About

Professor Paul Dirks obtained an MSc degree in structural geology from the Utrecht University (1987) and a PhD in structural-metamorphic geology from the University of Melbourne (1990). Paul is an honorary professor in Geology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, a Fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa and a member of AusIMM.

Paul is a structural geologist with an interest in geodynamics and the tectonic history of cratonic terrains and adjacent mobile belts, investigating their tectonic evolution and associated mineralization patterns. His research is strongly field-based with a focus on detailed geological mapping. Paul has lived and worked across 5 continents, with results published in over 95 peer reviewed papers and book chapters, 130 conference papers and 65 professional reports.

Through the study of Neotectonics and landscape development in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, Paul was closely involved in the discovery of Australopithicus sediba; a new member to our ancestral family tree, which was announced to the world in 2010. He is particularly interested in how Africa’s dynamic landscape has shaped human evolution.

With a passion for capacity building in Africa, Paul is a founding director in the AfricaArray programme, which he helped establish in 2003 to reverse the geoscience brain-drain from that continent. AfricaArray links training to development of a multidisciplinary observational network across Sub-Sahara Africa aimed at enhancing knowledge of the tectonics and topography of the African Plate.

Paul has worked extensively as a professional consultant to the mining industry, and is a past director of SRK-Zimbabwe, past associate of SRK-South Africa, and has served as an expert member on range of mining projects. His consulting work has focused on structural geological mapping, geotechnical work for pit stability in open pits, and gold and base metal exploration, in part through the development of mineral databases.

Previous roles include Head of School of Geosciences at the University of the Witwatersrand; founding director of the Mineral Resources Centre, University of Zimbabwe, founding board member, Institute of Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, council member, Australia-New Zealand Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme Council, and peer review panel member overseeing the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis of Nuclear Power Plant sites in South Africa.

Teaching
  • EA3510: Geological Mapping (Level 3; TSV)
  • EA5320: Earth Resources, Exploration and Environment (Level 5; TSV)
Interests
Professional
  • Pit stability
  • Mapping of mineral deposits (esp. Gold)
  • Capacity building in Africa
  • Mining and development
Research
  • Structural metamorphic evolution of Archaean greenstone-gneiss terrains
  • Metallogenesis of Archaean terranes in Africa with special emphasis on gold mineralization
  • Tectonics of the African plate
  • The use of GIS as a tool for regional structural and tectonic interpretations
  • The use of GIS and structural techniques for mineral prospectivity mapping
  • Field-based regional structural analyses of metamorphic and sedimentary terrains
  • Lining dynamic landscapes in Africa to human evolution
  • Geological setting of hominin fossil deposits in the cradle of humankind, South Africa
  • Mining and development
Experience
  • 2004 to present - Director, AfricaArray programme (Africa)
  • 2005 to 2009 - Board Member, Palaeontology museum, Nieu-Bathesda (South Africa)
  • 2004 to 2009 - Head of School and Professor, University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa)
  • 2004 to 2009 - Board Member, Institute of Human Evolution, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
  • 2002 to 2006 - Associate, SRK South Africa (South Africa)
  • 1997 to 2006 - Director, Kairezi resources ltd (Zimbabwe)
  • 2001 to 2003 - Director, SRK Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe)
  • 1998 to 2002 - Associate Professor, University of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe)
  • 1998 to 2002 - Director, Mineral Resources Centre, University of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe)
  • 1994 to 1998 - Lecturer, University of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe)
  • 1991 to 1994 - Research Associate, University of Utrecht (Netherlands)
  • 1991 to 1992 - Researcher, Australian Antarctic Research Expedition (Antarctica)
  • 1991 - Visiting Research associate, Chengdu college of Geology (China)
  • 1990 to 1991 - Post-doctoral researcher, University of Newcastle (Australia)
  • 1990 to 1991 - Researcher, Australian Antarctic Research Expedition (Antarctica)
  • 1987 to 1990 - PhD student, University of Melbourne (Australia)
  • 1987 to 1988 - Researcher, Australian Antarctic Research Expedition (Antarctica)
Research Disciplines
Socio-Economic Objectives
Honours
Awards
  • 2010 - Jubilee medal, Geological Society of South Africa, for best publication in the South African Journal of geology in 2009
  • 2010 - Guest lecture, Australian Academy of Science, Canberra on the discovery of Australopithicus sediba
  • 2002 - Phaup Award, Geological Society of Zimbabwe, for best publication on Zimbabwe geology in 2001
  • 2001 - Phaup Award, Geological Society of Zimbabwe, for best publication on Zimbabwe geology in 2000
  • 2000 - Phaup Award, Geological Society of Zimbabwe, for best publication on Zimbabwe geology in 1999
  • 1999 - Phaup Award, Geological Society of Zimbabwe, for best publication on Zimbabwe geology in 1998
Fellowships
  • 2002 - Geological Society of South Africa
Memberships
  • 2010 - Australian Institute for Mining and Metallurgy
  • 2010 - American Geophysical Union
  • 2010 - Geological Society of Australia
  • 1994 - Geological Society of Zimbabwe
  • 1991 - Geological Society of the Netherlands (KNGMG)
  • 1995 to 2002 - Geological Society of South Africa
  • 1987 to 1993 - 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 85+ research outputs authored by Prof Paul Dirks from 2006 onwards.

