From Under A Rock
September 2, 2022Opinion
As an exploration geologist with a few years and plenty of air miles under my belt, it is effortless to forget that many, probably most, people have very little idea of how I view the world around me. It may be a personal conceit, but I really enjoy having an insight into the landscapes we inhabit and appreciating the deep, deep time that created them. It also goes to the other end of the scale because I admit that I have, on occasion, felt a little thrill at breaking open a rock and knowing that the gorgeous, pristine minerals it contains have existed undisturbed for millions if not billions of years.
I know that these things do set geo’s apart in their thinking. My wife and kids tolerate occasional ramblings and sometimes even request an explanation about some geological feature (at risk of getting an unwelcomely detailed lecture). It is probably also part of the ridiculous miscommunication that commonly plagues mine sites. What the geologist considers obvious is not remotely so to the mining engineer or the management team, who have different training and priorities.
Deep down, I remain convinced that there’s a geologist inside everyone. Even my current office colleagues who joke about whether I’ll be licking the specimens in my rock collection (ill-advised given some of them are maybe a little toxic and/or radioactive) will find one or two that touch their innate curiosity about where the metals in our daily lives come from.
For the broader community, conveying our geological passion is another story. On our televisions, we see repeated messages about the mining industry, a message of big machines and holes in the ground. It says little about our appreciation of the wild and remote places we go to, nor the joy of an excellent geological map or the pure excitement of seeing sulfides in a discovery drill hole. Mining is framed as important to our economy and our future (of course, it is), and we do our best to promote inclusivity and responsible practices. Still, I cannot help wondering if we are quietly complicit in perpetuating the myth that geology is just part of the dirty, dangerous and environmentally destructive industry.
The public cannot be expected to know everything about how varied and rewarding a career as a geologist can be. Nonetheless, maybe in this time of a revolution in our energy systems, which is just as much a revolution in our minerals industry, there is an opportunity to be less about high-vis clothing in dusty, hot locations and more about our fundamental contribution to modern, sustainable society.
In the meantime, remember to contemplate that the stunning coastal scenery, dramatic mountain vista, and everything in between are all about geology. We’re happy to explain if you dare to ask.
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