Renewables energy investment in Asia excluding China will overtake spending on upstream oil and gas projects in the region as soon as next year, according to Rystad Energy.

Renewables energy investment in Asia excluding China will overtake spending on upstream oil and gas projects in the region as soon as next year, according to Rystad Energy.

Renewables energy investment in Asia excluding China will overtake spending on upstream oil and gas projects in the region as soon as next year, according to Rystad Energy.

ABSTRACT

Marine sponges have been a prolific source of unique bioactive compounds that are presumed to act as a deterrent to predation. Many of these compounds have potential therapeutic applications; however, the lack of efficient and sustainable synthetic routes frequently limits clinical development. Here, we describe a metagenomic investigation of Mycale hentscheli, a chemically gifted marine sponge that possesses multiple distinct chemotypes. We applied shotgun metagenomic sequencing, hybrid assembly of short- and long-read data, and metagenomic binning to obtain a comprehensive picture of the microbiome of five specimens, spanning three chemotypes. Our data revealed multiple producing species, each having relatively modest secondary metabolomes, that contribute collectively to the chemical arsenal of the holobiont. We assembled complete genomes for multiple new genera, including two species that produce the cytotoxic polyketides pateamine and mycalamide, as well as a third high-abundance symbiont harboring a proteusin-type biosynthetic pathway that appears to encode a new polytheonamide-like compound. We also identified an additional 188 biosynthetic gene clusters, including a pathway for biosynthesis of peloruside. These results suggest that multiple species cooperatively contribute to defensive symbiosis in M. hentscheli and reveal that the taxonomic diversity of secondary-metabolite-producing sponge symbionts is larger and richer than previously recognized.

IMPORTANCE Mycale hentscheli is a marine sponge that is rich in bioactive small molecules. Here, we use direct metagenomic sequencing to elucidate highly complete and contiguous genomes for the major symbiotic bacteria of this sponge. We identify complete biosynthetic pathways for the three potent cytotoxic polyketides which have previously been isolated from M. hentscheli. Remarkably, and in contrast to previous studies of marine sponges, we attribute each of these metabolites to a different producing microbe. We also find that the microbiome of M. hentscheli is stably maintained among individuals, even over long periods of time. Collectively, our data suggest a cooperative mode of defensive symbiosis in which multiple symbiotic bacterial species cooperatively contribute to the defensive chemical arsenal of the holobiont.

Detailed interpretation of a 3D seismic data volume reveals the detrimental effect that post-depositional tectonic deformation has had on buried Lower Carboniferous (Dinantian–Namurian) shales and its consequences for shale gas exploration in the SW part (Fylde area) of the Craven Basin in NW England. The structural styles primarily result from Devono-Carboniferous (syn-sedimentary) extension, post-rift subsidence and Variscan inversion, a renewed phase of Permo-Triassic extension, and Cenozoic uplift and basin exhumation. In contrast to the shallow dips and bedding continuity that characterizes productive shale gas plays in other basins (e.g. in the USA and Argentina), our mapping shows that the area is affected by deformation that results in the Bowland Shale Formation targets being folded and dissected into fault-bound compartments defined by SW–NE striking (Lower Carboniferous and Variscan) reverse faults and SSW–NNE to N–S striking (Permo-Triassic) normal faults. The fault networks and the misalignment between the elongate compartments they contain and the present-day minimum horizontal stress orientation limit the length over which long lateral boreholes can remain in a productive horizon, placing an important constraint on optimal well positioning, reducing the size of the shale gas resource and affecting well productivity. Our subsurface mapping using this high-fidelity dataset provides an accurate picture of the Upper Palaeozoic structure and demonstrates that faulting is denser and more complex than apparent from geological mapping of the surface outcrop. That structural complexity has direct and significant consequences for: the location of well pads; the lateral continuity of target shale gas horizons; the evaluation of the risk of inducing seismicity on seismically resolvable (large displacement) fault planes prior to drilling; and the likelihood of faults with small throws (below seismic resolution) being present.

