The Parker Challenge returns in 2027 – are you ready?

The mining industry's most anticipated resource estimation competition is back. 

Following the success of the 2025 Parker Challenge, AusIMM is preparing to launch the next edition in 2027, giving resource professionals an opportunity to test their technical expertise against a real-world geological challenge, benchmark their thinking against industry peers and gain recognition across the global mining community. 

Sponsored by Vale Base Metals, the 2027 Parker Challenge will feature a total prize pool of AUD$45,000. Unlike previous editions, the prize pool will be distributed across multiple awards rather than a single winner. Full details of the challenge, dataset, judging criteria and prize categories will be announced when the competition launches on 3 August 2026. 

When the Parker Challenge was last held in 2025, it attracted some of the industry's brightest resource estimation professionals. Participants were tasked with analysing the Enterprise gold deposit on Nevada's renowned Carlin Trend and developing their own interpretation of the geological controls, grade estimation and resource classification. 

The challenge generated 22 submissions, each presenting a unique approach to understanding and modelling the deposit. 

Ultimately, Guy Desharnais and Lucy Potter claimed first place after delivering a submission that impressed judges with its attention to detail, strong geological thinking, robust domaining and estimation methodologies, and highly accurate predictive performance against withheld drilling data. 

The standard of entries was exceptionally high, with several finalist submissions demonstrating innovative approaches and requiring extensive discussion among the judging panel before a winner could be determined. 

Named in honour of renowned resource modelling expert Dr Harry Parker, the Parker Challenge has become much more than a competition. It provides a unique opportunity for professionals to work from the same dataset, compare methodologies, challenge assumptions and contribute to the ongoing advancement of resource estimation best practice. 

Whether you are a resource geologist, consultant, mining professional, data scientist or emerging practitioner, the challenge offers the opportunity to showcase your expertise, learn from peers and test your skills against some of the industry's leading minds. 

The 2027 edition promises to build on the momentum created in 2025. 

With Vale Base Metals supporting the challenge, a $45,000 prize pool, multiple award categories and a new dataset designed to stimulate technical debate and innovation, participants can expect another highly engaging and thought-provoking competition. 

Competition details will be released on 3 August 2026 when AusIMM officially launches the 2027 Parker Challenge. 

If the previous Challenge proved anything, it is that there is never just one way to solve a complex geological problem. The next breakthrough interpretation, innovative workflow or winning submission could come from you. 

Think differently. Challenge assumptions. Put your resource estimation skills to the test. 

The Parker Challenge returns in 2027. Will your name be among the winners?