Technical Program
(Plenary, Special Sessions, and General Sessions)
PreliminaryProgram Download (click)
Plenary in honour of the contributions inspired by Prof. Gerry Govett
Deep Search Geochemical Exploration Methods
Chair: Wayne Goodfellow (GSC), Gwendy Hall (Consultant), & Matt Leybourne (GNS)
Session Sponsor: Association of Appled Geochemists (AAG)
KEYNOTE: Ross Large (Univ. Tasmania)
Dr. Gerry Govett is one of pioneers in the development and testing of new and improved methods of detecting ore deposits buried at depth in the Earth’s crust. As leader of the Exploration Geochemistry Group at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Professor Govett led a team of researchers and graduate students focused on primary halos associated with massive sulphide deposits, the electrochemical dispersion of elements in soils overlying buried deposits, and the mathematical processing of geochemical data to discern trends related to mineralized sources.
With the return of the 24th International Applied Geochemical Symposium (IAGS) to Frederiction and UNB in 2009, a plenary one-day session has been planned to recognize Dr. Govett’s early contributions to the development of deep search geochemical methods. The focus on deeply penetrating methods recognizes the increasing need to replenish the declining base metal reserves of major mining camps in Canada and indeed elsewhere in the world, and the need for more effective geochemical methods of detecting deposits concealed beneath thick glacial sediment or at depth within rock sequences. The session will consist of talks and posters on a range of topics related to deep exploration. These include primary mineralogical and geochemical vectors to ore such as hydrothermal alteration and dispersion of elements and isotopes from vents in the case of seafloor hydrothermal deposits; secondary vectors related to mineral and element dispersion by a number of processes such as glaciation, ground and surface water transport and deposition of metals and tracer isotopes; the upward migration of elements into soils by advective or electrochemical mechanisms; novel methods employing breakthroughs in analytical technology; and 3D GIS visualization and interpretation of prospective ore horizons and related primary vectors.The objective of this session is to present recent advancements in deep search methods. The oral program will consist of both invited speakers to cover the major themes and unsolicited presenters on the major topics. Each talk will consist of 20 minutes except for invited talks where 30 minutes will be allocated. The poster session will compliment the oral program and offers a venue for innovative research on this subject to be presented and discussed.
Special Sessions
Ore-Forming Systems: A Geochemical Perspective
Cochairs: Jacob Hanley (Saint Mary’s Univ.), Dan Kontak (Laurentian Univ.), & Pete Hollings (Lakehead)
Session Sponsors: Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG) & International Association of GeoChemistry (IAGC)
KEYNOTE: John L. Walshe (CSIRO)
The increasing ease to acquire high-quality geochemical and isotopic data in bulk sample and micro-analytical form is leading to dramatic increases in our understanding of processes that generate ore deposits. Oral and poster presentations are welcomed that will focus on the application of geochemical, isotopic, mineralogical, and micro-analytical methods that contribute to increasing our understanding of the genesis of all aspects of mineral deposits from their formation to exploration and discovery. New geochemical methods (e.g., in-situ isotopic methods, heavy stable isotopes) and media applied to understanding ore deposit genesis and discovery will also be highlighted. Presentations on any commodity or deposit type are welcomed. Contributions highlighting novel applications of geochemical research to mineral exploration are also encouraged This session will complement the presentations in North American Minerals Symposium (NAMS see below) and the special session on Exploration for Uranium Resources.
Using Isotope Geochemistry to Explore for Resources
Cochairs: Ed Van Hees (Wayne State Univ.), Kurt Kyser (Queens Univ.), &
Bruce Taylor (GSC-Ottawa)
Session Sponsors: Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG) & International Association of GeoChemistry (IAGC)
This session will examine the nature of both stable and radiogenic isotope anomalies around existing resources and their use in exploring for new, blind and extensions of such deposits. Although isotope geochemistry is among the most useful techniques for unraveling the origin and age of fluids involved in the formation of resources with complex fluid histories, it will be integrated with other geological and geochemical information in order to generate a complete picture. The session will showcase both studies that characterize existing deposits as well as exploration efforts that have resulted in real or technical successes.
Recent Developments in Lithogeochemical Methods with Exploration Applications
Cochairs: James Walker (NB DNR-Minerals), Cliff Stanley (Acadia),& Nick Susak (UNB)
Session Sponsors: Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG)
Lithogeochemical exploration is becoming an important tool for the mining industry as mineral deposits are becoming harder to find. Prospective targets are now typically buried at depth, or occur within mature mining camps whose surfaces have become geochemically contaminated. Rock geochemistry is becoming a useful tool in these exploration environments. This session will focus on the new lithogeochemical methods used by researchers and explorationists to explore for and understand mineral deposits, and will involve presentation of a number of examples demonstrating the use and utility of these methods in mineral exploration.
