Discovery to Recovery
104 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -A podcast produced by the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG), bringing you geoscience and technology stories from the world of ore deposits. Season 3 sponsored by ALS Goldspot Discoveries.
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Episodes
50. The Diverse Mineral Deposits and Geology of Namibia
February 26, 2024 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBNamibia is a country of diverse geology and mineral deposits that is also embracing the green energy transition. The diversity of critical minerals and metals and the expansion of green energy sources for mining are all exciting for the future of Namibia. Namibia is 'elephant country' in more than one way! The Society of Economic Geologists is thrilled to collaborate with our partners the Geoscience Council of Namibia and the Geological Society of Namibia to host the SEG 2024 conferenc...
49. Lithium Brines, Clays and Pegmatites - Understanding a Metal on the Move
February 19, 2024 19:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MBUnderstanding the earth processes that control lithium is key to exploration and developing the resources needed for society and the energy transition. The lightest of the metals, lithium moves easily in fluids and is found in a variety of geologic environments from brines to pegmatites to clays. Host Anne Thompson explores the geoscience of lithium, assessing what we know and what are the challenges in the quest to supply the lithium needed by human society. Our three guests provide in...
48. Big Data Wrangling for Core Sensing Technology
February 12, 2024 15:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBAs our geo-toolkit expands, how can we equip ourselves to deal with these large volumes of highly diverse, dense data that are available and at higher speeds than ever before? This week’s episode is a companion to episode 47 (Core Sensing Technology) and host Britt Bluemel (Global Business Development Manager, ALS GoldSpot Discoveries) is joined by experts in the field of big data wrangling. They discuss considerations when dealing with data from core sensing systems, with the aim of empow...
47. Core Sensing Technology for Mineral Exploration and Mining - What, How and Why?
February 05, 2024 19:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBDrill core scanning technology is rapidly developing for use in exploration and mining. The future holds great promise if we can leverage all the data sets available from multiple sensors, but critical for success is understanding how the sensors and scanning systems work. What are the right questions to ask when picking our tools? Host Britt Bluemel, Global Business Development Manager for ALS Goldspot Discoveries, discusses three different types of sensors: hyperspectral for mineralogy,...
46. Rethinking Mineral Exploration - Less Carbon, Less Water, Better Data
January 29, 2024 16:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBReducing the environmental impact of mineral exploration can reap benefits beyond the immediate obvious reduction of harm on the local flora and fauna. Perhaps unexpected for some are the savings in carbon and water, the positive impact on data collection, the response from local communities and the cost savings. Add to that an ability to recruit outstanding employees and you have a compelling argument for rethinking mineral exploration. To find out what ideas a random sample of folks i...
45. Career and Family in Exploration - the Benefits of Balance for the Industry
January 22, 2024 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBHow can we balance the demands of careers in exploration with family life? How has the industry at large dealt with this in the past versus how companies handle it today? Filling the expected gaps in the exploration and mining workforce requires us to look internally at how we support employees to start families, care for parents or manage other personal circumstances. Communication with our managers, colleagues, spouses, and families are all equally important. Managing it collaboratively ...
44. Seeing the Rocks - New Ideas in the Kiruna Mining District, Northern Sweden
January 15, 2024 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBThe Kiruna Mining District, 200km north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden, is well known for the giant Kiruna Iron-Oxide-Apatite (IOA) deposit. The district has a long history of iron production extending back to the late 1800s. Less well known are the copper deposits that are spatially associated with Kiruna. New work by both researchers and explorationists is providing a better understanding of the complicated relationships in these Proterozoic rocks. A shift in mindset is allowing for new ...
43. Let the Rocks Talk - Mineral Systems and Deposit Models in Northern Sweden
January 09, 2024 00:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBExploration and mining have a long history in northern Sweden, host to the Skellefteä, Bergslagen, and Kiruna Mining Districts. What are the underlying characteristics that make this region rich in mineralization? We explore the metallogeny, mineral systems and deposit models that guide exploration for base metals and gold. What has changed over the last century and what do we know now that will help guide the next discoveries? First, we talked to Nils Jansson, Associate Professor at...
