About Mark
With a keen interest in science, particularly chemistry and geosciences, I was keen to pursue a career that incorporated the two disciplines. I hold a Bachelor of Technology (Hons 1) (Environmental Geochemistry), and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Exploration Geochemistry) both from Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia), as well as an Advanced Diploma of Project Management.
After completion of my PhD, I spent just over 3 years as a Postdoctoral Fellow with CSIRO Exploration & Mining, conducting research on hydrogeochemistry and regolith geoscience applied to mineral exploration, much of this with the Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Environments and Mineral Exploration (CRC-LEME). I was also heavily involved in R & D applied to exploration for seafloor mineral resources.
Upon completion of my postdoc, and wanting a change of direction from the CSIRO, I took a role as an Embedded Researcher at a fly-in fly-out gold mine in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. There, I worked with the site-based exploration team to develop and apply R & D outcomes to assist exploration in the district. This position was funded by Placer-Dome/Barrick Gold Australia and involved working with the Predictive Mineral Discovery Cooperative Research Centre (PMD-CRC), through the University of Melbourne.
I have been in independent consulting for over 8 years - covering 2 separate periods. In between I worked as the Group Geochemist for Newcrest Mining Limited, based in Brisbane, Australia. With Newcrest I worked on projects in West Africa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia. I managed the application of key geochemical exploration technologies, optimised the collection and interpretation of geochemical data, and improved the impact and effectiveness of geochemistry. Currently an independent consultant, I have maintained my interest in exploration R & D and recently completed a part-time role as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland’s WH Bryan Mining & Geology Research Centre.
I am committed to continual professional development (CPD) and make a point of staying up to date with the work of others in the field of exploration geochemistry. I hold several professional memberships including:
Fieldwork, including collection of samples and field observations, are crucial for effective exploration geochemistry. I place a high emphasis on fieldwork and field skills, and I maintain a very high level of physical fitness that allows me to work in difficult environments for extended periods.
My current base is in Brisbane, Australia, however I’m often available for short and long-term consulting opportunities where required.
www.pirlo.com.au 2018