New and Old Discoveries: Geochemical Exploration Case Studies
Cochairs: Hugh deSouza (SGS Minerals), Mark Arundell (Consultant), Dave Heberlein (Calibre Mining Corp.),
Session Sponsor: AAG
This session is one of the highlight's of this meeting as empirical lessons from ore deposit discoveries have always lead to development, testing, and recognition of new technologies specific to each type of deposit. Exciting successes in the application of geochemical exploration technology builds confidence in the methodologies, researchers, and companies involved. Contributions towards this theme are especially welcome.
Uranium Deposits: Geochemical Exploration Techniques to Case Studies
Cochairs: Dave Quirt (Areva), Robert Bowell (SRK), ,&Dave Lentz (Univ. of New Brunswick)
Session Sponsor: AAG
Interest in the Uranium Cycle has been growing the past few years with increased awareness of greenhouse gases, derivative global warming, and shortages in hydrocarbons. As a consequence, refurbishment and increased demand has resulted in a marked increase in uranium exploration around the world, which had generally waned through the late 1980’s and into the early part of this century. Although the focus of intense efforts is still on unconformity-style mineralization in Canada and Australia, other deposits like paleoplacer, sediment-hosted, granitoid- & volcanic-related, polymetallic vein-related, and IOCG deposits have gained considerable interest. New discoveries using old and new advanced technologies has changed over the years warranting special session and workshops on these subjects. This Special Session will compliment the related pre-meeting 1 day workshop and post-meeting 1 day field trip to uraniferous settings in southwestern New Brunswick.
NORTH ATLANTIC MINERALS SYMPOSIUM (6th)
Cochairs: Andrew Kerr (Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador), Gerry Stanley (Geological Survey of Ireland), Lawrence Winter (Altius Minerals Corporation), Steve McCutcheon (NB Geological Survey)
Session Sponsor: NAMS
The NAMS concept is intended to bring together representatives of industry, government geoscience, and university research who share a common interest in the geology and mineral potential of the North Atlantic region. This focus is defined loosely to include eastern North America and western Europe, adjacent northern lands, and Atlantic islands. NAMS seeks reviews and ideas connected to the regional and district metallogeny of these regions, exploration and research case studies of all types, and also wider conceptual contributions related to metallogeny that are applicable in the region. In the wider context of this conference, contributions related to the use of applied geochemical techniques in the North Atlantic exploration environment are also welcome. The North Atlantic Minerals Symposium (NAMS) is a joint initiative of the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada).
New Frontiers for Exploration in Glaciated Terrain
CoChairs: Beth McClenaghan (GSC), Roger Paulen (Geological Survey of Canada), Bill Coker and Chris Benn (BHP Billiton)
Session Sponsors: Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG)
Since the discovery of economic diamond deposits in northern Canada in the 1990s, the application of indicator mineral methods has been expanding to include a broader spectrum of commodities including base metals and uranium. The application of till geochemistry continues to be an important part of the drift exploration methodology. The proposed session will highlight recent developments in indicator mineral and till geochemistry methods as well as recent case histories for diamonds, base metals, gold, PGE and uranium. Speakers will include people from industry, academia and government geological surveys
Applied Aqueous Geochemistry
Cochairs: Dave Gladwell (Wardrop Engineering Inc.), Ray Lett (Geological Survey, BC Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources),, &
Roger Beckie (UBC).
Session Sponsor: Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG)
Aqueous geochemical processes , both fresh and marine, play a major role in both terrestrial geochemistry and of all life subsistent on Earth. Human ability to understand and predict the often subtle processes of both inorganic and organic aqueous geochemistry including: (1) the variation in concentration of aqueous species; (2) the reactions between aqueous species; (3) the reactions between aqueous species and solid phases; (4) the reactions between aqueous species and the atmosphere; and (5) the reactions between all phases and micro-organisms; consequently these are vital in applied geochemistry. The aqueous geochemistry session will address advances in monitoring, understanding and modelling aqueous geochemistry and their practical application in both environmental and exploration fields.
