GEMOC ARC National Key Centre

Research examples:

• Unique methodology for geochemical imaging of the lithosphere (4-D Lithosphere Mapping) developed to maturity and now being extended to whole-mantle perspectives. This has given a new understanding of lithosphere formation mechanisms and changes through time and has delivered new concepts for exploration targeting to the mineral exploration industry

• Unique methodologies developed for dating mantle formation events (from 4.6 billion years ago) and times of overprinting tectonic events (Re-Os in situ dating of mantle sulfides and TerraneChron™ using zircon geochemical fingerprints)

• Two Federation Fellows in Geoscience attracted to Australia

• Unique methods for testing mantle and crust coupling over Earth history have emerged – and these are also keys to new exploration methods

Highlights of technology development outcomes:

• Focus on in situ analysis of important elements to parts per billion

• Unique method (in situ Re-Os) to date mantle events

• Unique method to track crustal histories (U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf and trace-element fingerprinting of zircons, rutiles): TerraneChron™

• Delivery of rapid, cost-effective and user-friendly new methodologies and software in geochemical analysis (eg GLITTER)

• Establishing the rates of geological processes both for the deep Earth and for surface processes using Uranium decay series dating

• Unique geochemical analysis infrastructure built up over last decade (see Technology Development section).

• Tools are now developed to address long-standing fundamental questions about Earth’s geological evolution and to inform area selection in exploration

Highlights of teaching outcomes:

• Industry-standard training with development of new degree programs (eg Environmental Geoscience, Marine Geoscience)

• Hands-on undergraduate training in use of state-of-the-art techniques (GIS databases, imaging, geochemical techniques, geophysical measurements) with industry-standard instrumentation

• Vigorous postgraduate group with active international postgraduate exchange programs: (eg China, France, Norway, Italy)

• Short-course programs for end-user information and technology exchange

Highlights of industry interaction outcomes:

• Changing the mineral exploration paradigm by delivering new concepts for exploration globally and in Australia derived from basic research and technology development

• Development of active partnerships in strategic and applied research with industry (exploration companies and technology manufacturers)

• Funded Industry initiatives (eg GEMOC-Nu Instruments 3-year Fellowship -  see Industry Interaction)

• Development of value-added consultancies and collaborative research programs using GEMOC’s geochemical technologies and database

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