CAGE 2023 participants.
On the lands of the Wajuk and Nyaki Nyaki people in Western Australia, CAGE 2023 unfolded over seven days, bringing together 25 students and early-career geoscientists for hands-on experience in collecting, modelling, and interpreting geophysical data.
Led by experts like Dr Teagan Blaikie, Ian James, Dr Kate Selway, Dr James Reid, Mike Whitford, Dr Anne Tomlinson, Dr Sasha Aivazpourporgou, Mikayla Sambrooks and Peter Eccleston, participants collected ground magnetics, seismic refraction, moving-loop electromagnetics, and resistivity data at the Forrestania EM test range. They combined their results with existing geophysical and geological data and petrophysical constraints to develop their own ideas for nickel exploration strategies. Attendees were housed at IGO Ltd’s camp for the geophysical acquisition component of CAGE.
CAGE moved to nearby Hyden for the processing and modelling sessions, and from there visited the cultural and geological landmark of wave rock. This 2.7 Ga granite outcrop was a tangible reminder of the Archean Yilgarn Craton rocks that were being imaged geophysically and also provided a spectactular backgrop for the CAGE 2023 group photo!
As the attendees processed and analysed their data, they could see how different field practices could lead to better and worse data quality. They considered data quality, ran inversions and forward models, and grappled with non-uniqueness. In teams, they presented exploration recommendations, mirroring real-world scenarios. Thanks to software sponsors including Mira Geoscience, Seequent, Geometrics Inc., ElectroMagnetic Imaging Technology, and Scientific Computing Applications, they were exposed to state of the art industry software for data processing and modelling.
Interspersed with the technical programme were sessions that provided valuable industry insights, with talks on opportunities and graduate programmes by various sponsors and volunteers, and invaluable networking opportunities.
CAGE 2023’s success owes much to ASEG volunteers, financial sponsors, including BHP, AuScope, CSIRO, Rio Tinto, Geoscience Australia, GBG Group, and Teck Resources Limited, and in-kind supporters, including Southern Geoscience Consultants, IGO Ltd, Seequent, Vox Geophysics, Moombarriga Geoscience, Mira Geoscience, Newcrest Mining, Geometrics Inc., GBG Group, Geological Survey of Queensland, ElectroMagnetic Imaging Technology Pty Ltd, Terra Resources Pty Ltd, National Exploration Under Cover School, AirGeoX and Scientific Computing Applications, who generously provided demonstrators, equipment, and software.
Dr Kate Selway, Vox Geophysics, demonstrates to students the usage of Res2DInv – with licences generously donated by Seequent.
CAGE addresses the gap between theoretical education and real-world applications. With a decline in field geophysics teaching in Australian universities, CAGE is becoming invaluable for emerging geoscientists, offering practical training from data collection to geological interpretations.
The impact of CAGE goes beyond seven days, fostering a community of knowledgeable geoscientists. Follow the ASEG on social media for announcements about CAGE 2024.
Dr Kate Brand and Dr Kate Selway