Mineral Exploration

Photograph : Cour te sy of Murray Allan F A L L 2 0 1 5 19 and drill targeting," says Roth, currently a senior geologist with Teck Resources Limited. This research model benefits both the exploration company and the student, pro- viding the company with detailed research vital to understanding a deposit and the students with real-world experience. Hands-on practical training is also one of the most valuable things Adam Simmons (M.Sc., 2005; PhD, 2013) took away from his time at MDRU. Simmons, along with fellow graduate company geologists seldom have time for, but connecting students to companies for this purpose is an MDRU specialty. One of MDRU's first graduates, Tina Roth (M.Sc., 1993; PhD, 2002), carried out what is still considered one of the most complete studies of the Eskay Creek deposit in northwestern British Columbia. "The ability to conduct research in a producing mine provided me with a great opportunity to observe all aspects of the mineralogy and controls on the deposit, and helped guide orebody modelling T he University of British Columbia's Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) has amassed an impressive list of alumni over its 25-year history. Since 1990, the industry-funded research insti- tute has trained 120 graduates for diverse roles in mineral exploration across British Columbia, Yukon and beyond. The names of MDRU alumni are linked to many discoveries made in the last 20 years, and the global impact of graduates, senior researchers and industry professionals trained through MDRU courses is immeasurable. "Research is one thing, but the highly trained people that go into the industry are our biggest contribution. Many past MDRU geologists are now in senior tech- nical, management and consulting roles in both major and junior companies," says MDRU director Craig Hart. Hart has been director for seven years and follows in some impressive footsteps. Over the last quarter of a cen- tury, MDRU has been directed by John McDonald (1989-1991), John Thompson (1991-1998), Ian Thompson (1999) and Richard Tosdal (1999-2008). Each direc- tor has guided important interactions between students and industry, and has helped provide the professional develop- ment courses for which MDRU is known. "Although it is difficult to make direct connections between our research and a [particular] discovery, many indus- try geologists have indicated that our research has changed the way they explore or how they make decisions, so we are clearly contributing to lowering the risk and increasing the success of the exploration process," says Hart. A deeper understanding The ability to study in depth the sci- ence of a mineral deposit is a luxury that Where are they now? MDRU ALUMNI CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF INDUSTRY- DRIVEN RESEARCH, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT By Kylie Williams MDRU graduates Leif Bailey, Dave Cox and Tim Wrighton, with researchers Murray Allan and Jim Mortensen, take a break at the Golden Saddle Saloon on Kinross's White Gold property in 2010.

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