CIM Fellowship
2013CIM Distinguished Lecturers
2012Julian Boldy Geological Society Service Award
2006Barlow Medal for Best Geological Paper
2010J.C. Sproule Northern Exploration Award
Past President of CIM (2015-2016)
A passion for the geosciences led Garth Kirkham to study geophysics at the University of Alberta. He graduated in 1983 and started his career as a geophysicist in the oil patch. Kirkham earned a professional designation as a P.Geoph. while living in Calgary. During this time, he specialized in three dimensional (3D) seismic acquisition techniques, interpretation and modelling. His interest in the mineral exploration and mining industry and his desire to apply similar advances in computer technology and modelling expertise took him to Vancouver to work for Lynx Geosystems Ltd., a leading technology company in the mining industry. Lynx’s systems were the first to automate the process related to the estimation of resources but also included database management, statistical analysis, geostatistical analysis, open pit and underground mine design, pit optimization and scheduling. In 1997, he started a consulting business focused on providing 3D modelling services and resource estimations. An important event that coincided with this new direction was the adoption of NI 43-101, for which Kirkham is a strong advocate.
Distinguished Lecturer 2013-14
Lecture Abstract
NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimation and CIM Best Practices
Mineral resource and reserve estimation has changed significantly in the past 30 years: use of primarily manual techniques is shifting to use of complex geostatistical techniques, which are becoming commonplace and continuing to evolve. Computational horsepower has revolutionized all facets of numerical modelling and has allowed for increasingly complex methods and techniques to be employed to solve geological and mining-related problems. With the introduction of NI 43-101 in the 90s, a prescribed format and detailed set of rules guide the reporting of resources. In addition, a set of basic principles or “best practices” has been developed and guides the practitioner in all aspects of mineral resource evaluation and estimation, from data management, data analysis, geological modelling and domaining, geostatistical analysis, estimation and classification, to mine design and material scheduling.