Applied Geochemistry of Geological Storage of CO2
Cochairs: William D. Gunter & Ernie H. Perkins (Honorary Cochair: Brian Hitchon)
Session Sponsors: Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG)
The United States, the European Union, Australia and Canada are all pursuing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) demonstration projects as an option for reducing GHG emissions from usage of fossil fuel at Large Final Emitters (LFEs). Currently in Canada, CCS is being considered by Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. A critical part of CCS is the geological storage of the CO2. This involves finding a secure geological site in depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers. An unusual facet of geological storage is that the containment of the CO2 in the storage reservoir becomes more secure with time due to geochemical reactions where the CO2 may potentially dissolve in the formation water and react with the formation minerals neutralizing the carbonic acid and precipitating carbonate minerals. There are two time scales involved, (i) the short operational time scale (10s of years) when CO2 is being actively injected into the reservoir and (ii) the long geochemical time scale, post closure after injection has ceased, when water-rock reactions are most active (100s to 1000s of years). Verification of geochemical trapping of CO2 is difficult given the long time scales involved. This session will be devoted to addressing this issue through experimental, natural analogues, industrial analogues and numerical simulation.
North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project
CoChairs: David Smith (USGS-Denver) and Andy Rencz (GSC-Ottawa)
Session Sponsors: International Association of GeoChemistry (IAGC) and Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG)
The focus of the session will be the North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project. This is a collaborative project among the Geological Survey of Canada, the Mexican Geological Survey, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The long-term goal of the project is to establish (i) a soil geochemical data base for North America and interpretive products based on the data base and (ii) an archive of samples for future investigators. This effort represents North America's contribution to the IUGS/IAGC Working Group on Global Geochemical Baselines.
Sources, Transport, and Fate of Trace and Toxic Elements in the Environment
Cochairs: Lee Ann Munk (Univ. of Alaska-Anchorage), Sarah Fortner (School of Earth Sciences, Columbus, Ohio )
Session Sponsor: International Association of GeoChemistry (IAGC)
KEYNOTE: D. Kirk Nordstrom (U.S. Geological Survey)
The environmental chemistry of trace and toxic elements is an important and growing field of research in applied geochemistry. The session will examine the sources, transport, and fate of trace and toxic elements in different environments, both natural settings and those areas impacted by anthropogenic activities. Of particular importance is understanding the processes that affect the release, transport, and uptake of these elements and making connections between the presence of trace elements and in environment and their toxicology.
Current Capabilities and Future Prospects of Real-Time, In-Field Geochemical Analysis
Cochairs: Russell S. Harmon (North Carolina State University), Nancy McMillan (New Mexico State University)
Session Sponsor: International Association of GeoChemistry (IAGC)
A long-term goal in analytical geochemistry has been a capability for real-time analysis in the field. This capability is being realized gradually by technology developments in instrumentation that have occurred over the past decade. This session will highlight current and emerging analytical technologies for real-time field-portable geochemical analysis including but not limited to x-ray fluorescence analysis, chromatography and spectrometry techniques, optical spectroscopy, and scintillometry.
Geochemical Aspects of Mine Wastes
Cochairs: Dogan Paktunc (CANMET), U. Aswathanarayana (Hyderabad, India)
Session Sponsors: Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG), International Association of GeoChemistry (IAGC), & Commission on Applied Mineralogy (IMA-CAM)
KEYNOTE: David Blowes (Univ. of Waterloo)
Mineralogical and Geochemical Aspects of Mine Wastes The special session aims to bring together researchers studying mineralogy and geochemistry of mine and metallurgical wastes for a review of the progress. Mineralogical and geochemical aspects of the following topics will be covered: (1) Characterization of waste rock, tailings, sludge, effluents, hydrometallurgical residues, and dust and stack emissions; (2) Prediction, prevention and control of acidic drainage (ARD/AMD) and metal releases from mine sites; (3) Improved mine waste management aimed at reducing adverse impacts of metals in the environment; (4) Metals in the mine environments pertaining to background concentrations, natural vs. anthropogenic contributions, water, soil and air quality around mine and metallurgical sites, bioavailability, human health and ecological risk assessment.
Keynote: David Blowes (Univ. of Waterloo)
Geochemical Surveys in Government - New Developments and Uses
Co-chairs:- Paul Morris (GSWA, Perth, Australia), Eric Grunsky (GSC, Ottawa, Canada), & Charles Butt
Session Sponsors: Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG)
The majority of geochemical surveys are carried out by governments to encourage mineral exploration and provide baseline geochemical values for environmental monitoring. Planning, executing geochemical surveys require careful planning in terms of sample design and sample media selection. In addition decisions must made on sample preparation, sample digestion, instrumentation selection and QA/QC. This session is focused on the following subject areas: (1) Local to national geochemical surveys using different media. (2) Development and application of analytical techniques. (3) Management and dissemination of geochemical data. (4) Monitoring the quality of geochemical data. (5) Use of government geochemical data by the mineral exploration industry.