Exploration Managers’ Conference Pack

London 2023, Natural History Museum

Amira Welcome

EMC DAY 1

Session 1 Day 1| Welcome & introduction ‘Exploring Exploration.’

Title/ Speaker: How should we explore to ensure truly net positive outcomes Prof Richard Herrington, Natural History Museum

Title/ Speaker: Critical Minerals and Critical Thinking for Sustainable Development. Dr Karen Hanghoj, Director, British Geological Survey

Title/ Speaker: A Geothermal Perspective on Mineral Resources Prof Stuart Simmons, Consulting Geologist, SEG.

Title/ Speaker: What does disruption look like for the Exploration Industry Mr Paul Agnew, Chief Geologist, Rio Tinto.

Session Notes:  The focus of this session was a welcome to the first overseas Amira Global Exploration Managers’ Conference. In this session, the speakers were thinking beyond our current reality and what we already consider. The changes we know and those we may not yet be aware of are coming.

 In the first talk, the concept of moving from net zero to net positive exploration outcomes- a world where people recognise the benefits of mining activities and welcome them into their ‘backyard’. Driver by Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero, the Energy Transition and Sustainable Development The path towards this was explored with a paradigm shift to ‘cradle to cradle approach’.

                               Challenging status quo was again considered with the proposal that the hydrothermal (geothermal) process should be understood for energy production potential in addition to the production of strategic and critical elements. Is this future going to be unlocked through ESG technologies?

Critical thinking for Critical minerals was also discussed. How much of the world uses critical metals? How critical are they? Do we know how much of our projected needs can be fulfilled with recycling? What do we need to support the development of the resources necessary and what are the correct frameworks to us for this?

What happens when people, technology, and enabling technologies all push towards a new future? Higher demand for commodities, with higher responsibilities of production. Scaling down, not scaling up, in situ and refined production processes. This discussion spoke of new relationships between communities and the industry, recognising community calls to do better and working in new ways to deliver this.

As represented in the questions from Slido, the discussions about what the future of the industry looks like and what are the steps- changes in people, talent, technology, work processes, legislation and broader relationships.

FROM THE FLOOR (SLIDO)

Slido Questions & Reaction:

BIOLOGICAL DATA

• How can biological data be shared in jurisdictions where the government is not supporting this?
• How can we reach a consistent approach to reporting biological data? Some are published but rarely peer-reviewed.
• Can we build on Environmental Impact Assessments for projects as the first stepping stone to this?

FRAMEWORKS

• Are we moving from SDG’s to Sustainable Development License to Operate (SDLO)

EDUCATION

• How do we educate our stakeholders, communities, and societies about government- and industry-level standards? How do we encourage society to subscribe to those standards? We also need to ask if government and industry standards are ‘future proofed’ adequately
• Should education and research focus on developing new production and extraction technologies rather than deposit models and exploration methods?
• Who will own the industry in 20 years? Can the current owners, their boards, and shareholders ‘pivot’ to this? I have my doubts.
• How do we develop legislation for the 20–30-year tech horizon? Do we need an international mining lobby group?
• There have been talks on the global mining industry & SDG but no mention of the largest workforce-ASM. How do we make our science more accessible & ensure inclusion? 
•  

MINE LIFE CYCLE

• How do we balance good mine closure and reclamation with the potential for future reprocessing? It may be an excuse for delaying or avoiding reclamation.
• Possibility for extraction of metals in a geothermal fluid system, what are the pinch points for extraction?
• How much will the search for space resources change the future of terrestrial mining? Is it part of the answer?
• how can we best integrate learnings from geothermal to future mining ·
• How do we get unlimited energy to mine critical minerals without the critical minerals needed to build renewable energy resources? It has to be nuclear….
• Instead of fast mining, is it more sustainable to slow mine high-value metals (Au) with intermediate technologies to ensure communities have time to develop?

Session 2 Day 1 |Next Generation:  The Exploration Journey.

Title/ Speaker: The road to net zero for miners: Opportunities and setbacks. Dr Kwasi Ampofo, Head of Metals and Mining, Bloomberg.

Title/ Speaker: Data (Past) to Insights (Now) to Intelligence (Future) in Orebody Knowledge Mr Raj Mathiravedu, Orica Digital Solutions.