42. Tethyan Belt in Türkiye – Exploration Potential and Recent Discoveries
December 12, 2023 03:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBTürkiye forms an integral part of the Tethyan Belt, extending from the Balkans in the west to Iran in the east. The complexity of the geology in Turkish Tethyan Bet also offers diverse mineralization styles and is still considered underexplored compared to other countries. We talked to our guests with diverse backgrounds to understand the exploration potential and recent successes across the regions. Our first guest is İlkay Kuşçu, Exploration Projects Consultant with SSR Mining, who has ov...
41. Artisanal Mining - Building Geoscience Capacity with Collaboration
December 05, 2023 02:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBArtisanal mining is full of both opportunities and challenges. How can we collaborate to build capacity for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), particularly in Africa? We talk about the many aspects of ASM and the importance of geology in creating longer term, sustainable mining operations. Each of our guests has personal experience and knowledge to bring to the conversations. We talked first to Nicole Smith, assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Mines and an expert on artis...
40. Fit for Purpose Mining Methods
November 27, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MBThree completely different types of ore deposits demand 'fit for purpose' mining methods. We consider the move in the last 20 years to ‘super’ block caving, unlocking massive deep resources, then change scale and examine an innovative new technology that enables ‘surgical mining’. Lastly, changing the mining method for Cobre's project in the Kalahari Copper Belt, Botswana, to in-situ leach may unlock new potential for the region. We start with a look at block caving to consider the benef...
39. Crystallizing your Communication - the Power of Words
November 20, 2023 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MBEffective geoscience outreach and scientific collaboration are enhanced by our choice of words and communication tools. Our guests Sam Illingworth and Chris Jackson offer fresh perspectives based on their own experience and work. They focus on what we as individuals can do, from using poetry to solve scientific roadblocks, to ways in which we can better connect with audiences of all types – even those within our own work environments. Both challenge us to be more professional in our geosci...
38. New Horizons in Geoscience Communication
November 13, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBIn the evolving world of communication in geology and geoscience, the importance of dialogue leads the way to deal with some of society’s grand challenges. Iain Stewart is at the forefront, helping build effective communication strategies to advance the global geoscience mission. We also explore an example of empathetic, community centred dialogue with Kate Moore. A two-way conversation is critical to building the mines of the future, supplying the energy transition and supporting a broad ...
Episode 37: Geoscience Communication on Three Continents
March 07, 2023 15:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBIn many geoscience communities, the topic of declining enrollments globally across the discipline is very worrying. How can we demonstrate to the public the critical role earth science plays in supporting well-being of both human society and ecological systems? This episode highlights inspiring stories from three continents in the southern hemisphere – all early career scientists who are engaging with the public, running education programs for students, conducting interviews and more. Wha...
37. Geoscience Communication on Three Continents
March 07, 2023 15:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBIn many geoscience communities, the topic of declining enrollments globally across the discipline is very worrying. How can we demonstrate to the public the critical role earth science plays in supporting well-being of both human society and ecological systems? This episode highlights inspiring stories from three continents in the southern hemisphere – all early career scientists who are engaging with the public, running education programs for students, conducting interviews and more. Wha...
Episode 36: Two Facets of Diamonds
February 27, 2023 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBDiamonds have long captured the imagination and interest of people across the globe. Each stone has a unique story to tell, and those stories are only becoming deeper and more fascinating with the latest advancements in geoscience, social science and consumer activism. This week’s episode looks at two different facets of diamonds. Evan Smith is a Senior Research Scientist at the Gemological Institute of America. He introduces us to superdeep diamonds, a small subset of diamonds produced ...
