The University of Western Australia

Res/Prof John Miller

Research Professor
Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET)

Contact details

Address

Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET)
The University of Western Australia (M006)
35 Stirling Highway
CRAWLEY WA 6009
Australia

Phone

6488 5803

Fax

6488 1178

Email

john.miller@uwa.edu.au

Key research

· Structural geology

· Ar/Ar geochronology

· Tectonics

· Mineralisation

Publications

Miller, J.McL., Nelson, E.P., Hitzman, M., Muccilli, P., Hall, W.D.M. (2007). Orthorhombic fault-fracture patterns and non-plane strain in a synthetic transfer zone during rifting: Lennard shelf, Canning basin, Western Australia. Journal of Structural Geology, 29, 1002-1021.



Warren, C.J. and Miller, J.McL., (2007). Structural and stratigraphic controls on the origin and tectonic history of a subducted continental margin, Oman. Journal of Structural Geology, 29, 541- 558.



Miller, J.McL., Wilson, C.J.L and Dugdale, L.J. (2006). Stawell gold deposit: a key to unravelling the Cambrian to Early Devonian structural evolution of the western Victorian goldfields. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 53, 677-695. 6 citations (Web of Science)



Phillips, D. and Miller, J.McL. (2006). 40Ar/39Ar dating of mica-bearing pyrite from thermally overprinted Archaean gold deposits. Geology, 34, 397-400. 2 citations (Web of Science)



Murphy, F.C., Rawling, T.J., Wilson, C.J.L., Dugdale, L.J. and Miller, J.McL., 2006. 3D structural modelling and implications for targeting gold mineralisation in western Victoria. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 53, 875-889. 2 citations (Web of Science)



Kendrick, M.A., Phillips, D. and Miller, J.McL. (2006). Part I. Analysis of noble gases and halogens in complex fluid inclusion assemblages by stepwise heating of quartz. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70, 2540-2561. 3 citations (Web of Science)



Kendrick, M.A., Miller, J.McL. and Phillips, D. (2006). Part II. Evaluation of 40Ar-39Ar quartz ages: Implications for fluid inclusion retentivity and determination of initial 40Ar/36Ar values in Proterozoic samples. Geochimica et Cosmochimicha Acta, 70, 2562-2576. 4 citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J. McL., Phillips, D., Wilson, C.J.L. and Dugdale, L.J. (2005). Evolution of a reworked orogenic zone: the boundary between the Delamerian and Lachlan Fold Belts, southeastern Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 52, 921 - 940. 13 citations (Web of Science)



Gray, D.R., Gregory, R.T., Armstrong, R.A., Richards, I.J. and Miller, J.McL. (2005), Age and stratigraphic relationships of structurally deepest level rocks, Oman Mountains: U/Pb SHRIMP evidence for Late Carboniferous Neotethys rifting: Journal of Geology, 113, 611-626. 2 citations (Web of Science)



Gray, D.R., Miller, J.McL., and Gregory, R.T. (2005). Fold-nappe beneath the Samail Ophiolite, Oman: strain state and kinematic evolution with constraints for ophiolite obduction. Journal of Structural Geology, 27, 1986-2007. 1 citation (SCOPUS), 2 citations (Web of Science)



Fergusson, C.L., and Miller, J.McL. (2005). Narooma Terrane: implications for the construction of the outboard part of the Lachlan Orogen, Comment. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 52, 1035-1041.



Gray, D.R., Gregory, R.T., and Miller, J.McL. (2005), Structural evolution, metamorphism and restoration of the Arabian continental margin, Saih Hatat region, Oman Mountains: Comment: Journal of Structural Geology, v. 27, 371-374. 2 citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J.McL. and Wilson, C.J.L. (2004). Stress controls on intrusion-related gold lodes: Wonga gold mine, Stawell, Western Lachlan Fold Belt, southeastern Australia. Economic Geology, 99, 941-963. 7 citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J.McL. and Wilson, C.J.L. (2004). Application of structural analysis to faults associated with a heterogeneous stress history: the reconstruction of a dismembered gold deposit, Stawell, western Lachlan Fold Belt, Southeastern Australia. Journal of Structural Geology, 26, 1231-1256. 13 citations (SCOPUS), 11 citations (Web of Science)



Boger, S.D. and Miller, J.McL. (2004). The terminal suturing of Gondwana and the onset of the Ross-Delamerian Orogeny: the cause and effect of a Late Cambrian reconfiguration of plate motions: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 219, 35-48. 28 citations (SCOPUS), 25 citations (Web of Science)



