My research interests are mostly in the field of the application of mineral systems thinking to economic geology research and in the closely related, but separate, field of the science and technologies of mineral exploration targeting. Important themes of my research include a focus on elucidating the underlying generic (ie not related to a particular ore type or commodity) process controls on ore deposition, and integrating this understanding across multiple scales in time and space. I strongly emphasise the role of dynamic processes in my work.

I am currently an active industry geoscientist. Through my personal company, Western Mining Services, I provide high-end consulting in mineral exploration targeting and the strategic management of mineral exploration to the global exploration industry. I also teach a globally successful course in Senior Exploration Managment with my business partners in the USA. I am, or have been, a Director of several ASX-listed companies and am also a partner in Ibaera Capital, a mining-focused private equity fund.

My research is very pragmatically focused and the outputs of my research feed directly into my consulting but at the same time the results of my consulting work are the primary raw material for my research.

I was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in January 2019 for services to the Australian mining industry, which included a number of roles at the interface between industry and the research community.