GEMOC ARC National Key Centre

Is GEMOC making a difference?

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 the mechanisms by which the lithosphere is formed and modified through time, and has delivered new targeting concepts to the mineral exploration industry

• Unique methodologies developed for dating mantle events (melt extraction and metasomatic overprinting; Re-Os in situ dating of mantle sulfides) and studying crustal evolution (TerraneChron^® using zircon geochemistry)

• Two Federation Fellows in Geoscience attracted to Australia

• Establishment of world-class U-series isotope facility

• Revitalisation of high-pressure experimental petrology in Australia and establishment of new world-class facility

  *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:

• Development of in situ analytical techniques for heavy stable isotopes: Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg

• Development of the techniques for quantitative in situ analysis of trace elements in diamond, opening new research perspectives on the origin of diamonds and industrial applications

• Development of techniques for the rapid and precise dating of kimberlites and related rocks, using in situ LAM-ICPMS analysis of groundmass perovskite

• Development of in situ Re-Os methods to date mantle events

• Development of an integrated methodology to track crustal evolution (U-Pb dating and Hf-isotope and trace-element fingerprinting of zircons, rutile, titanite): TerraneChron®

• Delivery of rapid, cost-effective and user-friendly software for on-line LAM-ICPMS analysis (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 to provide 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 Fellowship - see Industry Interaction)
• Development of value-added consultancies and collaborative research programs using GEMOC's geochemical technologies and database

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