The UK Rockall, located to the west of Scotland and the Hebrides, is a frontier petroleum-bearing basin. Exploratory drilling in the basin took place over a quarter of a century (1980–2006), during which time a total of 12 wells were drilled, leading to the discovery of a single, subcommercial gas accumulation. We argue that the basin, which has seen no drilling activity for more than a decade, has not been sufficiently tested by the existing well stock. We examine the reasons for the absence of key Jurassic source rocks in the UK Rockall wells, which are widely distributed elsewhere on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), and argue that their absence in the wells does not preclude their existence in the basin at large. An evaluation of the Permian–Early Eocene successions, based upon the seismic interpretation of new 2D seismic data, has been integrated with legacy data and regional evidence to establish the potential for source, reservoir and sealing elements within each interval. Finally, we look at the future for exploration in the UK Rockall and suggest a way forward in the drilling of a new joint governmental–industry test well that may help to unlock the exploration potential of this under-explored, yet prospective, basin.

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Under-explored plays and frontier basins of the UK continental shelf collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/under-explored-plays-and-frontier-basins-of-the-uk-continental-shelf

Molar element ratio analysis of element concentrations consists of four basic tools that provide substantial insight into the lithogeochemistry (and mineralogy) of rocks under examination. These tools consist of: (1) conserved element ratio analysis; (2) Pearce element ratio analysis; (3) general element ratio analysis; and (4) lithogeochemical mineral mode analysis. Conserved element ratio analysis is useful in creating a chemostratigraphic model for the host rocks to mineral deposits, whereas Pearce element ratio analysis and general element ratio analysis are primarily used to identify mineralogical and metasomatic controls on rock compositions and to investigate and quantify the extent of the material transfers that formed the host rocks and mineralization. Lithogeochemical mineral mode analysis converts element concentrations into mineral concentrations using a matrix-based change-of-basis operation, allowing lithogeochemical data to be interpreted in terms of mineral modes. It can be used to provide proper names to rocks, an important activity for an exploration geologist because of the implications that rock names have on genetic processes and mineral deposit models.

This paper provides a review of the theoretical foundations of each of these four tools and then illustrates how these techniques have been used in a variety of exploration applications to assist in the search for, evaluation and planning of, and the mining of mineral deposits. Examples include the evaluation of total digestion lithogeochemical datasets from mineral deposits hosted by igneous and sedimentary rocks and formed by hydrothermal and igneous processes. In addition, this paper illustrates a more recent geometallurgical application of these methods, whereby the mineral proportions determined by lithogeochemical mineral mode analysis are used to predict rock properties and obtain the ore body knowledge critical for resource evaluation, mine planning, mining and mine remediation.

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

Multi-element geochemical surveys of rocks, soils, stream/lake/floodplain sediments and regolith are typically carried out at continental, regional and local scales. The chemistry of these materials is defined by their primary mineral assemblages and their subsequent modification by comminution and weathering. Modern geochemical datasets represent a multi-dimensional geochemical space that can be studied using multivariate statistical methods from which patterns reflecting geochemical/geological processes are described (process discovery). These patterns form the basis from which probabilistic predictive maps are created (process validation). Processing geochemical survey data requires a systematic approach to effectively interpret the multi-dimensional data in a meaningful way. Problems that are typically associated with geochemical data include closure, missing values, censoring, merging, levelling different datasets and adequate spatial sample design. Recent developments in advanced multivariate analytics, geospatial analysis and mapping provide an effective framework to analyse and interpret geochemical datasets. Geochemical and geological processes can often be recognized through the use of data discovery procedures such as the application of principal component analysis. Classification and predictive procedures can be used to confirm lithological variability, alteration and mineralization. Geochemical survey data of lake/till sediments from Canada and of floodplain sediments from Australia show that predictive maps of bedrock and regolith processes can be generated. Upscaling a multivariate statistics-based prospectivity analysis for arc-related Cu–Au mineralization from a regional survey in the southern Thomson Orogen in Australia to the continental scale, reveals a number of regions with a similar (or stronger) multivariate response and hence potentially similar (or higher) mineral potential throughout Australia.

