MrZeb Zivkovic

My research is driven by a simple question: how can we make better mineral exploration decisions using geological and geochemical data?

Before joining academia, I spent nearly a decade working as an exploration geologist across most of Western Australia. During this time, I relied heavily on geochemical data to evaluate mineral prospects, generate exploration targets and guide exploration programs, however, I was largely ignorant about how this data was generated and what biases and limitations were associated with the data I was using. It was through my academic research that I began to investigate these methods and how to extract information from them while avoiding some of the biases.

This experience now underpins my research, which aims to bridge the gap between academic geochemistry and practical mineral exploration.

My research focuses on the geological and geochemical processes that control mineral deposit formation, with particular interests in lithogeochemistry, mineral chemistry, magmatic-hydrothermal systems and geochemical exploration. 

I enjoy working in collaboration with industry, government and academic partners, with the aim of producing research that can move beyond the laboratory and into exploration practice. I am also passionate about sharing knowledge with the next generation of geologists and helping students develop the practical geological and geochemical skills needed to address the challenges of mineral exploration.