The CSIRO Organic Geochemistry of Mineral Systems Cluster was launched recently to bring geochemistry researchers together from across the globe to investigate the organic and inorganic geochemistry of minerals.

The scientists are internationally recognised in different geochemical disciplines and the cluster will draw on complementary capability from UWA, CSIRO, Curtin University, The University of Melbourne and The Australian National University.

Scientists will use their expertise, local mineral system knowledge and the latest technologies to assist industry in unearthing new mineral deposits and help develop cost-effective exploration tools.

Energy and minerals director Tim Shanahan said this unique scientific cluster provided an exciting opportunity for Australia to gain national and international exposure to the capability that existed at UWA for solving industry challenges in exploration.

“We have the skills in Australia to solve industry's key challenges and CSIRO is recognising that there is world-class talent and advanced facilities here at UWA and at other Australian research institutions that can work together to deliver results,” he said.

The UWA team comprises Winthrop Professor Malcolm McCulloch, a world leader in the development and application of innovative geochemical approaches in his role as the premier's research fellow for UWA’s Oceans Institute.

Others include Dr Paul Greenwood, a senior research fellow for the Western Australian Biogeochemistry Centre; and Professor Campbell McCuaig, a director of the Centre for Exploration Targeting and mineral geologist.

Greenwood emphasised that UWA would use existing in-house state-of-the-art geochemical facilities, as well as developing new and complementary analytical technology, including the world's second compound-specific sulphur isotope facility, to make use of the first multi-collector plasma mass spectrometers to be installed in WA.

“By participating in the cluster, UWA is positioning itself to build on our strengths and capitalise on growth in this area, while the collaboration will ensure our findings are circulated widely and our relationships in the geochemical field will be richer,” Greenwood said.

“This new sub-division of research will enhance Australia's position as an international leader in geochemical research, supporting the discovery and use of our mineral resources which are in abundance and in global demand.”

The cluster will work closely with CSIRO’s Minerals Down Under National Research Flagship which uses multi-disciplinary global expertise to transform the Australian minerals industry with revolutionary new technologies to solve technical challenges.

The CSIRO Mineral Systems Cluster is supported by a combined $A3 million in funds from the CSIRO National Research Flagships Collaboration Fund and a matching $3 million in-kind contribution from university partners.

The new generation "multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers" are part of the UWA Geochemical Facility for Indian Ocean Research and are complemented with a new laser system for direct analysis of solid samples, such as tiny single mineral grains and tiny microfossils.

This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication MiningNew.net