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

This paper focuses on handheld and top-of-hole techniques which have appeared since 2007 or have undergone major improvements, and discusses their benefits, challenges and pitfalls, why we use them and what to expect from them. There is an ongoing need to be innovative with the way we undertake mineral exploration. Recent technological advances that have been applied to successful mineral exploration include on-site or portable instruments, on-site laboratory technologies, various core scanners, and technologies for fluid analysis. Portable or field technologies such as pXRF, pXRD, pNIR-SWIR, µRaman and LIBS aid in obtaining chemical and mineralogical information. Spectral gamma tools, a well-known technology, recently took advantage of improved ground and airborne (drone) instruments, to complement hyperspectral imagery. At mine and exploration sites, top-of-hole sensing technologies, such as Lab-at-Rig® and various core scanners (both spectral- and XRF-based) have become useful tools to analyse metres of core as it is being drilled. Fluid analyses are not as common as analyses of solid materials, but there are advances in such technologies as anodic stripping voltammetry, polarography and ion-exchange electrodes aiming for analysis of commodity or environmentally important elements.

Field-portable geochemical techniques and on-site technologies now offer instant response and flexibility for most exploration tasks. By providing relevant data within minutes, they allow safer field decisions and focus on the most promising finds, while saving valuable resources in sampling grids or drilling. More efficient laboratory analysis programs are supported by sample screening and homogeneity checking on-site. Field analyses are not always as accurate as laboratory ones, but most of the time can be correlated with them, enabling reliable decisions. The level of confidence in field-made decisions needs to be compared between later and less numerous laboratory analyses, and less precise but more abundant and immediate field analyses. It may be demonstrated that, in many cases, the fit–for-purpose nature of the latter allows a better confidence level. Quality compromises associated with field analyses can be reduced by the application of better sample preparation and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. Most of the further development of on-site chemical analysis is expected to be based on its integration with lab methods and on sound QA/QC practice, allowing a precise evaluation of its confidence level and uncertainties. Mineralogical analyses are constrained by our ability to interpret the data in near-real time but offer promising approaches in both surface and drilling exploration campaigns.

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

Among the emerging techniques to detect the real footprint of buried ore deposits is isotope tracing. Novel and automated preparation systems such as continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry, off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy for isotopic compositions of selected molecules, multi-collector inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), triple quadrupole ICP-MS, laser ablation ICP-MS, and a multitude of inline preparation systems have facilitated the use of isotopes as tracers in mineral exploration, as costs for isotope analyses have decreased and the time required for the analyses has improved. In addition, the isotope systems being used have expanded beyond the traditional light stable and Pb isotopes to include a multitude of elements that behave differently during processes that promote the mobilization of elements during both primary and secondary dispersion. Isotopes are also being used to understand barren areas that lack a critical process to form an ore deposit and to reveal precise redox mechanisms. The goal is to be able to use isotopes to reflect a definitive process that occurs in association with the deposit and not in barren systems, and then to relate these to something that is easier to measure, namely elemental concentrations. As new generations of exploration and environmental scientists are becoming more comfortable with the application of isotopes to effectively trace processes involved in geoscience, and new technologies for rapid and inexpensive analyses of isotopes are continually being developed, novel applications of isotope tracing are becoming more mainstream.