36. Two Facets of Diamonds
February 27, 2023 17:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBDiamonds have long captured the imagination and interest of people across the globe. Each stone has a unique story to tell, and those stories are only becoming deeper and more fascinating with the latest advancements in geoscience, social science and consumer activism. This week’s episode looks at two different facets of diamonds. Evan Smith is a Senior Research Scientist at the Gemological Institute of America. He introduces us to superdeep diamonds, a small subset of diamonds produced ...
35. Drilling - All the Angles
February 20, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBArguably the most important tool in exploration and mining is the drill, without it we lack the ability to collect data in that critical third dimension. We start with the basics of drilling technologies and communication between geologists and drillers, then delve into the power unleashed by oriented core and real-time data collection of critical drilling metrics. From the current state of the art to the changes on the horizon for drilling, this episode covers all the angles. Kevin Sle...
Episode 35: Drilling - All the Angles
February 20, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBArguably the most important tool in exploration and mining is the drill, without it we lack the ability to collect data in that critical third dimension. We start with the basics of drilling technologies and communication between geologists and drillers, then delve into the power unleashed by oriented core and real-time data collection of critical drilling metrics. From the current state of the art to the changes on the horizon for drilling, this episode covers all the angles. Kevin Sle...
Episode 34: Exploring Spatial Mineralogy Data
February 13, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBLinking whole rock geochemistry with mineralogy provides tremendous value to exploration and mining projects. We all want high quality, reliable results to make the best maps and models. What are the critical factors in acquiring spectral or geochemical data? How can we be sure our spectroscopy and geochemistry are the best they can be? How do we integrate our mineralogy data sets? Join us to learn the questions you should be asking! Sebastian Benavides is Discovery Manager for Peru a...
34. Exploring Spatial Mineralogy Data
February 13, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBLinking whole rock geochemistry with mineralogy provides tremendous value to exploration and mining projects. We all want high quality, reliable results to make the best maps and models. What are the critical factors in acquiring spectral or geochemical data? How can we be sure our spectroscopy and geochemistry are the best they can be? How do we integrate our mineralogy data sets? Join us to learn the questions you should be asking! Sebastian Benavides is Discovery Manager for Peru a...
33. Fluid and Heat for Energy ...and Ore
February 06, 2023 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBActive geothermal systems are sources of clean energy and provide insights into ore forming processes. What are two economic geologists learning as they each pursue deep holes, big science, and audacious ideas to help provide the world’s energy needs from clean, renewable sources? Stuart Simmons started his career in New Zealand, making key observations with big implications for low-sulfidation gold precipitation. His recognition that platy calcite textures represent boiling zones provid...
Episode 33: Fluid and Heat for Energy ...and Ore
February 06, 2023 17:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBActive geothermal systems are sources of clean energy and provide insights into ore forming processes. What are two economic geologists learning as they each pursue deep holes, big science, and audacious ideas to help provide the world’s energy needs from clean, renewable sources? Stuart Simmons started his career in New Zealand, making key observations with big implications for low-sulfidation gold precipitation. His recognition that platy calcite textures represent boiling zones provid...
32. Gold - On its Way to the Surface
January 30, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBAs gold makes it way to surface, what are the key observations for exploration geologists to make? How did we come to understand epithermal deposits and their relationships to intrusions and the paleosurface? And how important are our structural observations? Gold can occur within Cu-Au porphyries and intrusion-related lodes, but also makes its way to the surface where a range of epithermal deposit-types host mineralization. Following on from Episode 31 and the discussion of porphyry p...
Episode 32: Gold - On its Way to the Surface
January 30, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBAs gold makes it way to surface, what are the key observations for exploration geologists to make? How did we come to understand epithermal deposits and their relationships to intrusions and the paleosurface? And how important are our structural observations? Gold can occur within Cu-Au porphyries and intrusion-related lodes, but also makes its way to the surface where a range of epithermal deposit-types host mineralization. Following on from Episode 31 and the discussion of porphyry p...
