About

Dr Carl Spandler uses petrology and geochemistry to research many different aspects of Earth Science, including the evolution of the Earth's mantle, the production of basaltic magmas, subduction zone processes, magmatic growth of island arcs and the formation of metalliferous ore deposits.  

His current research focuses on:

1. Hydrothermal mobility and concentration of rare earth elements in the crust. 

2. Crustal evolution of NE Australia and the SW Pacific

3. Geochemistry of high/ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks

4. Earth-scale geochemical cycling

Teaching
  • EA2220: Minerals and Magmas (Level 2; TSV)
  • EA2900: Introductory Field Geology (Level 2; CNS & TSV)
  • EA3100: Igneous Petrology and Processes (Level 3; TSV)
  • EA3130: Advanced Petrology (Level 3; TSV)
  • EA3400: Ore Genesis (Level 3; TSV)
  • EA5041: Igneous Petrology and Processes (Level 5; TSV)
  • EA5330: Field Techniques (Level 5; TSV)
Interests
Research
  • subduction zone recycling and arc magmatism • high-pressure metamorphism • mantle geochemistry • basaltic magmatism • element diffusion in minerals • magmatic ore deposits • rare earth element ore deposits • experimental petrology • analytical geochemistry • tectonics of the SW Pacific • evolution of the Australian continent
Experience
  • 2015 to present - Associate Professor, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 2011 to 2014 - Senior Lecturer, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 2008 to 2010 - Lecturer, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 2006 to 2008 - Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Bern (Switzerland)
  • 2005 to 2006 - APD Postdoctoral Fellow, Australian National University (Canberra, Australia)
  • 2000 to 2005 - PhD student, Australian National University (Canberra, Australia)
Research Disciplines
Socio-Economic Objectives
Honours
Awards
  • 2010 - Deans Excellence in Research Prize, Faculty of Science and Engineeering
Fellowships
  • 2012 - Future Fellowship
  • 2005 - Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship
Memberships
  • 2012 - National Committee for Earth Sciences, Australian Academy of Science
Other
  • 2012 - Treasurer/conference organiser for the Specialist Group for Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology, Geological Society of Australia
Publications

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles
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ResearchOnline@JCU stores 66+ research outputs authored by A/Prof Carl Spandler from 2003 onwards.

Current Funding

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

Australian Research Council - Discovery - Projects

The geochemistry of rare earth elements in carbonate melts.

Indicative Funding
$32,705 over 3 years (administered by ANU)
Summary
This project aims to determine why deposits of rare earth elements, which are critical for modern devices and technologies, such as phones, tablet and plasma screens, are associated with carbonate magmas. The global supply of these critical metals is geopolitically unstable and although Australia has significant reserves there is very limited production. By improving our understanding of the geochemical behaviour of the rare earths we aim to develop new reverse-engineering methods for their extraction, which will improve the security of supply of these elements and enhance Australia's role in high-tech industries.
Investigators
Andrew Berry, Greg Yaxley, Andrea Gerson and Carl Spandler (Australian National University and College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Rare Earth Elements; phosphate; experiments; Carbonate

Dover Castle Metals Pty Ltd - Contract Research

Geology and ore genesis of the Dover Castle Sn + polymetallic ore field, North Queensland

Indicative Funding
$146,700 over 3 years
Summary
Recent exploration work in the Dover Castle mining district in North Queensland has defined economically significant polymetallic (Sn-W-Zn-Ag-Pb-In) resources. Geological understanding of how these diverse metal associations occur at economic levels is currently poor, as is the knowledge of potential for further minerlisation at depth. This project will provide crucial baseline geological data, including geochronology, mineralogy, geochemistry, and igneous and hydrothermal alternation characterisation, to better understand the origin of the mineralisation, and the geological controls on its location. This project outcomes will allow more focussed mineral exploration targeting to improve the probability of discovery of further economically significant resources.
Investigators
Carl Spandler, Paul Dirks and Yanbo Cheng (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Tin-tungsten; Mineral Exploration; Ore Deposit; Geology

Qld Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy - Contract Research

Magmatic History, Fertility and Metallogenesis of the Mary Kathleen Domain of the Mt Isa Inlier

Indicative Funding
$352,500 over 4 years
Summary
This project aims to highlight the exploration potential in the Mary Kathleen Domain of the Mt Isa Inlier by providing key mineralisation insights that can assist mining companies to plan their exploration strategy for better targeting and enhance the potential for new discoveries. To achieve this, the project has three main objectives: (1) Establish the extent, character and timing of the dominant magmatic epochs in the Mary Kathleen Domain of the Mt Isa Inlier (2) Develop an understanding of the tectono-magmatic history of the Mary Kathleen Domain and its links to metallogenesis; (3) Explore the applicability of magma fertility concepts as a tool for exploration for a variety of deposit types.
Investigators
Paul Dirks, Ioan Sanislav and Carl Spandler (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Mary Kathleen Belt; Metallogenesis; Mineralisation; Magma Fertility; Geochronology

ABRS - Contract Research

Magmatic History, Fertility and Metallogenesis of the Mary Kathleen Domain of the Mt Isa Inlier