Title/ Speaker: BHP Xplor: Partnering for Success Dr Libby Sharman, Exploration Geologist, BHP.

Session Notes:  This session had a focus on new ways of looking at the exploration journey.

                               There was a reframe and clarity on the mining value chain and reflections on its role in supporting the energy transition through delivery into wind, solar, stationary storage, and the decline of coal. Demand is certain… is supply? An outside perspective on the delays in response to demand was highlighted. Will green finance play a role in the path forward?

                               To do what we have always done and expect different results is the definition of madness. So much technology is available, yet it is not being well used to accelerate discovery times while reducing emissions. How to move from discrete silos into integrated workflows and collaborative environments.

                               Partnering for success shared a new way of developing an exploration value chain. Taken along the journey from the need for psychological safety and the power of partnering as a new business model, the value of sharing knowledge and acknowledgement of non-technical risks.  All represent new ways of working in exploration.

FROM THE FLOOR (SLIDO)

• ‘Data doesn’t have emotions. It’s food for thought when we think about the quantification of S for ESG when we need more qualitative.
• Hi, we are talking about a collaboration among juniors, but what about a collaboration among majors in the exploration area? 
• In addition to other questions about the logistics of the BHP Xplor Program.

Discussion: Exploration Technology.

Panelist:           

1. Dr Fabian Kohlman, Managing Director, Lithodat,

2. Dr Kathryn Hadler, Director, (European Space Resources Innovation Centre)

3. Mr Richard Inglis, Chief geoscientist, Newmont

4. Mr Raj Mathiravedu, Orica Digital Solutions

Session Notes:   This lively session provided insights into exploration technology and the challenges in this space. Key points addressed by the panel included:

• Technology provides provide data. Someone has to turn that into knowledge. Many end Technology users don’t have the time/resources to do that themselves. So, it’s stranded data with no value as it doesn’t turn into knowledge.
• Existing providers move too slowly because they are trying to protect their capital investments, but new providers often create solutions without a clear marketplace. There’s a gap for new, real innovation and development.
• It is the essence of a consultative business model. However, it does take time and energy and needs to be built on a shared future.
• Technology providers are fixed on a specific problem(s). They are focused on finding solutions for and overlooking the end-user’s needs.
• Technology providers are in the business of selling their technology – end users need technology to implement critical work. This difference in objective makes it difficult for the groups to communicate. Tech providers must be more familiar with the subject matter for which we seek solutions.
• They do, but sometimes, the priorities might not be the same for everyone, and it feels like change is slow.
• It can feel like the definitions of success are different, but they’re not. Tech providers only succeed if end users are more successful.
• We can; it just takes a long time to reach a trusted and meaningful level of relationship between individuals who have the vision and authority to make change happen. Often, this fails or is blocked by procurement, legal, etc.
•  

FROM THE FLOOR (SLIDO)

• Industry does a great job usually at collecting big data, and there is an appeal to then use “AI” to try and synthesise this into a target as a type of silver bullet by some. Still, we need to ensure we value the fundamental geoscientist too. How do we do this? These skills are now far less trendy than AI topics.
• Is there a danger in the exploration of getting into a feedback loop of AI-generating targets in areas with high data density these are the areas where we explore keeping so keeping us exploring in mature terrains.
• What kind of data do you need from Geological Surveys? Should it be free? How about legacy data from previous exploration?
• Does anyone want to comment on new technologies that might help us find new deposits in areas without any data?
• Who needs to fund exploration technology development? Large companies internally from their larger revenues? Startup technology companies with access to venture capital? Governments? Or does it have to be collaborations?
• What will the commercial model for our technology developers and “end-users” ecosystem look like in five years?
• One way of using AI is to build a deep learning model specifically for Geoscience, a Geo-ChatGpt.
• Do you think AI will make a significant impact on mineral exploration, resulting in discoveries?

Do you think our industry does a good job of identifying which problems are better addressed by AI and which are better for humans?

Breakout Session Day 1 Session 2

Title/ Speaker: Smaller, high grade deposits Dr Kathryn Moore, Senior Lecturer, Camborne School of Mines.

Session Notes: This vulnerable session included a case study of the IMP@CT Project, where modularized plants and containerized tools were used. This followed a meaningful discussion about possibilities for this in the future, findings from a European viewpoint, and whether this was globally applicable.