Episode 31: Porphyry Systems - from Bottom to Top
January 23, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 38.5 MBCan we track the evolution of a fertile porphyry system from the mantle to the deposit? The FAMOS (From Arc Magmas to Ores) Project in the UK was conceived to tackle the fundamental processes involved in porphyry ore systems and brought a diverse set of researchers and industry collaborators together. The interdisciplinary teams combined experimental petrology, volcanology, numerical modelling and mineral analysis. They worked together to constrain the conditions for porphyry ore deposit...
31. Porphyry Systems - from Bottom to Top
January 23, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBCan we track the evolution of a fertile porphyry system from the mantle to the deposit? The FAMOS (From Arc Magmas to Ores) Project in the UK was conceived to tackle the fundamental processes involved in porphyry ore systems and brought a diverse set of researchers and industry collaborators together. The interdisciplinary teams combined experimental petrology, volcanology, numerical modelling and mineral analysis. They worked together to constrain the conditions for porphyry ore deposit...
Episode 30: What are carbonatites anyway?
December 19, 2022 17:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBCarbonatites are controversial rocks that are associated with a diverse range of commodities, such as niobium, phosphate, copper, and light rare earth elements (LREE). This week we dive into some of the latest thinking about carbonatite genesis and ore forming processes, and consider the challenges involved in characterizing and producing these complex ore bodies. First off, Emma Humphreys-Williams from the Natural History Museum, UK, explains how, when and where carbonatites form in the ...
30. What are carbonatites anyway?
December 19, 2022 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBCarbonatites are controversial rocks that are associated with a diverse range of commodities, such as niobium, phosphate, copper, and light rare earth elements (LREE). This week we dive into some of the latest thinking about carbonatite genesis and ore forming processes, and consider the challenges involved in characterizing and producing these complex ore bodies. First off, Emma Humphreys-Williams from the Natural History Museum, UK, explains how, when and where carbonatites form in the ...
29. Prospecting Pathways to Discovery with Shawn Ryan and the Bjorkman Sisters
December 12, 2022 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBAcross Canada prospectors are at the forefront of discovery. Shawn Ryan leads using innovative and comprehensive exploration programs resulting in multiple discoveries of gold. Jessica and Katarina Bjorkman grew up with prospecting and continue to follow their passion and explore all the career has to offer, balancing consulting and work on their own claims. Shawn Ryan (Ryanwood Exploration) arguably the most famous prospector in Canada, tells the story of his career from mushroom picki...
Episode 29: Prospecting Pathways to Discovery with Shawn Ryan and the Bjorkman Sisters
December 12, 2022 17:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBAcross Canada prospectors are at the forefront of discovery. Shawn Ryan leads using innovative and comprehensive exploration programs resulting in multiple discoveries of gold. Jessica and Katarina Bjorkman grew up with prospecting and continue to follow their passion and explore all the career has to offer, balancing consulting and work on their own claims. Shawn Ryan (Ryanwood Exploration) arguably the most famous prospector in Canada, tells the story of his career from mushroom picki...
28. Prospecting Success in the Yukon Territory, Canada
December 05, 2022 17:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBProspecting is fundamental to the discovery of new ore deposits. Geologists who prospect and prospectors who do geology are the subject of this and next week’s episode. In the Yukon Territory, Canada, prospectors are finding new mineralization with the support of a unique grant program. The Yukon Mineral Exploration Grant (YMEP) is at the root of several discoveries in the last 20 years, supporting individuals to get out in the field and take on risk. We learn about how the Yukon Governm...
Episode 28: Prospecting Success in the Yukon Territory, Canada
December 05, 2022 17:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBProspecting is fundamental to the discovery of new ore deposits. Geologists who prospect and prospectors who do geology are the subject of this and next week’s episode. In the Yukon Territory, Canada, prospectors are finding new mineralization with the support of a unique grant program. The Yukon Mineral Exploration Grant (YMEP) is at the root of several discoveries in the last 20 years, supporting individuals to get out in the field and take on risk. We learn about how the Yukon Governm...
27. Unlocking the Powers of Microbes
November 28, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBMicrobes have a powerful influence on Earth processes, leave clues useful for mineral exploration and provide a more environmentally sustainable way of processing ores. Bridging the divide between geoscience and bioscience may well be critical to the future of mining and exploration. We understand much of the potential and the impact of microbial communities, but the incredible diversity of microbes is still being explored. New technologies and processes are yet to be discovered - will...
Episode 27: Unlocking the Powers of Microbes
November 28, 2022 17:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBMicrobes have a powerful influence on Earth processes, leave clues useful for mineral exploration and provide a more environmentally sustainable way of processing ores. Bridging the divide between geoscience and bioscience may well be critical to the future of mining and exploration. We understand much of the potential and the impact of microbial communities, but the incredible diversity of microbes is still being explored. New technologies and processes are yet to be discovered - will...
Episode 26: Tackling Parachute Science
November 21, 2022 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBWhat does an early career researcher working on a Proterozoic Pb-Zn deposit in Namibia have in common with a senior scientist at the forefront of geothermal research in New Zealand? Listen in to hear how passionate they both are about the negative impact of ‘Parachute Science’ - effectively dropping in and conducting research without local collaboration. To tackle this issue, we need to work with scientists who live and work in our field areas and communicate our results with local com...
26. Tackling Parachute Science
November 21, 2022 17:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBWhat does an early career researcher working on a Proterozoic Pb-Zn deposit in Namibia have in common with a senior scientist at the forefront of geothermal research in New Zealand? Listen in to hear how passionate they both are about the negative impact of ‘Parachute Science’ - effectively dropping in and conducting research without local collaboration. To tackle this issue, we need to work with scientists who live and work in our field areas and communicate our results with local com...
Episode 25: Tales of Giants and Trailblazers - 100 Years of SEG
December 20, 2021 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBJoin us for a Fireside Chat full of inspiring and quirky stories, first presented at #SEG100. We are celebrating 100 years of SEG as 2021 comes to a close. These are stories worth hearing! Russell Meares, a long time SEG volunteer and well known exploration geologist shares what he has learned through his years of digging up the less well known stories of the founders of the Society. Anne Thompson has also worked to unearth the lesser known members and find out the stories behind our early...
25. Tales of Giants and Trailblazers - 100 Years of SEG
December 20, 2021 17:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBJoin us for a Fireside Chat full of inspiring and quirky stories, first presented at #SEG100. We are celebrating 100 years of SEG as 2021 comes to a close. These are stories worth hearing! Russell Meares, a long time SEG volunteer and well known exploration geologist shares what he has learned through his years of digging up the less well known stories of the founders of the Society. Anne Thompson has also worked to unearth the lesser known members and find out the stories behind our early...
Episode 25: Tales of Giants and Trailblazers - 100 Years of SEG
December 20, 2021 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBJoin us for a Fireside Chat full of inspiring and quirky stories, first presented at #SEG100. We are celebrating 100 years of SEG as 2021 comes to a close. These are stories worth hearing! Russell Meares, a long time SEG volunteer and well known exploration geologist shares what he has learned through his years of digging up the less well known stories of the founders of the Society. Anne Thompson has also worked to unearth the lesser known members and find out the stories behind our early...
Episode 24: Supergene Secrets
December 13, 2021 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MBWhat are you standing on? There are secrets to be discovered in those grungy red, black and brown rocks! Deconvolution of the weathering process is critical to understanding our Earth and for exploration in both arid and humid environments. We have two extremely knowledgeable guests, who have spent their careers working in this environment. They talk about the 'messy' rocks and discuss the information hidden in superficial alteration that is important for exploration, landscape evolution an...
