Daniel Ashton

Project geologist goes with the flowErnest Henry Mining’s project geologist Daniel Ashton has not only found a profession that he loves, but has been able to develop an unexpected area of expertise through his work. Mr Ashton came to Ernest Henry Mining near Cloncurry as a graduate geologist and hit the ground running by assisting with a groundwater project as the mine transitioned from open-cut to underground mining. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to be exposed to work that the ‘normal mine geologist’ doesn’t get to see,” Mr Ashton said.“A typical mine geologist would have various near-mine exploration tasks and resource development work. However early in my graduate program I was working on a project which focused on understanding and controlling the water underground and trying to help us predict its movements,ensuring we were prepared for it and could alter the design of the mine accordingly. “This meant I had a lot of exposure in this particular area and as I worked alongside hydrogeologists I learnt a great deal. They passed on a lot of their knowledge and expertise to me, which was a really rewarding experience. “Now a large part of my project work is around understanding the underground water aquifers. “I have been offered many opportunities at Ernest Henry Mining and I am constantly learning new things on the job. This is one of the main reasons I have stayed here. “Recently I have started a masters at Flinders University in groundwater hydrology, trying to formalise some of the on-the-job experience I have.” Mr Ashton has also presented papers on the subject for AusIMM in north-west Queensland and at the International Mining Geology Conference in Hobart last year. This contributed to his winning a scholarship as the local AusIMM group’s Young Professional of the year for 2018. “I am very grateful for the scholarship,” he said. He hopes to use the prize to attend the AusIMM Complex Orebodies Conference 2018 in Brisbane this November. Mr Ashton grew up in Brunswick Heads near Byron Bay, NSW, and moved to Brisbane to attend the University of Queensland. He said he had always had a fascination with the natural environment. “When I was exposed to science in school I was hanging onto every word,” he said. “Then one day I was leafing through a careers booklet, as you do, late in high school and came across a career path that really resonated with me. I wanted to become a geologist as you get to go outside, see the natural world, and try to understand it. So I threw myself into it at university and haven’t looked back since.” Mr Ashton said he loved being able to understand some of the ancient history of an area by observing the geological features. “It’s a bit nerdy – my mates hate going on hikes with me because I just won’t shut up about it,” he laughs. “Occasionally one finds it interesting…” Mr Ashton undertook vacation work with Ernest Henry Mining and George Fisher Mine before graduating from UQ in 2012 and being offered a graduate position in north-west Queensland.

Daniel Ashton

Industry Queensland

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