From rock collector to resource discovery: Travis’ journey through MinEx CRC

For Travis Batch, a career in geology didn’t begin at university, it started at age three, collecting rocks and wondering why they all looked different.

“I’ve still got the collection somewhere,” he says.

That early curiosity never really went away. It just became more focused.

At school, he was the only student in his year taking Earth and Environmental Science, completing the subject via distance education. From there, the path was direct: university, Honours, and then a PhD.

And, while the timeline may seem straightforward, the motivation behind it has always been equally clear – a drive to understand how the Earth works and how that knowledge can be applied in meaningful ways.

Today, as a postdoctoral researcher with MinEx CRC at Adelaide University’s Future Industries Institute, Travis is doing exactly that.

 

Finding the right fit

Travis’ connection with MinEx CRC began during his Honours year at the University of Newcastle, where he was supported through the program. It was his first exposure to the scale and scope of the collaboration.

“I was impressed by the breadth of projects available, and that they were all aligned with an industry or government partner,” he explains.

That alignment mattered to Travis. It meant the research he would be involved in wouldn’t be happening in isolation but would be connected to real challenges in mineral exploration.

When the opportunity came to pursue a PhD, one project stood out: mineral chemistry. With a double major in Earth Sciences and Chemistry, it was a natural fit for Travis.

“I was interested in understanding the chemistry within minerals and what that could tell us about how deposits form.”

That interest has now become the foundation of his research.

 

Caption: Travis in front of the Matterhorn reflected in the Riffelsee Lake (left) alongside Travis in front of the Gorner glacier during a trip up the Gornergrat mountain railway (right), both during a trip to Switzerland in 2023.

 

Reading the chemical signatures of the Earth

In his current role, Travis works within MinEx CRC’s Project 7, focusing on mineral chemistry and the subtle signals that can point to what lies beneath the surface.

Specifically, he studies how chemical signatures in minerals are formed and how they change over time.

“I’m looking at the processes that alter the chemistry of minerals within ore deposits, and how those signatures can be preserved in the cover above them,” he says.

This is critical in modern mineral exploration. As easily accessible deposits become harder to find, exploration is increasingly focused on what lies beneath the layers of rock, sediment or soil that obscure what’s below.

By understanding how chemical signatures are retained and transported, Travis’ work helps expand the “footprint” of a deposit, making it easier to detect.

“It’s about using those signatures as indicators,” says Travis. “They’re clues that point to mineralisation beneath the surface.”

 

Part of a bigger system

While his work is highly specialised, it sits within a much larger, interconnected system and one of the aspects Travis finds most exciting about MinEx CRC is the way different programs and disciplines come together.

“There are many different groups all working towards similar goals, but using different techniques and approaches,” he says.

Programs focused on drilling technologies and data acquisition generate new types of samples and datasets. Researchers like Travis then use those samples to build further geological understanding.

“It’s a feedback loop, with each part strengthening the other,” says Travis. “The diversity of expertise across MinEx is a huge advantage. If there’s something I need help with, or a technique I want to learn, there’s almost always someone within the collaboration who can help.”

 

Collaboration that makes a difference

This level of collaboration, across industry, government and research organisation, is central to MinEx CRC’s model. And for Travis, it’s one of its greatest strengths.

“Industry involvement ensures the research is practical and relevant,” he explains. “It helps guide the development of technologies that will actually be used.”

At the same time, government organisations bring a broader view of geological research across regions, helping identify gaps and opportunities.

“Together, it allows us to do things that wouldn’t be possible otherwise,” says Travis. “We can access different datasets, work on real deposits, and contribute to a much bigger picture.”

He also points to the role of Geological Survey Organisations (GSOs), whose long-term, large-scale projects provide critical pre-competitive data for the entire sector.

“The amount of work they put in for industry and for the state is pretty remarkable.”

 

Looking ahead

The ultimate goal of this work is clear: to make mineral exploration more effective.

“The technologies being developed through MinEx CRC will make drilling and data collection cheaper, faster and safer,” says Travis.

That, in turn, enables more exploration, more data and a greater chance of discovery.

“And hopefully, that leads to unlocking more of Australia’s mineral potential.”

It’s a long-term vision, but one grounded in practical outcome through better tools, better data, and better understanding.

 

People who shape the journey

Throughout his time with MinEx CRC, Travis has been influenced by the people around him, particularly his PhD supervisor, Prof Caroline Tiddy.

“She’s had a huge impact,” he says. “Not just in terms of guiding my research, but in how she manages multiple roles and responsibilities.”

He also highlights her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“She’s very focused on making sure different perspectives are represented, which makes MinEx a better organisation to be part of.”

 

Caption: Travis (holding the shield) and his teammates at the Adelaide University Cricket Club after winning the B2 Adelaide Turf Cricket Association premiership in 2024/25.

 

Beyond the lab

Outside of work, Travis’ competitive side comes out on the cricket field, where he captains an Adelaide University team, as well as playing social outdoor and indoor cricket.

It’s a space where another guiding principle comes into play: “play hard, play fair”.

“It’s something I’ve picked up from great coaches over the years,” he says. “You want to win, but also, how you win matters.”

There’s also a quieter, more technical hobby in Travis’ life, astrophotography.

With a full astrophotography setup at home, Travis has captured everything from lunar eclipses to passing comets and nebulae, combining patience, precision and a fascination with the natural world.

 

Caption: A collation of images taken of the lunar eclipse on 26 May 2021 (top), and Comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard) captured on 2 January 2022 (bottom).

 

A lasting impact

When asked what he hopes MinEx CRC will be remembered for, Travis keeps it simple.

“Making drilling and sensing cheaper, quicker and safer.”

It’s a practical answer, but one that reflects the broader ambition of the organisation.

Because behind every MinEx CRC technological advancement, dataset or discovery, there are curious, committed and collaborative people working to better understand what lies beneath our feet.

And in Travis’ case, it all started at age three with a small collection of rocks.