• A discussion about economic and socio-economic drivers for smaller-scale mining. What is the opportunity?? What is needed to progress these opportunities?
• The key conversation was about how to structure suitable companies to pursue this. If privately owned, do they require the same amount of drilling as is governed by reporting for JORC?
• What information is critical to understanding orebodies? Discussion between good geological models and sections, more geophysics, or increased drill holes.

Session 2 Day 1 | Next Generation: ESG in Exploration.

The Nexus of ESG and Exploration.

Title/ Speaker:  Empowering geologists in the exploration process – The importance of human technology interoperability Mr Anthony Harris, Chief Geoscientist Newcrest Mining Limited.

Title/ Speaker:     A window into emerging economies playing the critical minerals game – A view from South Asia: opportunities and challenges Mr Biplob Chattergee, CEO Geovale Services.

Title/ Speaker:     Critical metals and the minerals industry; challenges and opportunities Assoc Prof Simon Jowitt, Director, Ralph J. Roberts Centre for Research in Economic Geology.

Session Notes: 

This session provided some lively examples of the nexus of ESG and Exploration and how the relationship between the two evolves. These talks highlighted the need to think about people and technology, critically understand the challenge of critical minerals and develop policies and responses that serve all global regions.

Human-technology interactions in the exploration process and the need to empower all parties to support new working methods were highlighted. This may be reflected in an enhancement of traditional geology skill sets rather than a replacement of them. People will always be important to the process, but new technology has been used to make discoveries, remove ambiguity and refine workflows. The focus on deploying new technology to unlock value from data is supporting interoperability between systems, platforms, algorithms and people.

Are the challenges the same globally? In a snapshot of India’s emerging economy, the importance of critical metals has been recognised; however, there is almost no presence in the midstream and downstream parts of the value chain. Moving forward, emerging economies will demand equity in the entire value chain of critical minerals. Large areas remain underexplored with low levels of expenditure by governments and no greenfield work by private enterprises.  However, India is working towards a new future by increasing its baseline data availability through widespread geological mapping and data campaigns using various techniques. Emerging economies have high critical metals potential and should not be overlooked. Partnerships to assist with adopting new technologies and tools are essential alongside appropriate global support to develop baseline data.

A perspective shift on thinking critically about the critical metals bubble was proposed. Suggesting We already have significant unrealised potential for critical metal production. What are the challenges within the established system? How do we track sources of by-products which are critical metals? What are the roles of global and political influence, economics, ESG, and future technologies that are causing shifts in demand? How much of the required metals are already being mined as secondary commodities and not being extracted? We need to understand the mineral and metal costs of combating climate change.

FROM THE FLOOR ( SLIDO)

TECHNOLOGY

• Have you tried to map the jungle by identifying different trees growing on different soils, i.e. Reflecting different lithologies? 
• With core scanning technology, how to get the scanning capacity to keep up when we have hundreds of meters being processed in the core shed daily? 

EMERGING ECONOMIES

• WRT India, the challenge is not one of endowment, but of explorability and whether if a discovery can be developed given social and land ownership issues.  
• India: What is the main reason for a lack of foreign investment in exploration in India over the years? 

EMERGING ISSUES?

• How do we manage the future uncertainty around if Li ion Ni Co etc will be in demand, eg is the industry talking/tracking battery research groups well enough? 
• It is noted greenhouse gases, water use and mining waste as areas needing significant improvement. What role do geologists play in this? 

Discussion: ESG Exploration Nexus.

ESG Exploration Nexus Panelist:

Mr Mike Ravella, Chief Innovation Officer, Veracio,

Dr Rose Clarke, Consultant, Satarla,

Dr Murray Hitzman, Director, SFI Research Centre in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG).

Mr Patrick Redman, Snr Vice President, Copper Mountain Mining Corp.

Session Notes:

A lively panel which discussed a lot of the topics which had already been initiated in other presentations.

In the future, the first mover advantage may be more related to social/community acceptance than to geological potential alone.

Get as much community involvement as possible to manage expectations from the beginning and to keep educating the communities about exploration, which is the biggest challenge in understanding what’s involved. We need dedicated hands-on ESG professionals to manage the company’s business in this arena.

