Helen McCoy-West

Helen McCoy-West (Helen Cocker on OrcidID, Google Scholar, and ResearchOnline) 

I am a Lecturer and Researcher in Geoscience in Earth and Environmental Science and researcher with the Economic Geology Research Centre (EGRU).

My main areas of interest are petrology, geochemistry, mineralogy, and geochronology, with a focus on igneous systems and ore deposits. My research primarily explores the role of magmas in ore formation, including critical mineral deposits. I use petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology to investigate the genesis of igneous rocks, specifically the relationship between magmas and hydrothermal mineral deposits from the regional to the deposit scale. I also study the geochemistry and formation of hydrothermal ore deposits and implications for exploration for these types of deposits.

My current research projects at JCU include:

• The geochemistry and geochronology of igneous rock suites in Queensland
• Stable metal isotopes in magmatic and hydrothermal systems
• Several projects within the Critical Minerals Trailblazer scheme. These include:
• Optimising vanadium extraction and processing from the Toolebuc Formation through advanced characterization (project lead)
• Sustainable REE extraction from Australian ores using environmentally friendly reagents, advanced characterisation techniques and geological knowledge (co-investigator)
• High-throughput neutron tomography core scanner for critical minerals resources (co-investigator)
• Emerging technologies for advanced geochemical exploration undercover (co-investigator)
• Optimising the geophysical ore body model to aid in the discovery of new critical mineral deposits (co-investigator)

Much of my current and previous research work has involved work with industry and government agencies, including problem solving geological issues impacting ore processing. Examples of my previous research projects include:

• Mineralogy and geochemistry of epithermal Au-Ag deposits in New Zealand
• Mineralogical aspects of ironsands in New Zealand and how mineralogical variation affects the iron and steel manufacturing processes
• Geochemistry and geochronology of igneous suites associated with porphyry Cu±Au deposits to investigate the impact of sulfide saturation on porphyry formation

I teach mineralogy, igneous and metamorphic petrology and geochemistry, and natural hazards subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I supervise student research projects at all undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I also have several major advising and degree coordination roles at JCU:

• Master of Science coordinator
• Geology major / Bachelor of Geology coordinator
• Earth Science Major coordinator (Townsville)
• Honours (Geology) coordinator

Beyond JCU I am a member of the Geological Society of Australia (GSA) and currently serve on the GSA Specialist Group in Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology (SGGMP) committee and I am also a committee member for AUGEN, which represents a network of tertiary educators in geoscience in the Australasian region. In addition I am a CSIRO STEM professionals in schools participant and have presented at various schools in the Townsville Region about different aspects of geoscience.