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

In the past decade, significant research efforts have been devoted to mineral chemistry studies to assist porphyry exploration. These activities can be divided into two major fields of research: (1) porphyry indicator minerals (PIMs), which are used to identify the presence of, or potential for, porphyry-style mineralization based on the chemistry of magmatic minerals such as zircon, plagioclase and apatite, or resistate hydrothermal minerals such as magnetite; and (2) porphyry vectoring and fertility tools (PVFTs), which use the chemical compositions of hydrothermal minerals such as epidote, chlorite and alunite to predict the likely direction and distance to mineralized centres, and the potential metal endowment of a mineral district. This new generation of exploration tools has been enabled by advances in and increased access to laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), short-wave length infrared (SWIR), visible near-infrared (VNIR) and hyperspectral technologies. PIMs and PVFTs show considerable promise for exploration and are starting to be applied to the diversity of environments that host porphyry and epithermal deposits globally. Industry has consistently supported development of these tools, and in the case of PVFTs encouraged by several successful blind tests where deposit centres have successfully been predicted from distal propylitic settings. Industry adoption is steadily increasing but is restrained by a lack of the necessary analytical equipment and expertise in commercial laboratories, and also by the ongoing reliance on well-established geochemical exploration techniques (e.g. sediment, soil and rock chip sampling) that have aided the discovery of near-surface resources over many decades, but are now proving less effective in the search for deeply buried mineral resources and for those concealed under cover.

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

There have been several advances in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) analytical technologies in the last decade. Collision/reaction cell ICP-MS and triple quadrupole ICP-MS techniques can produce lower detection limits for select elements that experience interferences with a standard quadrupole (e.g. Se and As). Triple quadrupole ICP-MS, in particular, can eliminate virtually all polyatomic or isobaric interferences for highly accurate measurements of some element isotopes systematics that are of great interest in mineral exploration, namely Pb/Pb. Laser ablation ICP-MS has become more popular as an effective analytical tool to measure mineral grain trace elements, which could assist in vectoring to mineralization or exploration drill targets. The ablation of a spot on a Li-borate fused glass disk paired with XRF analysis has also gained popularity as an alternative to total whole rock characterization packages that employ several separate digestions and analytical methods. While there have been several advancements in ICP-MS technologies in exploration geochemistry, they have not been widely accepted or implemented. This slow adaptation could be due to the extended recession in the mining industry between 2012 and 2017. It is also possible that standard ICP-MS data (i.e. no collision/reaction cell) is still fit for purpose. This stands in stark contrast to implementation of ICP-MS in the previous decade (1997–2007), which was transformational for the industry.

Consideration of all elements from large multi-element ICP-MS analytical suites for mineral exploration can be an extremely powerful tool in the exploration toolkit. The discovery of the White Gold District, Yukon, is a prime example of how the utilization of soil geochemical data, when plotted spatially, can vector to gold mineralization. The presence of Au + As + Sb soil anomalies were key to delineating mineralization, especially when accompanied by publicly available geological, geographical and geophysical data. Additionally, elements and element ratios not typically considered in Au exploration, including Ni and U, were utilized to determine the lithological and structural controls on mineralization. The availability of multi-element ICP-MS data was also useful in the discovery of the Cascadero Copper Taron Caesium deposit. Ore-grade Cs was discovered only because Cs was included in the multi-element ICP-MS exploration geochemistry suite. Before the availability of ICP-MS, it is unlikely that this deposit would have been discovered.

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

Mineral exploration under relatively young, exotic cover still presents a major challenge to discovery. Advances and future developments can be categorized in four key areas, (1) understanding metal mobility and mechanisms, (2) rapid geochemical analyses, (3) data access, integration and interoperability and (4) innovation in laboratory-based methods.

Application of ‘regolith-style' surface mapping in covered terrains outside of conventional lateritic terrains is achieving success in terms of reducing background noise and improving geochemical contrasts. However, process models for anomaly generation are still uncertain and require further research. The interaction between the surface environment, microbes, hydrocarbons and chemistry is receiving greater attention. While significant progress has been achieved in understanding the role of vegetation, interaction with the water table and cycling of metals in the near surface environment in Australia, other regions of the world, for example, the till-covered terrains in the northern hemisphere and arid colluvium-covered areas of South America, have seen less progress. In addition to vegetation, the influence of bacteria, fungi and invertebrates is not as well studied with respect to metal mobilization in cover. Field portable XRF has become a standard field technique, though more often used in a camp setting. Apart from a tweaking of analytical quality, instruments have probably reached their peak of analytical development with add-ons, such as cameras, beam-limiters, wireless transmission and GPS as the main differences between instrument suppliers. Their future rests in automated application in unconventional configurations, for example, core scanning and better integration of analytical data with other information such as spectral analyses. Pattern drilling that persists in industry, however, has benefited from innovative application of field-portable tools along with rock and mineral chemistry to provide near real-time results and assist in a shift toward more flexible and targeted drilling in greenfields settings.

