Welcoming Ben Kay to AuScope HQ
Geophysical surveys take you to some truly unique landscapes—like the above from the Salton Sea, CA, USA. Image: Ben Kay
We’re excited to welcome Dr Ben Kay to the AuScope HQ team! With expertise in geoscience and a passion for science innovation, data and fieldwork, Ben brings a unique perspective to the team. In this interview, we dive into his journey, expertise, and what excites him most about joining AuScope.
Welcome, Ben! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey here?
Sure! My path to geophysics was a bit unconventional. I started in event management before deciding to pursue geoscience. That led me back to study, beginning with a Diploma of Geosciences and culminating in a PhD at the University of Adelaide, where I specialised in using magnetotellurics (MT) to study mineral systems.
Since then, I’ve worked in academia and industry, applying passive geophysical techniques to mineral system studies. Now, I’m leading AuScope’s National Geophysics Program, coordinating geophysical research infrastructure development across Australia.
What is your focus at AuScope?
At AuScope, I’m focused on strengthening national geophysical capabilities. A major project for me involves modernising the ANSIR geophysical instrument pool, ensuring researchers have access to cutting-edge tools. Another important aspect is promoting FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) geophysical data for researchers, government, and industry.
Ensuring the availability of high-quality, well-structured data will help drive innovation and support the green energy transition, particularly in critical minerals and renewable energy projects.
“Fieldwork always comes with surprises—no matter how well you plan, nature has the final say!”
When fieldwork gets tough, you get back to basics—like having a donkey ferry the MT instrument up the hiking trail in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco. Image: Ben Kay
What excites you about the future of geoscience in Australia?
There’s a lot to be excited about! Geophysics plays a crucial role in exploring critical minerals, managing groundwater, and advancing our understanding of Earth systems. I’m particularly interested in passive methods like MT, natural-source-induced polarisation (NSIP), and ambient noise tomography (ANT), which offer deep Earth imaging with minimal environmental impact.
Australia is leading the way here. Another exciting frontier is integrating geophysical and geochemical datasets with machine learning. That’s why open data initiatives and improved collaboration are so exciting to see.
Tell us about a recent adventure that involved rocks or nature.
Fieldwork always brings surprises! Last December, we conducted an expanded MT and NSIP survey on Kokatha Country at the Vulcan IOCG deposit near Olympic Dam as part of preparations for a pre-proposal to the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) to test the deep, narrow low-resistive zones, imaged from MT and nicknamed the “Fingers of God” that rise toward the surface and often point to major mineral deposits like Olympic Dam.
Just as everything was running smoothly, we got hit with over 100mm of rain, turning what should have been a straightforward deployment into a week-long wait before we could retrieve the instruments and pack out. A classic reminder that no matter how well you plan, nature always has the final say!
In closing, is there anything more that you would like to share?
I’m always keen to discuss geophysics, collaboration, or ideas to improve access to data and instruments. Collaboration can take many forms, whether it’s developing research infrastructure to enhance access to geophysical tools or working on research projects that leverage these capabilities for new scientific insights.
If you’ve got a project that could benefit from better geophysical insights, or ideas on how we can improve access to instruments and data, feel free to reach out!
A foggy morning in the picture-perfect landscape near Yalata, SA—setting the scene as we deploy geophysical instruments. Image: Ben Kay
AUTHORS
A conversation between Philomena Manifold and Dr Ben Kay from AuScope.