June Technical Lunch

Please join the Adelaide Branch for their June Technical Lunch at the Pavilion Function Centre, Veale Gardens.

About this event

Speaker: Professor Nigel Cook

Topic: Characterization of rocks, ores, concentrates and minerals: why, how, and the thrill of new discoveries at ever smaller scales

Summary: Mineral characterisation aims at achieving an in-depth understanding of the compositions, structures, and physical properties of solid phases (minerals in most cases) that contain elements of value or concern, whether they occur in rocks, ores, concentrates, or tailings. Traditionally applied to base and precious metals, similar approaches also apply to critical metals, as well as ‘penalty’ elements and other components such as radionuclides that may impact on process efficiency or product quality. The overarching objective of a mineralogy-driven approach is to understand where and how elements occur in a given phase assemblage. To achieve this, we use a wide range of microanalytical tools straddling various scales of observation. Using examples, the talk will examine some of the methods used, how technology is revolutionising understanding, the information that can be extracted from even the commonest of minerals, and not least the satisfaction that new discoveries in the micro- to nanoscale mineral realm have given me.

The event will also feature a student presentations from Amelia Johnson and Coco Jian.

This event is brought to you by the AusIMM Adelaide Branch, our 2021 Branch Partners of Bureau Veritas & OZ Minerals and our 2021 Technical Lunch Partner, Thermo Fisher Scientific.