Brian Townley

Dr. Townley is an Associate Professor of Geology at the University of Chile with over 25 years of research experience in mineral deposits, Chilean metallogenesis and applied geochemistry. In the past ten years, he has presented or published over 25 papers related to applied geochemistry, ore deposits and mineral exploration in Chile. Currently, he is researching the continuity of the Miocene porphyry copper belt south of El Teniente, as well as Upper Cretaceous porphyry copper deposits near the Maule River. He is also carrying out research studies at Los Bronces, regarding hydrothermal alteration modelling, mineral characterization and geometallurgy.

During his career, he has done consulting and applied research work for BHP Billiton, Codelco, Yamana Gold, Angloamerican, Barrick, Antofagasta Minerals, Soquimich, and many others, either for exploration and/or geometallurgy. These activities have been carried out in districts such as Escondida, Cerro Colorado, Spence, Chuquicamata, El Salvador, Los Pelambres, Rio Blanco – Los Bronces, El Teniente, Rosario de Rengo, El Peñon, among others.

In his research work, he has led state, state/private partnerships and privately funded projects, as well as AMIRA International multi-client projects, all with a strong applied research component. Transfer of knowledge, in addition to papers, has been focused on regular diploma program short courses, as well as on-site short courses and workshops for industry, in Chile and America, including Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Canada. In parallel to mining industry-related research, Dr. Townley presently leads a state-funded research project on the impacts of geology, mineralogy and geochemistry on vine cultivation and wine as part of the Vinos de Chile wine industry consortium.