Overview:

Why do major gold deposits occur where they do and not somewhere else?

This course introduces a mineral systems approach to gold exploration across scale, integrating geology, structure, geophysics, geochemistry, and time into a single coherent framework.

Using the Archaean Yilgarn Craton as a primary case study (with global analogues such as the Abitibi), the course moves from craton-scale system understanding through to practical exploration targeting, showing how large-scale geological processes ultimately control where gold is deposited.

What Makes This Course Different

Most courses focus on deposit-scale targeting or individual datasets.

This course focuses on:

1. Understanding why deposits are located where they are

2. Integrating time (when), space (where), and process (how)

3. Linking regional prediction to deposit-scale decisions

4. Moving from mineral systems thinking to predictive targeting

Participants will work through real-world examples and case studies to build and apply this framework.

Content

The course is structured around four key themes:

1. 1. Mineral systems and scale
   Exploration across craton (1000 km), province (50 km), camp (5 km), and deposit (1 km) scales, including prediction vs detection.

2. 2. Time–space–event framework (TSE)
   Understanding how stratigraphy, magmatism, deformation, and metamorphism combine through time to create conditions for gold mineralisation.

3. 3. Spatial prediction and mineral potential mapping (MPM)
   Identifying fertility, pathways, and depositional sites using integrated geological and geophysical datasets.

4. 4. From system to target
   Translating regional understanding into practical exploration and drill targeting decisions, including discussion of deposit model continua (e.g. orogenic vs intrusion-related systems).

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Understand why gold deposits occur where they do within a mineral system

2. Apply integrated, multi-scale thinking to exploration problems

3. Distinguish between prediction and detection and apply appropriate approaches

4. Translate regional geological understanding into practical targeting decisions

5. Develop a sound grasp of the geology and tectonics of a classic Archaean granite-greenstone belt

Who Should Attend

1. Exploration and mine geologists

2. Generative and brownfields teams

3. Geoscientists seeking an integrated understanding of gold systems

Suitable for a range of experience levels, with concepts developed progressively.

Format

1. Interactive lectures with real-world examples

2. Case studies and applied discussion

3. Emphasis on integration and interpretation

Dr Richard Blewett (PhD, MBA, PSM) is a structural geologist with 40 years’ experience in geological research and mineral exploration. He specialises in mineral systems and the integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical data, with his approach developed through the pmd*CRC research program and subsequent work on Archaean terrains including the Yilgarn and Pilbara cratons. This work has helped shape industry exploration thinking and targeting approaches, including application in underexplored regions across Australia and in West Africa. A former General Manager at Geoscience Australia, he now leads GeoSystems Consulting and Weethalle Gold, and is known for demystifying structural geology and translating integrated, multi-scale thinking into practical exploration targeting.

$2,097 CAD: early registration (by Fri, June 26, 2026)  |  $2,397 CAD: late registration (after Fri, June 26, 2026)
(approximately $2,115 AUD) |   (approximately $2,420 AUD) 

Fee includes: (3) full days, catered lunch and breaks each day, shortcourse notes and participation certificate  
 

10% discount for 5 or more participants from within the same company. 5% discount for 3 or more participants from within the same company.

Payments accepted by cheque, wire and bank transfers, and all major credit cards.

Space is limited for all courses. Register early to avoid disappointment.
KLS Geological reserves the right to cancel short courses that do not meet the minimum attendance requirements.

Minimum of 16 participants required by the early registration date
Maximum of 30 participants overall

Register here by filling in the attached registration form, and sending it back by email, fax or by mail

Please contact Karie Smith at karie@klsgeo.com for more information....

Past Course Comments:

This is a brand new course for KLS Geological (so no reviews yet), but Dr. Blewett has decades of training and real-world experience!