AIG is working with leading Australian geological and mining consulting practice, DeRisk Geomining Consultants, to develop an affordable, comprehensive, five module training course for resource and reserves professionals and those who make use of resource and reserve statements.

The course is designed so that all file modules may be completed, or individual models taken to meet specific gaps in personal expertise and professional experience.

The five modules will cover:

1. Introduction to the JORC Code – how the JORC code sets out minimum standards for public reporting of exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves and sets out sound practices for data collection, quality control and assurance, analysis and transparent, material reporting of results.
2. A JORC Code Refresher – designed to help geoscientists responsible for public reports understand their personal responsibilities, refresh their understanding of the key requirements of the Code, how compliance is monitored and other issues central to Competent Person responsibility.
3. Reporting Exploration Targets and Exploration Results for mineral commodities covered by the JORC Code, including the development of sound practices for collecting and assuring the quality of required information.
4. Reporting Mineral Resources, including how the use of the Checklist of Assessment and Reporting Criteria (Table 1) included in the Code can be used as a guide to best practice data collection, analysis and material reporting of estimates.
5. Integrating the JORC Code with ASX Rules – Compliance with the listing rules established for ASX listed companies adds requirements for public reporting that may extend what is required by the JORC Code in specific areas.

Case studies will feature extensively in the presentation of each module.

Development of the course has commenced. The first two modules are being presented in Townsville next week (29 April). The first delivery of the complete course will be in Perth, expected in the third quarter of 2019. This will be followed by regular courses in other locations throughout Australia. Delivery of the course using interactive, real-time, desktop video delivery, providing interaction between the presenter and students during each model is also being planned cater for the needs of students in rural Australia and overseas.

Feedback received from students will be used to continuously improve the quality and relevance of course content.

AIG is one of three parent bodies of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC).

The course will form a key continued professional development resource, delivered in a flexible manner, consistent with AIG’s not for profit model to ensure it is within reach of all Institute members.

Further details will be published as course development proceeds.

The 2019 Australian Institute of Geoscientists Annual General Meeting will be held at the Transcontinental Hotel (Mezzanine Level), George St, Brisbane on 14 May 2019 in conjunction with the Queensland Branch monthly technical talk.  

The formal notice of the AGM has been sent to all members by email, along with instructions for voting in a secure, on-line election of Councillors.  Members will also be asked whether they endorse a proposal to update AIG’s Code of Ethics and Complaints process by on-line poll..

If you have not received the notice of meeting please ensure that your registered email contact details are up to date, please check and update them using the AIG membership portal, also accessible via the Member Login button at the top of the AIG website home page.  A copy of the AGM notice will be sent again tomorrow (26 April) and are also available in the Membership Portal.  Please contact AIG’s Executive Officer, Lynn Vigar, if you require assistance.

AIG’s newsletter and member email lists are seperate – if you receive this newsletter it does not mean that your email contact details for official members correspondence (AGM notices and membership renewal notices) are up to date.

The Council election results and resolution to update AIG’s Code of Ethics will be announced at the AGM.

Have you thought about how geoscience can contribute to assessment of exposure to catastrophic loss from natural disasters? Ever considered this as a career option?

Aon, an international insurance company has opportunities for geoscientists interested in applying their skills to natural hazard risk assessment and other risk analysis fields where geoscience can have a significant impact.

Aon are looking for geoscientists to work as Analytics Client Managers where you would:

• Use your technical skills to build a career in the world of reinsurance & risk-based analytics 
• Join the world’s and Asia’s largest reinsurance brokerage in Sydney or Melbourne 
• Be trained and mentored by people with similar academic backgrounds 

The opportunity

Join Aon’s successful and expanding operation in either Sydney or Melbourne as an Analytics Client Manager. The position is responsible for delivering analysis of clients’ exposure to catastrophic loss from natural disasters, for analysing pricing for risk transfer mechanisms developed to mitigate those exposures, and for communicating the results of our analysis to clients and reinsurers. You will be required to: 