Involve ESG in the project quickly.

Just like we should all be responsible for our own safety, we should also all be responsible for the ESG legacy we leave behind, from executives to onsite geos.

Without good ESG strategies we don’t mine.

The environmental part of ESG industry don’t do well in this part of ESG

ESG is perceived as a challenge, but it shouldn’t be like this.

G is the accountability and is the worst / Environmental is the best, but it is a project-by-project case

POLLS

• Regarding the Environmental part of the organization’s ESG performance, from 44 responses, 52% feel there is room for improvement, and 30% are still learning.
• Concerning the social part of ESG performance, from 42 responses, 55% reported that it is an emerging space for them, and 26% feel they are leaders in that space
• Regarding who is responsible for Governance in the organisation in exploration, from 43 responses, 49% are the Executive team, 23% are onsite geos, and 14% are those in reporting.

QUESTIONS FOR PANEL:

• Why is ESG only seen as a challenge? (Asked to panel)
• What’s the role/importance of data governance and digital capabilities in future of ‘G’ for exploration? (Asked to panel)
• We hear conversations about ESG in relation to mining and its application to mining and mineral processing. Not often with exploration… Why?
• People resources are fundamental to the success of ESG. Exploration teams on the ground can have too much placed on them, reducing their bandwidth for discovery
• What role do you think underground mining plays in achieving environmental goals?
• Is the social side about changing the perceived predatory nature of mining and mining companies?

What words do you associate with ESG?

Cost, Waste reduction, Mine waste, Responsibility, compliance, social license, managing expectations with communities we work in and environment., care, Value, Communication,

Environment sustainability, Common outcome, Shared value, not negotiable, Showstopper, Exploration program delays underestimated, Sustainability, People, Accountability

Opportunity, Investment risk management, collaboration, transparency, communication, responsibility, Challenging, Stakeholders, Social data census involvement being loved by communities, Society, communications, Regulations, not sure it has a definition, complexity.

Undervalued, often too little too late, Community issues, Our inevitable future, Critical today, corporate responsibility, Equity, Environment sustainability governance, Problems.

Takes a lot of time, Challenge, Community, Development, Challenges.

What is one take-away or action you will take forward from this session?

• In future the first mover advantage may be more related to social/community acceptance rather than geological potential only.
• Resource teams appropriately. Engage communities from the outset, set expectations and listen to understand their needs. Start locally and expand as projects develop
• I’m thirsty is it time for a pint?
• Improve
• Get as much community involvement as possible to manage expectations from the beginning and to keep educating the communities about exploration, which is the biggest challenge in understanding what’s involved. We need dedicated hands-on ESG professionals to manage the company’s business in this arena.
• ESG makes business sense
• Involve it in the project quickly
• We should all be responsible for ES and G, from execs down to onsite geos; just like we should all be responsible for our own safety we should also all be responsible for the ESG legacy we leave behind
• More action is needed.
• ESG happened after criticality- why is it not placed front and centre?
• Increased awareness
• Thinking
• New ideas
• Education
• I think it’s telling that all the speakers in the session sidelined ESG in favour of technology, geology, and economics!
• Without good ESG strategies we don’t mine

ESG BREAK-OUT SESSION (DAY 2)

Notes:

The missing word was greenwashing. We are exploiting finite resources and calling ourselves renewable; this is a disconnect.

Is there value in the ratings? They don’t reflect exploration activity well. It is very hard to school well on pure exploration.

This is about short-term vs long-term goals. Short-term coal makes money, but long-term reputation matters.

How do we quantify net positive biodiversity and make that happen at the drill pad? It can’t be. It has to be a balance in other areas near e.g., reforestation of a similar area size.

The net positive is more suited to Europe than Australia, where the majority of the ground has been disturbed, and returning to nature is positive. In Australia, that is more challenging due to large undisturbed areas.

 How do we quantify the biodiversity baseline? Is natural capital the following pre-competitive dataset? There are further challenges as this is dynamic, not static.

Why do we always discuss the E…. more on the S & G needed.

EMC Day 2

ESG FLOW ON SESSION (DAY 2)

Notes:

The missing word was greenwashing. We are exploiting finite resources and calling ourselves renewable; this is a disconnect.