Innovation in the laboratory continues to progress. More selective geochemical analysis, imaging of fine particle size fractions and resistate mineral phases and isotope analysis are faster and more accessible than ever before. The application of genomics (and data analysis) as mineral exploration tools is on the horizon. A continuing problem in geoscience, the supply to industry of suitably trained geochemists, persists although some needs, particularly at junior level, will be met by recent initiatives at various universities at graduate level. Unfortunately, the current economic climate has had a significant impact on R&D and retention of geochemistry skills by the industry. Whilst the future is positive, significant investment is required to develop the next generation of geochemical exploration tools and concepts.

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

Thematic collection: This article is part of the Exploration 17 collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/exploration-17

Background:

The success of multisite collaborative research relies on effective data collection, harmonization, and aggregation strategies. Data Coordination Centers (DCC) serve to facilitate the implementation of these strategies. The utility of a DCC can be particularly relevant for research on rare diseases where collaboration from multiple sites to amass large aggregate datasets is essential. However, approaches to building a DCC have been scarcely documented.

A small exploration company drilling for gold in Western Australia's Goldfields wants to change the perception that the resources sector is a "dirty industry" by using biodegradable bags for drill samples.

Almost 7,000 square kilometres of land will be released for coal and gas exploration in central and north Queensland as part of measures to ensure the survival of the resources sector through the coronavirus pandemic, the State Government says.

The United States has filed a civil complaint against BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. (BPXA) alleging that the company violated federal clean air and water laws.

BP Exploration Alaska, Inc. (BP Alaska) will pay a $25 million civil penalty and carry out a system-wide pipeline integrity management program as part of a settlement for spilling more than 5,000 barrels of crude oil from the company’s pipelines on the North Slope of Alaska in 2006, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced today.

BP Exploration and Production Inc. (BP) has agreed to plead guilty to felony manslaughter, environmental crimes and obstruction of Congress and pay a record $4 billion in criminal fines and penalties for its conduct leading to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster that killed 11 people and caused the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history, Attorney General Eric Holder announced today.

BP Exploration and Production Inc. pleaded guilty today to 14 criminal counts for its illegal conduct leading to and after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, and was sentenced to pay $4 billion in criminal fines and penalties, the largest criminal resolution in U.S. history.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement with XTO Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, to resolve an alleged violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) related to the discharge of wastewater from XTO’s Penn Township, Lycoming County, Pa. facility used for the storage of wastewater generated by natural gas exploration, commonly known as fracking, and production.

Peru continues to approve oil and gas projects despite previous exploration leading to the death of half the Nahua tribe.

And they are not alone...

These students think they are boarding an ordinary school bus, but when they depart, a virtual reality experience “transports” them to the surface of Mars.

This paper uses data from the American Life Panel to understand the determinants of well-being in the United States during the Great Recession. It investigates how various dimensions of subjective well-being reflected in the OECD Better Life Framework impact subjective well-being.

The craft, which left the Earth more than 42 years ago on a mission to study and photograph the outer planets, left the solar system in November 2018.

Vichhoda moves through the bylanes of Kashmir and reaches corruption-ridden small towns of Pakistan to seek humanity in the most unexpected places.

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, 2020.

Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2019.

Online Resource

Online Resource

Online Resource

Petroleum Exploration License

Hindustan Oil Exploration Company

Petroleum Exploration Licence

Exploration and Production Projects

New Exploration Licensing Policy

Shale Gas exploration

Geotechnical Exploration

Oil Exploration Companies India

Oil Exploration Blocks India

Dewey Library - PN1998.3.S2517 M67 2019

Seddon, Tony, 1965- author

Dewey Library - BD460.O74 P88 2020