Outcome-driven research
Built on strong teamwork and worldwide collaborations
Our research is built around five major research programs (listed below) that cover a wide spectrum of the geosciences including igneous petrology, geochemistry, melt/fluid inclusion research, volcanology, structural geology, tectonics, geophysics, ore petrology and geometallurgy.
The strategic focus of the Centre is based on a holistic, multidisciplinary approach that covers all elements of ore deposit research, from fundamental research through to applied research outcomes. We use advances in the fundamental research and technology programs to drive innovative team-based applied research, linked with industry.
We place great emphasis on teamwork. Cooperation and collaboration is openly encouraged, both within the Centre and in its interactions with a host of national and international organisations. Our team approach is inherent in the five research programs, where an overlapping and interlinked process follows a logical progression from area selection through to exploration, discovery and recovery.
The Centre is based at the University of Tasmania, with satellite facilities, known as nodes, at the University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and CSIRO. This structure provides an exceptionally strong mix of skills and facilities, combining the research strengths of our staff with the diverse range of expertise at the nodes. The strengths of these Australian nodes are complemented by strong partnerships with the University of British Columbia and the Colorado School of Mines, providing an ideal platform for international research projects and access to the latest technology.
Location
Research Objective: to better understand the links between tectonic setting, magmatism, basin evolution and ore deposit formation in modern and ancient settings.
Formation
Objective: to develop practical, process-based models for the formation of hydrothermal and magmatic ore deposits that will help increase discovery rates for Australia’s deep earth resources.
Discovery
Objective: to develop techniques for the acquisition and interpretation of ore deposit geophysical and geochemical data that will assist in the discovery of Australia’s deep earth resources.
Recovery
Objective: to create and develop a series of small-scale, low-cost practical geometallurgical tools, protocols, proxies and processing indices for the purpose of ore-body domaining and whole mine optimisation.
Technology
Objective: to develop new analytical techniques, ensuring that research is driven by innovative technology and the Centre is at the cutting edge of analytical developments of relevance to ore deposit research. The program also aims to provide CODES’ research staff and students with access to state-of-the-art micro-analytical equipment within Australia and overseas, and maintain their awareness of new analytical developments.