Is there value in the ratings? They don’t reflect exploration activity well. It is very hard to school well on pure exploration.

This is about short-term vs long-term goals. Short-term coal makes money, but long-term reputation matters.

How do we quantify net positive biodiversity and make that happen at the drill pad? It can’t be it has to be a balance in other areas near by e.g., reforestation of a similar area size.

Net positive is more suited to Europe than Australia, where the majority of ground has been disturbed, and to return to natural is positive. In Australia, that is more challenging due to large undisturbed areas.

 How do we quantify the biodiversity baseline? Is natural capital the next pre-competitive dataset? Further challenges, as this is dynamic, not static.

Why do we always talk about the E…. more on the S & G needed.

Slido Question and Reactions: Regarding the Environmental part of organization ESG performance, from 44 responses: 52% feel there is room for improvement and 30% are still learning. With respect to the social part of ESG performance, from 42 responses: 55% reported that it is an emerging space for them and 26% feel they are leaders in that space.  Regarding who is responsible for Governance in the organization in exploration, from 43 responses: 49% are the Executive team, 23% are onsite geos and 14% are those in reporting.

Session 1 Day 2 | Welcome Back| Geoscience Framework.

FROM THE FLOOR (SLIDO)

Suggested areas that Amira should focus on next are:

• ESG tools/ monitoring/reports.
• Drilling technology – improved costs and value. Precompetitive data in areas without good coverage (e.g., Africa).
• New regional exploration initiatives are promising. Need to be phased to ensure resources not overstretched. Automated geological logging / touch core once is a key area that needs a coordinated effort to establish workflow, etc.
• Mineral economics and geomet/mineral resource management.
• More of the regional XI Programs broaden and add Programs as they succeed and fail.
• Hyperspectral satellite vs ground observation; petrophysics vs airborne geophysics.
• Precompetitive series & deformed basins.
• Orebody knowledge as a multifaceted approach Tailings as a Resource.
• Metallurgy.
• Orebody knowledge across disciplines (need to get engineers, metallurgists, biologists, etc. on these projects).

A list of current Amira Projects covering these areas is available Projects – Amira

Follow up work in progress:

To discuss future regional initiatives and regional XI projects please contact:anil.subramanya@amira.global or hayley.mcgillivray@amira.global

To discuss Basins focussed projects please contact:

anil.subramanya@amira.global or hayley.mcgillivray@amira.global

To discuss mineral processing please contact

anthony.anyimadu@amira.global

We are revisiting Data Metallogenica- what would you like to see on it?

• Geochem, quantitative mineralogy, multispectral response, physical properties
• As much information as possible, including any potential downstream (e.g., geomet) or non-technical data available
• Access for non-destructive analysis
• More info on deportment
• What is Data Metallogenica? As a member should I know what it is?
• Copper deposits
• Analytical data, mineral mapping

A project focussed on Data Metallogenica is currently being established for further information please contact anil.subramanya@amira.global or hayley.mcgillivray@amira.global

How can Amira help de-silo the mining value chain?

• Inter-disciplinary projects that clearly present the value proposition. We are generally poor at putting $ to research outputs
• More interdisciplinary research conferences that focus on whole of supply chain issues. Broaden research provider network.
• Not sure Amira should be outside of geoscience related to exploration.
• Working with several mines in parallel
• Create data sharing platform on collaborateore
• Emphasize collaborative and multidisciplinary projects.
• Get other disciplines/teams involved

For more information on collaborative platform development please contact:

anil.subramanya@amira.global

Welcome | Where are we now?.

Diamond Keynote Talk: The Evergreens of Exploration and Green skills Mr Wolfram Schuh, Vice President Exploration Latin America, Freeport McMoran.

Title/ Speaker: Next Generation Exploration – Key trends and challenges Professor John Hronsky, Principal, Western Mining Services:

Title/ Speaker: Title: Using mining’s past and present to shape an industry fit for the future  Ms Carly Leonida, Editor, The Intelligent Miner.

Title/ Speaker: Title: Moving from social anxiety to successful positive developments, Prof. Murray Hitzman SFI Research Professor UCD ICRAG Director

Session Note:

In this session we considered where our industry has come from and how this influences it moving forward. 

The first talk provided a case study of exploration in the Congo, demonstrating that while we have new ways of working, it is the exploration geologists who are often first on the ground. They need to engage with communities from the exploration stage. This is an ‘evergreen’ form of exploration that needs to be recognised and considered. While we have new formal roles and skills emerging, recognition of the role which exploration geologists play and have always played at the earliest stage is critical.

Understanding how new technology and traditional skills both can be useful was highlighted through consideration of Data science and AI, which may be suitable for data rich areas but are perhaps less suited for data poor areas where traditional methods remain of importance. Suggestion: Amira to play a role in developing standards for ESG reporting, similar to what has been done with JORC.

Reflections from a generalist on the industry were provided: The industry is under intense fundamental change. The risks are in the negative impact that mining can generate. We need to re-think the way we mine. Perfection is the enemy of progress. There is value in revisiting historical information and performing “data mining,” & case examples were presented. “Data is the new oil” data mining the past for new discoveries. Major companies are already scouring historical data. There is enormous value in re-examining the past. The mining industry has the attention of governments and the community like never before. The industry should not wait for regulators and policymakers; it needs to be more proactive.

What talent do we need to support these changes?  Following the previous talk given by a self-proclaimed generalist, this talk suggested generalists are important and social scientists should work along with the experts in communities. The mining industry needs a general media champion (like David Attenborough). ESG reflects corporate behaviour. It’s seen as a vehicle for transparency and trust. Ethics should also be considered. Amira projects & programs focus on (i) digital and innovation and (ii) costs & products but should focus on ESG matters & understand the social anxieties. We need to understand the level of acceptance of different people. The issues facing the industry stem from social issues. How to best communicate, it’s all about communication. Besides doing “geological mapping” should also be doing “social mapping”.

• What are the top 3 skills that early career geologists and emerging geoscientists require to start strong in exploration geology?
• Next Generation: what is the risk of the cyclic nature of exploration budgets to ensuring we secure and foster talent for the future?
• Consider what we meant by poor quality projects; there is an opportunity to upgrade ‘ poor quality ‘ ore by unlocking the technical barrier that makes it poor.
• How do we as an industry publicly state to the media about our commitment and partnership to global transition?
• Is it important to tell the public something like “the future of mining is also green” and “we will never do the kind of mining from the previous generation”?
• Should the mining industry look to modern platforms like tiktok as a form of communication to begin to show mining isn’t as “evil” as the media often portrays?
• An example of an outreach program in BC for educating young people and elementary school teachers. https://mineralsed.ca/ 
• Do we need to develop better, and standardised ways of talking about ESG risk. In many risk frameworks ESG is tacked onto the technical analysis

Next Generation: Future Talent.

Discussion session

Dr Shaun Barker, Director Mineral Deposit Research Unit

Prof David Cooke, Director, Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences

Mr. Anthony Anyimadu, VP Mineral Processing, Amira Global

Session Note:

This lively panel provided an overview of the talent focused challenges which we have in the mining sector. These include lots of retirements, falling enrolments since 2016, challenges with diversity and a need for indigenous capacity.

In consideration of technical diversity geophysics is taught only as a major at one Australian university (Adelaide). Australian Geoscience departments are being closed due to low enrolments. Globally this is not the same in emerging countries, such as Indonesia. China delivers more geoscientists than the rest of the world.

Many Geoscience departments in Australia rely heavily on research to survive which is an unsustainable funding model. This is the perfect storm – declining student numbers / retirements in faculty / fewer faculties that can train and supervise students / active and demanding industry.

Title/ Speaker: Title: Development Partnership, Ms Allison George, Director/ Head of Programs, and initiatives Development Partner Institute

Discussion session

Emerging Talent & PhD Students

Ms. Cassia Johnston, CSM

Dr Cassady Harraden UCB

Ms. Helen Twigg Icrag

Mr. Matt Loader, NHM…

Session Note:

In this session, an insightful discussion from the Development Partner Institute, which represents an organisation working in new ways to support the broader industry, shared their approaches to working with multiple perspectives. Gap analysis and in-depth interviews are all used to co-create their programs. One of the take-homes is that the voice from the boardroom is not the only one which matters.

The first lively panel provided an overview of the talent-focused challenges in the mining sector. These include many retirements, falling enrolments since 2016, challenges with diversity, and a need for indigenous capacity.

