ESWA CoE EPG 3 CRC LEME pmd* CRC CO2CRC CSRP CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng iVEC WA:ERA R2D WfO ETF CoE EPG PRC WA CRC LEME pmd* CRC APCRC CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng CoE EPG PRC WA iVEC WA:ERA CRC LEME pmd* CRC APCRC CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng CoE EPG PRC WA iVEC Collaborative initiatives CRCs Organisations at ARRC Organisations Government Metrics 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 University Flagships Other Major industry ARRC Metrics ARRC

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 46 ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09 47 ARRC Metrics ARRC CSIRO Petroleum Resources Mining CSIRO Exploration and Department of Technology Curtin University of Exploration Geophysics Department of Technology Curtin University of Petroleum Engineering for Exploration and Centre of Excellence Production Centre of Excellence for Petroleum Research Australian Petroleum Research Centre Western Centre of Excellence for High Definition Geophysics Curtin Reservoir Geophysics Consortium National Measurement Institute Centre BHP Billiton Perth Technology Centre, Chevron Energy Perth Technology Company Technology Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Environments and Mineral Exploration Cooperative Research Centre for Predictive Mineral Discovery Australian Petroleum Cooperative Research Centre Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing The hub of advanced computing in Western Australia Australian Energy Research Alliance Western Research to Discover, Develop and Deploy Research to Discover, and Woodside) (WA:ERA Australian Alliance for Advanced Energy Western and Chevron) Solutions (WA:ERA Australia Earth Science Western Academic and Research Network Australia’s Centre of Excellence for 3D Mineral Mapping WA Geothermal Centre of Excellence WA from Oceans National Research Flagship Wealth Flagship National Research Energy Transformed Minerals Down Under National Research Flagship 3 CSIRO PR CSIRO E&M Curtin Geophys Curtin Pet Eng CoE EPG CoE PR PRC WA CoE HDG Curtin RGC NMI BHP Billiton Chevron CRC LEME pmd*CRC APCRC CO2CRC CSRP iVEC WA:ERA R2D AES:WA ESWA AARNet for 3DMM WACoE WAGCoE WfO ETF MDU oodside Energy Limited CSIRO CSIRO CSIRO CSIRO Gresham Mineral Consulting Services Australia Geological Survey of Western Department of Mines and Petroleum Australia The University of Western Curtin University of Technology Office of Research and Development Chair ARRC Advisory CommitteeGroup Executive, Energy Secretariat Independent Director, Minerals Down Under National Minerals Down Under National Director, Research Flagship Chief, Exploration and Mining Deputy Chief, Exploration and Mining Industry Representative Industry RepresentativeExecutive Director Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation W Director Research and Development Member Position Organisation Adj. Professor David Agostini Dr Beverley Ronalds Dr Peter Lilly Dr Mike McWilliams Dr Steve Harvey Mr Jeff Gresham Dr Joe McNutt Griffin Dr Tim Professor Doug McEachern Tate Mr Tony The role of the ARRC Advisory Committee is to provide focus and direction for for direction and focus provide is to Advisory Committee of the ARRC The role industry, Australian Western maximum benefit to activities, thus ensuring ARRC’s and the community. organisations research reviews the activities of the Centre against the research plans for the Centre and it oversees Additionally, from a year and comprises representatives ARRC Advisory Committee meets twice The objectives annually. government agencies and industry. research institutions, ARRC Advisory Advisory ARRC Committee

ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre

Industry and Research Report 2008-09 48 Australian Resources Research Centre 26 Dick Perry Avenue Technology Park KENSINGTON WA 6151 Phone: +61 8 6436 8500 Fax: +61 8 6436 8555 Website: www.arrc.net.au ARRC Industry and Research Report 2008-09 was written by Jodie Parry, Parry Communications and designed by Ji Min, Energy Design Studio. Images courtesy of CSIRO, UWA, Curtin University, WA:ERA, iVEC, NMI WA, Chevron and Woodside. © Commonwealth of Australia 2009 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may reproduced by any process without permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney- General’s Department, Rovert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 or posted at: http://www.ag.gov.au/cca. ARRC Australian Resources Research Centre Industry and Research Report 2008-09

26 Dick Perry Avenue, Technology Park, Kensington WA 6151 Phone: +61 8 6436 8500 Fax: +61 8 6436 8555 0809 Email: reception-arrc@csiro.au www.arrc.net.au