• Oversee analysis of client data through use of catastrophe models 
• Work with team members in developing client specific realistic disaster scenarios including potential impact of climate change 
• Be able to advise clients on all aspects related to exposure management to improve their catastrophe risk analysis capabilities. 
• Effectively manage client and other stakeholder engagements and communicate results to these stakeholders using written reports and/or presentations 
• Conduct training sessions for junior/graduate staff, ensuring the effective and efficient communication of concepts, practical implementation and delivery of results 
• Provide mentoring for younger members of the team 

About you

You’re comfortable working in a fast paced and dynamic environment and you’re ready to a step into a role that combines technical work and client interaction. If you have exposure to insurance or reinsurance, it would be welcomed but it is not required. To be successful you will have: 

• Demonstrable experience in using relevant tools to measure exposure to catastrophic loss, including a working knowledge of the science behind the natural events (cyclones, bushfires, storms, floods, earthquakes, etc.) causing loss. 
• Understand the theory and practicalities of stochastic modelling with advanced Excel and SQL skills and strong working knowledge of MS Word and presentation software such as PowerPoint 
• Excellent personal skills in engaging with clients, building rapport and managing professional relationships 
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to work well within a team and under pressure 
• The self-discipline to manage own workflow and deadlines with excellent communication skills (both oral and written) 

Aon are looking to nurture talent from the geosciences sector to bring a diversity of skills to our analytics team, strengthening our client offering. With Aon’s global resources and our commitment to supporting people’s flexible working needs, we are able to mentor and train people from different backgrounds to ensure success. 

Aon Culture and Benefits

At Aon, we provide colleagues with the support to make a positive impact together with ongoing opportunities for development, including the support of a team which will continually inspire you to achieve the best. 

With close to 1600 employees, Aon is the largest organisation of our kind in Australia. Globally, we have an employee base of 50,000 people working across 120 countries. This allows us to gather the best thinking from around the world and deliver solutions locally. We provide colleagues with the support to make an impact, a team that will inspire you to achieve, and on-going opportunities for development. 

Aon is an equal opportunity employer and we invite you to be part of an organisation that has a diverse workplace, values continuous learning and supports many charities and environmental initiatives. 

To find out more details, please contact Alex Kelly bu email or apply here. Some additional information about working for Aon, the company’s health and well being policy and additional information for job seekers, follow the links provided.

The latest instalment in AIG’s Australian geoscientist employment survey series is open for contributions. Click here to complete the survey.

This survey will provide data on trends in geoscientist employment in Australia during the first quarter (January, February, March) of 2019.  In the final quarter of 2018 quarter, the Australian geoscientists unemployment rate continued a gradual, downward trend, but increased from 8.3% at the end of September, to 9.1% at the end of December.  Underemployment amongst self-employed geoscientists increased markedly. There is still a general perception that exploration and mining investment is strengthening in Australia, but this may not be flowing through to strongly improved employment prospects for geoscientists.

The survey takes only two or three minutes to complete.  You do not need to be an AIG member to contribute.  No data that could personally identify respondents is collected.  Contributions to the survey are required from both employed and unemployed geoscientists to ensure the relevance of results.  Your completing the survey really helps to make a difference to the standing and knowledge of our profession.

The survey will be open for contributions until 28th April 2019.  Every contribution adds to the reliability of the survey results.  

Sincere thanks in advance for your continued support.

Registrations extended till 7th April, 2019.
Whether you are a mentee or mentor – Sign up now!

An initiative of the National Graduate Group for  BSc/MSc/PhD students and Early Career Geoscientists

The mentoring programs have been running since 2015 and now will run in WA, NSW, Vic, QLD and SA in 2019. For those outside these areas the Distance program is for you. Registrations are now open for mentees and mentors by clicking the link below. Mentee registration is open to all undergraduate, post graduate and early career geoscientists. Mentor registration is open to all geoscientists with experience in all sectors of industry and we are seeking new mentors from the smaller industry sectors and from female mentors.

All participants must be AIG members.

You can register for 2019 and find out further information by clicking the link below.
Registrations extended for one more week – closing 7th April, 2019.

Any questions?  For more details about the AIG Mentoring Program please click here for more information or contact us at aigmentoringprogram-nationalchair@aig.org.au

The next instalment in the popular Queensland Branch Friday seminar series will be held 12 April at UQ Business School, Lvl 6, 293 Queen St, Brisbane.

Click on the image to download the seminar brochure. Register now!