Dr Kierran Maher

Lecturer in Earth Sciences, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences

Contact

Email:	kmaher6@une.edu.au
Room:	Earth Sciences (C2) Room 211
Phone:	02 6773 2843 (or +61 2 6773 2843 overseas)
Fax:	02 6773 3300

Qualifications

BSc. Engineering Geology, Brigham Young University
MS. Geology, Washington State University
Ph.D. Geology, Washington State University

Areas of Teaching

First year geology (GEO110, GEO120 with John Paterson)
Ore deposit geology (GEOL207, GEOL305)
Exploration and Environmental geology (GEOL303)

Research Interests

My research interests involve investigating the controls on ore precipitation from hydrothermal fluids and subsequent remobilization. My previous research has involved the use of geochemical and isotopic characteristics to better understand these controls. Specifically, new frontiers in ore deposit research have opened up with the evaluation of transition metal isotopic systems (Cu, Zn, Fe). My present research along these lines is experimentally characterizing mineral-fluid copper isotope fractionation factors for chalcopyrite so that the measured isotopic data from ore deposits can be more clearly interpreted. Of significance is the recognition of measurable copper isotopic variability in high temperature Cu-ore which indicates that high temperature (>250 °C) fluid-mineral isotopic fractionations occur in ore deposits. This fact can be used to better understand transport and deposition mechanisms of the ore metal itself.

Other interests I have include the metallogeny of the porphyry-skarn hydrothermal systems of the Andahuaylas-Yauri Batholith of Southeastern Perú. Present research I am undertaking investigates the genesis of massive replacement magnetite bodies, and their relationship to economic mineralization. This requires the utilization of several facets of geochemical analysis, including trace element and isotopic geochemistry of hydrothermal magnetite. As magnetite bodies commonly occur in many porphyry-related skarn systems, several Australian analogues will be compared in this study.

Teaching and Research Approach

The Australian mineral industry has an urgent need for well trained geoscientists who have the necessary basic skills to observe and interpret earth materials. Academia has the responsibility to prepare geologists for their roles in applied geology, whether in mineral exploration, mine development and modeling, or environmental geology. The University of New England has a long tradition of preparing geoscientists for employment in applied geology. The residence schools for our upper level units are rigorous, but well-rounded in their scope with a goal to expose students to the petrologic/petrographic characteristics of most of the major ore deposit types, with particular focus on Australian deposits. The environmental geochemistry and considerations of ore deposits are also considered.

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