20. A Deep Dive on a Frontier for Resources

11/15/21 • 61 min

The 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 new frontiers of the continental shelf and beyond – there is a lot of greenfield exploration to happen in the ocean. How can we begin to understand the potential, without a geologic map? Perhaps what is needed is a Geological Survey of the Ocean.
Our second guest, Meg Stewart (Mount Royal University Calgary, Alberta, Canada) tackles the seafloor geologic mapping question. As a post-doctoral fellow with Mark Hannington she took on the mapping of the Lau Basin, home to numerous hydrothermal vents and, as they discovered, complicated tectonic processes with implications for our understanding of earth systems.
Lastly, we address the potential for polymetallic nodules to provide metals needed for the green transition. Samantha Smith (Blue Globe Solutions) has dedicated sixteen years to helping guide the science needed to exploit seabed resources responsibly and gives us her insights and wisdom.
Theme music is Confluence by Eastwinds
eastwindsmusic.com

Come join us in Brisbane, Australia for SEG 2025, September 26-29th. This will be a dynamic conference with cutting edge science, new discoveries, technology and more. Opportunities for networking and learning include several workshops and field trips before and after the event, relaxed social events and of course the conference itself. See you there!

Previous Episode

19. Geological Surveys for Explorers and Society

Globally, the work of geological surveys supports mineral exploration, but also touches on many areas that are fundamental for human society. This week look at the different types of work at three surveys and see how they support exploration, but also wider society.
First up is ‘The Capacity Builder’, with Andrew Bloodworth (British Geological Survey) highlighting the work they do globally to support low- and middle-income countries. Much of this support comes in the form of providing digitization of important data records, but an important element is to exchange knowledge and skills between organizations. Andrew also leaves us with some thoughts and insights into the work of Afghan geologists.
The second segment, 'The Data Generator' focuses on the United States Geological Survey, a large, multi-disciplinary organization. We spoke to Anne McCafferty a research geophysicist to find out how her work fits within the critical minerals program and what the minerals systems approach is all about. She also gives a great geological tour of the mid-continent and explains why the mineral resources in the region are of interest to the USGS.
Much of geological survey work revolves around building accessible databases. In Quebec, however, they are taking an innovative approach to how their data is recorded and stored. In ‘The Data Provider’, Jean-Yves Labbe (Géologie Québec) tells us how they created search engine accessible data, SIGÉOM, and are continuing to add new types of information.
Lastly, in ‘Surveys and Society’ Murray Hitzman, director of iCrag, Dublin reminds us that the work of geological surveys is about much more than supporting mineral resource exploration and development.
Theme music is Confluence by Eastwinds
eastwindsmusic.com

Next Episode

21. The Philosophy of Resource Estimation

For 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. She also describes the qualitative side of the process, emphasizing the value of good geology, good communication and logic in any resource estimation.
Our next guest, Rene Sterk (managing director at RSC Consulting and based in Dunedin, New Zealand) tells us why the exploration geologist should care about resource estimation. He describes the importance of the mining value chain as a whole, and how the data collected early on in a project can be critical to understanding an orebody.
Theme music is Confluence by Eastwinds
eastwindsmusic.com