Ian Tyler

I joined the Centre of Exploration Targeting in the Research School of Earth Sciences in March 2020 as part-time Principal Reseach Fellow (0.4 FTE). I am working with Dr Weronika Gorczyk and Professor Mark Jessell on the MRIWA-funded project M521 "Lithospheric and Crustal-scale Controls on multi-stage basin evolution: Impacts on mineralizing systems". My extensive mapping experience and knowledge of the Proterozoic tectonics and mineral systems in Western Australia gained during my 38-year career with the Geological Survey of Western Australia, provides input into the geophysical and numerical modeling elements within the project, which is focused on the potential for further Cu–Au mineralization within the Neoproterozoic Yeneena Basin.

From 2007 to 2020 I was Assistant Director/Director of Geoscience Mapping at GSWA, which I joined in 1981 following BSc and PhD in the UK, specialising in structural and metamorphic geology. I have worked throughout WA, including mapping in the Kimberley region and in the Fortescue and Hamersley basins in the Pilbara. As Chief Geoscientist I championed the introduction of digital technology to the GSWA geological mapping process. My research has concentrated on the geodynamic evolution of Proterozoic Australia and the development of its mineral systems, related to the emergence of plate tectonics.

I was closely involved in the scientific design of the WA Government's $160 million (by 2020) Exploration Incentive Scheme. EIS is focused on the acquisition and rapid publication of high-quality digital geoscience including geological, geophysical, geochemical, geochronological and isotopic datasets relevant to ground acquisition and exploration targeting decisions in underexplored areas under cover.

I represented GSWA in the development of the national UNCOVER initiative, bringing my experience of acquiring precompetitive geoscience with EIS. The UNCOVER initiative, which involved government, industry and the research community, produced an Industry Roadmap UNLOCKING AUSTRALIA’S HIDDEN POTENTIAL in collaboration with AMIRA International. Its purpose is to increase substantially the success rate of mineral exploration beneath post-mineralisation cover in Australia. 

I was the Geological Society of Australia (WA Division) Gibb Maitland Medalist in 2017, and was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) in 2016.