Mining Geology Group
19 January 2018
Recommended Reading for Mining & Exploration Geologists
At the beginning of last year, we presented our recommended reading list for 2017 and received some great feedback. So much so that we have decided to make this list of recommended reading an annual event. In 2018, the MGHQ book list is all about variety and diversity. We wanted to include some great reference books, some stories of adventure, and even one that has nothing to do with mining at all. As always, reading some or all of the books on this list will hopefully expand your knowledge and perspective with some fun along the way.
Here is the Mining Geology HQ list of top books any geologist (or engineer) in the mining industry should read in 2018.
In no particular order:
1) Grasberg: Mining the richest and most remote deposit of copper and gold in the world, in the mountains of Irian Jaya, Indonesia by George A. Mealey - This is the amazing story of discovery of the largest gold mine in the world, which happens to be a copper deposit! With the dramatic backdrop in the mountains of West Papua, this is a hard-to-believe tale of uncovering old data and the riches that followed.
2) Applied Mining Geology by Marat Abzalov - This is a recent and wonderfully put-together textbook that covers the applied side of mining geology. Marat's experience around the globe, across commodities, and real-world examples make this a must-have for practicing geologists to keep on hand.
3) The Adventurists by Bob Weldin - A fun novel about geologists in the field in the late 1960s. Taking place in Washington, USA, it will make you yearn for the days of simple field mapping in the bush. The author is a former government geologist, so you know it's good!
4) Principles of Mining by Herbert Hoover - We're going back to fundamentals with this one as Principles of Mining is penned by former Sons of Gwalia mine manager (and 31st President of the United States), Herbert Hoover. One of the most empowering actions a geologist can take is to become a competent engineer!
5) The Pilbara: From the Deserts Profits Come by Brandon Ellem - The incredible story of the Western Australian mining boom and the transformation of the Pilbara from backwater nothingness in the mid-1960s to the massive iron ore exporting juggernaut that it is today. It's amazing what tens of billions of tonnes of high-grade iron ore will do for real estate values!
6) An Introduction to Applied Geostatistics by Edward Isaaks and R. Mohan Srivastava - Affectionately known simply as "Ed & Mo's Geostat book", this is a reference that should be on the shelf of any resource geologist. The authors do an excellent job of taking a subject that is usually as exciting to read as a household electrical wiring diagram and present it in an easy-to-understand manner.
7) Digging Deep: A History of Mining in South Africa by Jade Davenport – This book tells the rich and colorful history of mining in South Africa, the visionary personalities behind it, and how it transformed a nation. We are always fans of mining history and you can't pick a better place with a past more shaped by mining.
8) National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America - We know, not a poolside read but, if you want a beautifully illustrated reference book for rock and mineral identification, this is your book!
9) Roadside Geology of (insert your favorite U.S. State here) by various authors. The Roadside Geology series books are the perfect travel companion for American road trips. One of the recent additions is also one of its best: The Roadside Geology of Southern California by Art and Libby. We recommend skipping Disneyland and heading straight out to the San Andreas Fault, Pisgah Crater, and the many other amazing geo-destinations across Southern California.
10) Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - Here's a classic that has nothing directly to do with geology or mining. Since its publication in 1937, this book is standard reading for anyone interested in business and entrepreneurship. The lessons and goals introduced in this book are easily applied to professional geologists who are motivated for career development, new challenges, and interested in bettering themselves in 2018.
There you have it! Whether you read these books during your weekly FIFO commute to Mongolia or while on holidays to Chuquicamata, we hope you enjoy our recommendations and are able to tick a few off the list during 2018. Happy reading and Happy New Year!
Feel free to comment and share this article with friends and colleagues. We'd love to hear some of your favorite reads from this past year. As always, we encourage you to become a Mining Geology Group Community member via the free sign-up form.