Our MinEx CRC Publication Spotlight showcases peer-reviewed and publicly available scientific publications from our research teams.

This spotlight features a recent publication led by MinEx CRC researcher Travis Batch in collaboration with researchers from Adelaide University and the Geological Survey of Queensland. Published in Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, the study explores how the chemistry of monazite can be used as an exploration tool for Cloncurry-style iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits, contributing new knowledge to the understanding of these important mineral systems.

Monazite is a rare earth phosphate mineral that can preserve valuable geochemical information about the geological processes associated with mineral deposits. The research investigates how variations in monazite chemistry can be used to identify geological signatures linked to Cloncurry-style IOCG mineralisation, providing exploration geologists with an additional tool to help target prospective mineral systems more effectively.

The publication demonstrates the value of applying advanced mineral chemistry to mineral exploration and highlights the collaborative nature of MinEx CRC research. The study brings together expertise to improve exploration approaches for one of Australia’s most significant styles of mineral deposit.

MinEx CRC congratulates Travis Batch and his co-authors, Caroline Tiddy, Adrienne Brotodewo, David Giles, Courteney Dhnaram and Vladimir Lisitsin on this outstanding achievement.

Readers interested in learning more about Travis’s research journey can also read his feature in the first MinEx CRC People Spotlight, where he shares his pathway into geoscience, his research interests and career journey.