24. Supergene Secrets
December 13, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBWhat are you standing on? There are secrets to be discovered in those grungy red, black and brown rocks! Deconvolution of the weathering process is critical to understanding our Earth and for exploration in both arid and humid environments. We have two extremely knowledgeable guests, who have spent their careers working in this environment. They talk about the 'messy' rocks and discuss the information hidden in superficial alteration that is important for exploration, landscape evolution an...
23. Models, Drobbles, and Data in Magmatic Sulfide Deposits
December 06, 2021 20:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBMagmatic sulfide deposits have arguably the most quantified deposit model, but what are the game changers in our understanding? Despite a decades old foundational model for their formation, what is new and what should be considered in the search for new resources? This episode checks in with an expert in magmatic sulfides engaged in the global pursuit as well as those researching emerging ideas that shed new light on the model, including some which have implications for exploration. Peter L...
Episode 23: Models, Drobbles, and Data in Magmatic Sulfide Deposits
December 06, 2021 20:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBMagmatic sulfide deposits have arguably the most quantified deposit model, but what are the game changers in our understanding? Despite a decades old foundational model for their formation, what is new and what should be considered in the search for new resources? This episode checks in with an expert in magmatic sulfides engaged in the global pursuit as well as those researching emerging ideas that shed new light on the model, including some which have implications for exploration. Peter L...
22. Ore Body Knowledge
November 29, 2021 03:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBWhat does better ore body knowledge do for mining? Consistency in our data collection, ore sorting at the mine face and detailed characterization of mine waste, can all lead to value creation coupled with more responsible mining. This episode looks at all aspects of the mining value chain, learning where new technology, data analysis and approaches are already having an impact. Datarock is a Melbourne, Australia company working to extract high quality data from images. They analyze images a...
Episode 22: Ore Body Knowledge
November 29, 2021 03:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBWhat does better ore body knowledge do for mining? Consistency in our data collection, ore sorting at the mine face and detailed characterization of mine waste, can all lead to value creation coupled with more responsible mining. This episode looks at all aspects of the mining value chain, learning where new technology, data analysis and approaches are already having an impact. Datarock is a Melbourne, Australia company working to extract high quality data from images. They analyze image...
Episode 22:Ore Body Knowledge
November 29, 2021 03:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBWhat does better ore body knowledge do for mining? Consistency in our data collection, ore sorting at the mine face and detailed characterization of mine waste, can all lead to value creation coupled with more responsible mining. This episode looks at all aspects of the mining value chain, learning where new technology, data analysis and approaches are already having an impact. Datarock is a Melbourne, Australia company working to extract high quality data from images. They analyze images a...
21. The Philosophy of Resource Estimation
November 22, 2021 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBFor the average exploration geologist, resource estimation may appear a bit of a nebulous process, disconnected from the early stages of drilling and discovery. On this week’s episode we try and bridge the gap between the first drill hole into a project and the associated estimation process. First, we talk to Jacqui Coombes (CEO of AMIRA and based in Perth, Australia). Jacqui introduces the fundamental concepts that underpin resource estimation; breaking down complex ideas into simple terms...
Episode 21: The Philosophy of Resource Estimation
November 22, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBFor the average exploration geologist, resource estimation may appear a bit of a nebulous process, disconnected from the early stages of drilling and discovery. On this week’s episode we try and bridge the gap between the first drill hole into a project and the associated estimation process. First, we talk to Jacqui Coombes (CEO of AMIRA and based in Perth, Australia). Jacqui introduces the fundamental concepts that underpin resource estimation; breaking down complex ideas into simple terms...
Episode 20: A Deep Dive on a Frontier for Resources
November 15, 2021 17:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBThe seafloor remains one of the least explored areas on Earth. Join us for a deep dive, to understand the science needed to advance our understanding and help to find the mineral resources that may well be needed by society in the future. We get the overview on both the history and the future from Mark Hannington (University of Ottawa, Canada). From the collaboration involved in studying black smokers and their relationship to what we know about volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, to the...