GeoCopper Workshop: Addressing Major Geoscience Challenges

Copper is arguably the most crucial metal commodity required by humanity into the future. Yet many major copper mines and mineral jurisdictions are being depleted, with few new resources being defined and developed to meet projected demand.

There is a clear need for new world-class discoveries and for improved recovery of copper from existing and future ores.  Major geoscience challenges to be addressed to ensure an ongoing pipeline of copper include:

Greenfields exploration:

• How do we accelerate understanding of Australia’s geological evolution?

• When, where and how do copper mineral systems form in diverse geological environments?

Brownfields exploration:

• How do we reach a comprehensive understanding of the architecture copper of mineral systems and their geophysical/geochemical/mineralogical footprints/halos in basement rocks and cover sequences?

Geometallurgy/Characterisation:

• How do we identify and extract maximum value from ores, considering economic, energy and resource consumption, and environmental perspectives?

Tackling these key challenges will require:

1.      Transformative thinking

We need innovative new ideas on how geological processes–across spatial (nanometres to 100s of kms) and temporal (seconds to millions of years) scales–mobilise and concentrate copper, and associated value-add or pathfinder elements. How do we compose experiments to test these new concepts and ideas?

2.      Tools & technology

What new analytical and experimental techniques can we employ, refine or develop to advance the discovery and extraction of copper systems by improving our understanding of copper behaviour and concentration in geological environments. Do we have the research infrastructure we need? Are we using existing infrastructure to maximum effect? How do we deal with big data, and can we use AI more effectively? 

3.      Training & talent

Over the coming decades we will require a diverse and highly skilled workforce able to integrate complex information to solve the challenges of maintaining copper (and other mineral resource) supply. Can we ensure sufficient human resources will be available to address these challenges?  

This two-day workshop will bring together researchers from across Australia to:

• Unpack the nature and scope of these challenges;

• Showcase capabilities and expertise across our research institutions, 

• Identify opportunities to develop breakthrough research themes; and,

• Establish a plan for transforming research ambitions into active research and research training programs.

Speakers presenting include:

• Dr. Sheree Armistead (ARC DECRA Fellow, University of Tasmania)

• Prof. Andrew Berry (ANU)

• Prof. Joel Brugger (Monash University)

• Prof. Nigel Cook (University of Adelaide)

• Prof. David Cooke (University of Tasmania)

• Prof David Giles (Chief Science Officer, MinEX CRC; University of South Australia)

• Prof. Steffen Hagemann (University of WA)

• Prof. Martin Hand (University of Adelaide)

• Dr. Yuan Mei (CSIRO)

• Prof. Dietmar Muller (University of Sydney)

• Assoc. Prof. Nico Thebaud (University of WA)

• Assoc. Prof. Teresa Ubide (ARC Future Fellow, University of QLD)

• Prof. Andy Tomkins (Monash University)

• Anthony Schofield (Director, Mineral Potential of Australia, Geoscience Australia)