In consideration of technical diversity geophysics is taught only as a major at one Australian university (Adelaide). Australian Geoscience departments are being closed due to low enrolments. Globally this is not the same in emerging countries, such as Indonesia. China delivers more geoscientists than the rest of the world.

Many Geoscience departments in Australia rely heavily on research to survive which is an unsustainable funding model. This is the perfect storm – declining student numbers / retirements in faculty / fewer faculties that can train and supervise students / active and demanding industry.

What can be done as an industry to support a change in business model for the universities?

Session Note: 

Emerging talent panel- overarchingly, they are thinking about the same things as we are.

How do we diversify the landscape of what mining industry is? And that will attract more talent.

There is training on social engagement and outreach and that is helping and of value. Each of the emerging talent remains in the industry because they love it and support the vision of what it can be.

Slide Question and Reactions:

• I think inviting govt, other sector guests to this kind of conference, and indeed SEG a great idea. How else can we start the conversation?
• What is the right balance in terms of informing the public about mining versus listening to their concerns and leveraging the principles of Dialogue?
• There was a great Australian TV series about mining, called Dirt Game: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1325886/
• How do we get the rest of the geosciences (e.g. societies like AGU, EGU) to realise the global need for mining, especially relating to climate change mitigation. We need to have a more unified front for the rest of society.
• What’s the global equivalent to something like the Milk Marketing Board for Geosciences?
• How do we get the general public to consider our industry a solution to climate change?
• Wonderful to hear from this cohort! How do we co-create the future?

Breakout Session.

Innovation in training models Prof Stefen Hagemann, Director of Centre of Exploration Technology University of WA.

Session Facilitator: Anthony Anyimadu Osgood Room.

Next Generation: Data Science and Exploration.

Maximising predictability in porphyry exploration using data analytics and AI Prof Jamie Wilkinson, Natural History Museum

Sensor development, deployment on different sites, use cases and general philosophy with what we are trying to achieve in the industry Dr Sasha Krneta, Principal Geologist, Veracio

An introduction to Machine Learning / Deep Learning with an example for a IOCG manto style Chilean Cu/Au deposit Mr David First, Chief Geologist, Stratum AI

In this session, some detailed examples were shared about the way technology is already changing our industry.

In research, data analytics and AI are being used to develop discrimination tools, which are needed at multiple scales. This requires combining geological understanding with understanding how the tools perform to understand which are ‘useful’. Benefits of using these tools include decreasing search space and cost, increasing the probability of discovery, and enabling the use of existing data. In addition, decreasing analytical expenses and time frames is also possible with these techniques.

 Initially, core scanning was considered because of its role in providing a step change in core analysis through more accurate logging, prioritisation of drill holes, and understanding of orebody through the value chain. However, the outstanding calibration challenge demonstrates the technology’s evolutionary nature.

Finally, a walkthrough of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning with an orebody knowledge context was provided. Highlighting the suitability of each in the setting of orebody knowledge.

FROM THE FLOOR (SLIDO)

• Let’s start with a standardised assay result file.
• We could have technology companies and mining companies lobby OSDU to become members and add a hard rock component. We don’t need to recreate the ecosystem.

What does industry want for technology development Dr Michelle Carey, Head of Product Management and Marketing, Imdex and Alan Kobussen, Senior Manager Technology Development,  Rio Tinto 

We are all discussing the same things, but separately. This includes orebodies, scanners, sensors, real-time knowledge, and big data. In this discussion, a technology provider and end user discuss different perspectives on common challenges.

FROM THE FLOOR (SLIDO)

Why can’t technology providers and end users talk to one another?

Why do end users have the upper hand?

Thank You & Close

Slido Question and Reactions: 

What worked?

What didn’t work?

Do you like the new EMC2023 format?

Appendix

Additional resources discussed and provided:

 A 2021 manuscript that does a good job of summarising what we got up to in the IMP@CT project (in Appendix).

Two pdf documents (D2.1 and D2.2) that detail the development and access to the small deposit query tool on the Minerals4EU database. They have “how-to-query” information that is very helpful when using the tool. (In Appendix).

Access to the platform is here http://minerals4eu.brgm-rec.fr/

The Cordis summary of the IMP@CT project is here https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/730411