Introducing our New Zealand Education Endowment Trust 2023 Scholarship recipients

Nicole Greaves – University of Waikato
Master of Science (Earth Science)

Nicole is a Masters student at the University of Waikato and is undertaking her research project on “Trends in sediment geochemistry along the fluvial to marine transition of the Waihou River”.
Part of Nicoles’ study will look at whether there is evidence of historical mining that can be detected in the geochemistry and sedimentology of channel bed sediments. This will support understanding of the processes and timeframes in which waste material is redistributed by streams and rivers. The results are expected to have implications for mine reclamation efforts.

Liam Criglington – University of Otago
Bachelor of Science Honours (Geology)

Liam is a fourth year honours student at the University of Otago and is undertaking his research project on “Toward a better understanding of the tectonostratigraphy of the Otago Schist and its role in hosting gold mineralization”.
Part of Liam’s study will examine the depositional ages the of the schist in the Dunstan Mountains. This is done by sampling and U-Pb isotope dating of footwall of the Thomsons Gorge Fault and Rise and Shine Shear Zone. This new data will provide be combined with previous age data to improve understanding of the tectonostratigraphy of the Otago Schist and evaluate its consequences for gold mineralization.
Liam’s experience includes working as a geotechnician for a hard rock gold exploration company based in Reefton.

Marko Graham - Auckland University of Technology
Bachelor of Science (Geoscience and Geospatial Sciences)

Marko is currently studying for a BSc degree at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), with plans to pursue an MSc degree. “I have a key interest in looking into what we can do to improve the mining and minerals industry that doesn't come at the cost of people and the environment. I believe that the electric future that many people want will be reliant on our ability to sustainably extract the minerals necessary for it.”
Marko’s research aims to identify and examine key components impacting on the sustainable utilization of mineral deposits by comparing aspects of environmentally-based legislation pertaining to mineral exploration and mining practices in two Pacific countries with different, yet evolving, approaches - namely New Zealand (a high income country with strict environmental policies promoting conservation) and The Philippines (a low to middle income country with more lenient environmental policies designed to encourage economic growth).
“By contrasting these two countries, the research aspires to determine the most efficient strategies that can be implemented for sustainable mineral utilization in distinct situations. This is especially important towards facing the sustainability challenges present with the current procedures and processes that are used in many mining practices.”
Marko hopes that his research will provide some insight into how each of the two chosen jurisdictions adheres to and balances the three pillars of sustainability (economic feasibility, environmental preservation and social fairness) within their respective countries.
Marko recently presented at the NZ Branch Conference in Christchurch in August 2023

Alicia McKean – University of Otago 
Master of Science (Geology)

Alicia is a Master’s student at the University of Otago and is undertaking her research project on “Controls on gold mineralisation along the Cap Burn Fault”.
This project will examine mineralised Cap Burn diamond drill core to identify and characterise the structures controlling Au and As mineralisation. A mineral paragenesis will be constructed and trace element composition of sulphides will be determined by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). Results of this study will then be used to compare this deposit with the Hyde- Macraes Shear Zone and the Rise and Shine Shear Zone and infer an age of mineralisation. The identification of the relevant gold bearing structures will help direct future exploration along the Cap Burn Fault.
Alicia recently presented at the NZ Branch Conference in Christchurch in August 2023. She is also the student representative on the NZ Branch.

Dannielle Sholson - Auckland University of Technology
Bachelor of Science (Geoscience and Geospatial Sciences)

Dannielle is currently studying for a BSc degree at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Dannielle’s research topic was the Structure and tectonic history of the Otago Schists of New Zealand, Otago, New Zealand.
This study will involve the integration of multiple datasets with existing geological maps into GIS to form a framework that will help me to understand the tectonic evolution of the Otago Schist. In particular Dannielle will aim to use the Otago Airborne Geophysical Survey undertaken in 2007 by Glass Earth to interpret features do not present in published maps. The magnetic data will provide useful details relating to structure and lithology because petrophysical contrasts between rock units are expected to cause anomalies in magnetic maps, which can be mapped across the region and compared with the existing geological maps.
Outside study, Dannielle has been a recruit firefighter for 4 years at Pauanui.
Dannielle recently presented at the NZ Branch Conference in Christchurch in August 2023.