AusIMM showcases professional expertise at Mineral Resource Estimation Conference through innovative industry challenge

The winners of the unique ‘Parker Challenge’ were announced at AusIMM’s sell-out Mineral Resource Estimation Conference (MREC) in Perth yesterday.

The Conference and Challenge highlighted AusIMM’s leading role in bringing professionals together for collaborative discussions on resource estimation best practice and upholding industry standards.

In front of 550 delegates, Guy Desharnais and Lucy Potter were awarded first place for their submission that demonstrated attention to detail and a well-thought out approach to domaining, estimation and classification. The Challenge was a fitting finale to the highly successful AusIMM conference, and was sponsored by Barrick Mining Corporation, who provided the base dataset and AUD$45,000 prize. 

Lucy Potter and Guy Desharnais (screen) accepting the Parker Challenge prize. 

Named after resource modelling expert Dr Harry Parker, the Challenge participants were asked to provide expert input on the so-called ‘Enterprise’ deposit, one of several that make up a multi-million-ounce complex located in the northern Carlin Trend. Their task was to estimate the gold grades and identify the geological variables that control the mineralisation.

The 22 entries highlighted the many skills, perspectives and highly specialised knowledge of estimation professionals.

AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin with Parker Challenge winner Lucy Potter.

AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin said, "The Mineral Resource Estimation Conference and Parker Challenge showcases AusIMM's unique ability to mobilise our global professional community to discuss solutions to complex issues. This is particularly important in a sector rapidly undergoing transformation with the rise of sophisticated technologies such as AI and machine learning."

"We are proud of how AusIMM has been able to spotlight some of our industry’s brightest minds at this week’s conference, and help drive resource estimation best practice forward. Congratulations to Guy and Lucy for providing an outstanding entry, and thank you to all participants who were part of this one-of-a-kind Challenge."

Lucy Potter and Guy Desharnais. 

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, SRK Consulting's Danny Kentwell FAusIMM thanked the large number of entrants to the Challenge and congratulated the winner for their excellent work.

“Awarding the winning entry was not an easy decision, with four of the finalist entries all showing attributes worthy of more detailed analysis and required robust discussion by the judging panel. The winning entry triumphed due to the combination of:

• well thought out and well documented approach to domaining, estimation and classification
• recognition of undocumented key aspects of geological controls
• good predictive ability compared to the additional drilling data withheld for this purpose
• better global grade tonnage and metal curve prediction compared to other entries
• and well thought out use of sensitivity analysis in several areas.

Barrick Mining Corporation’s Mark Roux said “This year’s Parker challenge was a unique opportunity for Barrick to assess the critical thought cadence of the industry with one of its more challenging deposits. The success of this challenge was made possible due to the strong partnership between AusIMM, Barrick and the MREC Advisory Committee.”