Indicative Funding
$352,500 over 4 years
Summary
This project aims to highlight the exploration potential in the Mary Kathleen Domain of the Mt Isa Inlier by providing key mineralisation insights that can assist mining companies to plan their exploration strategy for better targeting and enhance the potential for new discoveries. To achieve this, the project has three main objectives: (1) Establish the extent, character and timing of the dominant magmatic epochs in the Mary Kathleen Domain of the Mt Isa Inlier (2) Develop an understanding of the tectono-magmatic history of the Mary Kathleen Domain and its links to metallogenesis; (3) Explore the applicability of magma fertility concepts as a tool for exploration for a variety of deposit types.
Investigators
Paul Dirks, Ioan Sanislav and Carl Spandler (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Mary Kathleen Belt; Metallogenesis; Mineralisation; Magma Fertility; Geochronology

Australian Research Council - Discovery - Projects

Jurassic Arc? Reconstructing the Lost World of Eastern Australia

Indicative Funding
$284,390 over 3 years
Summary
This project aims to resolve a long-standing enigma about the geological formation of the Great Artesian Basin ? Australia?s most important onshore reservoir for groundwater and hydrocarbon resources. Specifically, the project will integrate sedimentological and geochemical studies to investigate the geodynamic configuration of Eastern Australia during the Jurassic Period of basin formation. The intended outcomes are an improved understanding of the evolution of the Australian continent and better knowledge of the formation of intercontinental sedimentary basins, which includes better assessment of their potential to contain hydrocarbon resources.
Investigators
Carl Spandler, Eric Roberts, Anthony Kemp and Bob Henderson (College of Science & Engineering and The University of Western Australia)
Keywords
Jurassic; Great Artesian Basin; Zircon; Tectonics

Qld Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy - Contract Research

Characterising IOCG and SEDEX deposits in the Mt Isa block with Cu-Zn isotopes

Indicative Funding
$75,000 over 2 years, in partnership with Anglo American Exploration (Australia) Pty Ltd ($75,000 over 2 yrs) and Glencore Mount Isa Mines ($75,000 over 2 yrs)
Summary
The Economic Geology Research Centre (EGRU) at JCU has proposed to establish Cu and Zn isotope lines at JCU, and build a reference database for Cu-Zn isotopes from mineral deposits in the Mt Isa district, starting witht eh well-known Mt Isa deposit. It is proposed to conduct an exploratory, proof-of-concept study of limited initial scope and time, to assess the usefulness of Zn-Cu isotopes for exploration in the Mt Isa area. If initial results are promising, we intend to extend the study.
Investigators
Paul Dirks and Carl Spandler in collaboration with Helen Degeling, Trevor Shaw and Neil Macalalad (College of Science & Engineering, Geological Survey of Queensland, Mount Isa Mines Exploration and Anglo American Exploration (Australia) Pty Ltd)
Keywords
Copper isotopes; Mount Isa; Zinc isotopes; Pb-Zn ore

Australian Research Council - Discovery - Future Fellowships

Rare earths unearthed: Resolving the mystery of how rare earth elements are mobilised and concentrated in continental crust

Indicative Funding
$711,098 over 5 years
Summary
Shifts towards green energy and technology in modern society are dependant on continuing supplies of rare earth elements. Nevertheless, we know little about how these elements concentrate to form economically viable ore bodies, and there remain fundamental holes in our knowledge of how these elements interact with fluids in the Earth's crust. This project combines experiments and novel geochemical studies of natural ores to address these knowledge deficiencies. The results will aid exploration for new rare earth element resources and will contribute to an improved understanding of how continents grow and evolve through time.
Investigators
Carl Spandler (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Rare Earth Elements; mineral solubility; Ore Deposit
Supervision

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These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current
  • Fluids in the lower crust: storage and mobilization (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
  • Zonation, paragenesis and fluid evolution from the root to the top of the Far Southeast porphyry deposit, Mankayan district, Philippines (Masters , Primary Advisor/AM)
  • Timing of hydrothermal activity and mineralization in the Mt Isa inlier using U-Pb dating of titanite (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM)
  • Base Metal Genesis, Geology, and Structural Evolution of the Central Tommy Creek Domain, Mt Isa Inlier (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM)
  • Revealing the Enigmatic Alkaline Volcanism of the Rukwa Rift through Weather Resistant Minerals and their Inclusions (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM)
  • Establishing a Tectonic Framework for the Cretaceous break-up of Eastern Gondwana: Insights from Papua New Guinea and Offshore Geology of the Coral and Tasman Seas. (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
  • Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basin Analysis of Queensland's Jurassic to Cretaceous Basins, and the application of U-Pb Detrital Zircon Geochronology to Reconstruct Tectonic History and Palaeodrainage Evolution. (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
  • Bentonite Tephrostratigraphy and High-Precision Geochronology of Richly Fossiliferous Upper Cretaceous Continental Strata in the Western Interior Basin, North America (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
Completed
Data

These are the most recent metadata records associated with this researcher. To see a detailed description of all dataset records, visit the JCU Research Data Catalogue.

Collaboration

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
Note: Map points are indicative of the countries or states that institutions are associated with.

  • 5+ collaborations
  • 4 collaborations
  • 3 collaborations
  • 2 collaborations
  • 1 collaboration
  • Indicates the Tropics (Torrid Zone)

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Email
Phone
Location
  • 34.145, Earth & Environmental Sciences (Townsville campus)
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