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Led by Stuart Simmons and Tony Christie this four day excursion runs daily from Rotorua, returning each evening to Rotorua. The goal of this excursion is to provide an overview of the volcanic-tectonic setting, hydrology, fluid chemistry, alteration and mineralization of sub-aerial hydrothermal systems and their energy and mineral resources. The itinerary includes visits to hydrothermal systems in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Tongariro National Park, and epithermal Au-Ag deposits in the Coromandel Peninsula (Hauraki goldfield).
The provisional itinerary for the pre-symposia field trip is:
Friday 24th February: Evening 1 to 1.5 hour lecture(s)
Saturday 25th February: Field visits to Orakeikorako, Te Kopia, Waikite and Waiotapu thermal/geothermal areas
Sunday 26th February: Waihi and Karangahake epithermal gold
Monday 27th February: Ohakuri epithermal Au-Ag prospect and Wairakei and Waimangu geothermal/ thermal areas
Tuesday 28th February: National Park, to drive up Ruapehu to view andesite lavas and pyroclastics (views of Taupo volcano on the way)
Delegates to make their own accommodation arrangements in Rotorua. Transport to leave daily from Distinction Hotel. For details and registration visit www.rotoruagold17.co.nz. The conference brochure also provides additional information for this event.
Stuart Simmons has been investigating epithermal deposits, geothermal resources, and hydrothermal processes for over 30 years. Much of his work is based on studies of hydrothermal activity and precious metal transport-deposition in modern epithermal environments of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, but he has also worked on a number of projects around the Pacific rim both as a technical consultant and as researcher. His published work appears in leading journals including Economic Geology, Geology, Geothermics, Nature and Science. Stuart is currently a research professor at the Energy and Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah, where he investigates geothermal resources in the western USA. He was the Society of Economic Geologists Regional VP Lecturer in 2008 and was recipient of the Society of Economic Geologists Silver Medal in 2014.
Tony Christie is a Senior Minerals Geologist with GNS Science. Following his university education, Tony worked four years in mineral exploration with BP exploring for gold, molybdenum and tungsten deposits in New Zealand. In 1985, Tony joined New Zealand Geological Survey, which is now GNS Science and has carried out research on gold, iron and and clay deposits, regional geological mapping, geochemical mapping, and mineral resource assessments.
