UK Critical Metal Exploration: A North East Scotland Case Study

A revival in mineral exploration in the UK is underway, with particular interest in metals classed as ‘critical minerals’. Despite the UK’s rich geology and recognised potential of certain parts of the country, we lag behind many other jurisdictions in the level of exploration being advanced due to several real or perceived barriers to investment. Aberdeen Minerals is exploring for nickel, copper and cobalt in Aberdeenshire, where near-surface deposits associated with 470 million year old intrusions were first discovered by Rio Tinto in the 1960s and 1970s. The lecture will present the recent progress made through deep drilling and geophysical surveys at the Arthrath Project, and use this project as a case study to demonstrate how the latest deposit models, effective research collaborations and exploration technology have the potential to redefine mineral prospectivity in the UK.

Fraser Gardiner graduated in Geology and Applied Geology at the University of Glasgow in 1997 and has since led an international career in mineral exploration and mining including roles in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle East, North Africa and Spain. He joined Aberdeen Minerals as CEO in 2022 – his first geology job at home Scotland – and is now based in Aberdeenshire.

17:30-18:00 - Tea and Coffee

18:00-18:50 - In-person only Lecture Starts

18:50 to 19:00 - Q & A

Welcome to our NEIMME Lecture. NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering, Science and Technology in the North.
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Host or Publisher North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers