Mark Berry

Director - Principal Geologist, Derisk Geomining Consultants

Keynote presentation title

Mining Geologists and Business Savvy: The Good, the Bad, and the Way Forward

Keynote presentation synopsis

Mark has had the immense pleasure of attending all but one of the 14 International Mining Geology Conferences held in Australia and New Zealand since 1990.  There have been many topics and themes covered in the last 36 years, but the presentations loved the most cover the value of mining geology and the fantastic case studies.

Since 1990, some 100 case studies have been presented covering topics that include drilling and related activities; non-drilling data collection, analysis, and interpretation; short term mine planning and design; production control; monitoring and reconciliation; and more.  There is one thing missing in most of these case studies – the authors have not ‘closed the loop’ by failing to document and highlight the economic value of the solutions presented, either by a reduction in operating costs or an increase in revenue – both of which result in enhanced profitability.

Mining geology is an essential cog in the business of running a mine and generally requires a significant annual capital and operating budget.  However, by-and-large, geologists are rather naïve and poor at preparing robust business cases to support and justify their budget plans, and demonstrate the value they deliver.  Why is this so?

This presentation will ponder this question, provide a selection of case studies to illustrate the importance of closing the loop in the value chain, and suggest how mining geologists can better demonstrate the value they create for their business.

Biography

Mark is a geologist with over 45 years of experience spanning exploration, feasibility and development, mine operations, management, research and development, consulting, and professional development. He has had the privilege of contributing to and attending all but one of the International Mining Geology conferences and considers that this conference is the pre-eminent event for mining geology professionals.