Current Funding

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

Department of the Environment and Energy - Contract Research

The mineralization potential for nickel, scandium, chromium and cobalt of ultramafic complexes in NE Queensland

Indicative Funding
$60,000 over 4 years
Summary
NE Queensland has exploration potential for a wide range of critical metals. Nickel, cobalt and scandium mineralization in NE Queensland occurs at Greenvale Nickel, Lucknow, Brolga, Kokomo and Bell Creek deposits and is mostly associated with laterites developed on altered ultramafic complexes. Un-explored ultramafic complexes occur north of Greenvale, near the Valley of Lagoons, in the Hodkinson and Kangaroo Hill Formations, Barnard and Running River Metamorphics. This project seeks to provide more detailed characterization and an improved geological perspective, for ultramafic occurrences of northeast Queensland. It is intended to attract the attention of explores to their mineralization potential.
Investigators
Ioan Sanislav and Paul Dirks in collaboration with Vladimir Lsitsin (College of Science & Engineering and Geological Survey of Queensland)
Keywords
Critical Minerals; Ultramafic; Metallogenesis; NE Queensland; Mineralisation

Department of the Environment and Energy - Contract Research

The potential for indium mineralization in the Herberton Mineral Field, NE QLD

Indicative Funding
$60,000 over 4 years
Summary
The project aims to: 1. Investigate the mineralogy, paragenesis and geochemistry of indium at the Baal Gammon deposit and other similar occurrences in the region; 2. Determine the distribution of indium in the host rocks; 3. Identify the factors controlling the location and formation of the indium mineralisation and; 4. Discover mineralogical, textural and geochemical zoning patterns that could be used as vectors to ore. In so doing, we will identify the factors controlling the location and formation of the indium mineralization in association with tin-tungsten and polymetallic ore deposits. A geological model will be developed for use in exploration targeting.
Investigators
Ioan Sanislav and Paul Dirks in collaboration with Avish Kumar and Vladimir Lsitsin (College of Science & Engineering and Geological Survey of Queensland)
Keywords
Indium; Herberton; Metallogenesis; North East Queensland; Mineralisation; Critical Minerals

Australian Research Council - Linkage - Infrastructure (L-IEF)

Microanalytical Facility Supporting Resources Development and Manufacturing

Indicative Funding
$806,355 over 1 year (administered by The University of Queensland)
Summary
The project aims to establish a state-of-the-art electron probe microanalysis facility enabling accurate chemical analysis to be undertaken at the micro-scale. It is expected to provide new knowledge and support applied research on a range of natural, synthetic and processed materials that will deeply impact advancements in the fields of metals processing and recycling, Earth and environmental science, and the development of materials for a healthier society. It will support ARC funded and industry engaged research enhancing the minerals exploration, mining and metallurgical industries and inform sustainable practice. It will also provide the key research infrastructure to enhance Australia?s research leadership in these fields.
Investigators
Jak Evgueni, Peter Hays, Rick Valenta, Teresa Ubide, Kazuhiro Nogita, Paul Dirks, Michael Bird, Kevin Blake and Sean Ulm (The University of Queensland, College of Science & Engineering, Research Infrastructure, College of Arts and Society & Education)
Keywords
Mining exploration; Geology; Geochemistry; Archaeology; Critical Minerals; Mining Engineering

MMG Ltd - Contract Research

Architecture of the hanging wall shear zone and faults affecting the ore zone at Dugald River Mine

Indicative Funding
$62,400 over 3 years
Summary
This is a PhD project to develop a better understanding of the larger scale geometry of the shear zone and fault system that occur within the immediate hanging wall of the zinc-sulphide ore body in Dugald River Mine, near Cloncurry, NW Queensland. We aim to understand how shear controls the distribution of the ore zone both from a genetic and mechanical (displacement and remobilization) perspective, to optimize ore recovery in a predictive manner.
Investigators
Paul Dirks and Ioan Sanislav in collaboration with Pieter Creus (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Dugald River; Shear Zone; SEDEX; modelling; geotechnical

Anglogold Ashanti Australia Ltd - Research Grant

Timing of Geological Events at Mt Clark Breccia Complex - Honours Project.

Indicative Funding
$30,000 over 1 year
Summary
The proposed Honours project will attempt to establish a relative timing of geological events at the Mt Clark breccia complex by defining of a sequence of geological and hydrothermal events. This should include the characterization of alteration mineralogy and metal zonation within the project area and defining the sequence in which hydrothermal events (veins, breccias and intrusions) occurred. The work should integrate field and drill core observations, sample analysis and any other required methods to produce a paragenetic sequence of events that led to gold mineralisation at the Mt Clark project.
Investigators
Paul Dirks in collaboration with Bianca Ligasacchi and Rachael Hammond (College of Science & Engineering and AngloGold Ashanti Australia Ltd)
Keywords
Mt Clark; Hydrothermal; breccias; Mineralogy

Qld Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - Contract Research

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

Indicative Funding
$352,500 over 3 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

Department of the Environment and Energy - Contract Research

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

Indicative Funding
$352,500 over 3 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

QLD Department of Resources - Contract Research

Geological characteristics, genesis and ore controlling factors of the Tick Hill Au deposit, Dajarra District, NW Queensland, Australia

Indicative Funding
$59,000 over 3 years
Summary
The project aims to: 1. investigate and document the geological and geochemical features of the Tick Hill gold deposit, including understanding the structural evolution lmagmaticl history, alteration style andl mineralisation; 2. classify the deposit and improve the understanding of the genesis; 3. identify the factors controlling the locationh and formation of the deposits such as structural architecture, controls of host rocks and intrusions; and 4. discover lmineralogical, textural and geochemical zoning patterns that could gbe used as vectors to ore. A geological model will be developedfor use in exploration targeting.
Investigators
Paul Dirks and Ioan Sanislav in collaboration with Le Thruong (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Tick Hill; Gold; mineralisation

Qld Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - 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) and Glencore Mount Isa Mines ($75,000)
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
Supervision

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

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
  • The structural, stratigraphic, and tectonic setting of the southern part of the Western Succession, Mt Isa inlier with implication for sediment-hosted Zn-Pb-Ag?Cu deposits. (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
  • Palaeoenvironment and palaeovalley gold provenance of the Lefroy Palaeodrainage System, Western Australia and its implications for future placer gold exploration. (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
  • Understanding the Genesis and Patterns of Cave Fill across the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa (PhD , Secondary Advisor/AM)
  • Provenance, Sedimentology and Geomorphology of Coastal Dune Fields in Queensland (PhD , Advisor Mentor)
Completed
Data

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

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
Location
  • 34.213, Earth & Environmental Sciences (Townsville campus)
Advisory Accreditation
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