Gray, D.R., Miller, J.McL., Foster D.A.F. and Gregory, R.T. (2004). Transition from subduction- to exhumation-related fabrics in glaucophane-bearing eclogites, Oman: evidence from relative fabric chronology and 40Ar/39Ar ages. Tectonophysics, 389, 35-64. 10 citations (SCOPUS), 7 citations (Web of Science)



Gray, D.R., Hand, M., Mawby, J., Armstrong, R.A., Miller, J.McL. and Gregory R.T. (2004). Sm-Nd and zircon U-Pb ages from garnet-bearing eclogites, NE Oman: new constraints on Neo-Tethys oceanic rifting and high P metamorphism of the Arabian margin with implications for obduction tectonics. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 222, 402-422. 28 citations (SCOPUS), 12 citations (Web of Science)



Squire, R. and Miller, J.McL. (2003). Synchronous compression and extension in East Gondwana: palaeotectonic controls on world-class gold deposits at 440 Ma. Geology, 31, 1073-1076. 16 citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J.McL., Norvick, M.S. and Wilson, C.J.L. (2002). Basement controls on rifting and the associated formation of ocean transform faults - Cretaceous continental extension of the southern margin of Australia. Tectonophysics, 359, 131-155. 5 citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J.McL. and Wilson, C.J.L. (2002). The Magdala Lode System, Stawell, southeastern Australia: structural style and relationship to gold mineralisation across the western Lachlan Fold Belt: Economic Geology, 97, 325-349. 25 citations (Web of Science)
Miller, J.McL., Gray, D.R. and Gregory R.T. (2002). Geometry and significance of internal windows and regional isoclinal folds in northeast Saih Hatat, Sultanate of Oman. Journal of Structural Geology, 24, 359-386. 20 citations (SCOPUS), 14 citations (Web of Science)



Phillips, G., Miller, J.McL. and Wilson, C.J.L. (2002). The structural and metamorphic evolution of the Moornambool Metamorphic Complex, the Western Lachlan Fold Belt, southeastern Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 49, 891-913. 15 citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J.McL., Dugdale, L.J. and Wilson, C.J.L., (2001). Variable hangingwall palaeotransport during Silurian and Devonian thrusting in the Lachlan Fold Belt missing gold lodes, synchronous Melbourne Trough sedimentation and Grampians Group fold interference. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 48, 901-909. 15 citations (Web of Science)



Gray, D.R , Gregory, R. T. and Miller, J.McL., (2000). A new structural profile along the Muscat-Ibra transect, Oman: Implications for the emplacement of the Samail Ophiolite. Geological Society of America, Special Paper 349, 513-523.



Miller, J.McL., Gray, D.R., Gregory, R.T. and Foster, D., (1999). Exhumation of a High P Terrain during Convergent Margin Tectonism, Oman: Structural and Geochronological Constraints, In: Ring, U., Brandon, M. T., Lister, G. S. and Willet, S. D., Exhumation Processes: Normal Faulting, Ductile Flow and Erosion. Special Publication of the Geological Society, London, 154, 241-260.



Gregory, R.T., Gray, D.R. and Miller, J.McL., (1998). Tectonics of the Arabian Margin associated with the emplacement of the Oman Ophiolite along the Ibra Transect: New evidence from NE Saih Hatat. Tectonics, 17, 657-670. 28 citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J.McL., Gray, D.R. and Gregory, R.T., (1998). Exhumation of a High Pressure Terrain, Oman. Geology, 26, 235-238. 23 citations (Web of Science)



Offler, R., Miller, J.McL., Gray, D.R., Foster, D.A. and Bale, R., (1998). Crystallinity and bo spacing of K-white micas in a Paleozoic accretionary complex, eastern Australia: metamorphism, paleo-geotherms and structural style of an underplated sequence. Journal of Geology, 106, 495-509. 31 citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J.McL. and Gray, D.R., (1997). Subduction-Related Deformation and the Narooma Anticlinorium, eastern Lachlan Fold Belt. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 44, 237-251. 21citations (Web of Science)



Miller, J.McL. and Gray , D.R., (1996). Structural signature of sediment subduction-accretion in a Palaeozoic accretionary complex, southeastern Australia. Journal of Structural Geology, 18, 1245-1258. 33 citations (SCOPUS) 34 citations (Web of Science)

Non refereed publications

Miller, J. McL. (2007). 4D model of the Emily Ann Ni deposit, Lake Johnston Greenstone Belt, Yilgarn Craton, W.A., Final project report, Centre for Exploration Targeting, University of W.A., pp. 68.



Miller, J. McL. (2006) Advanced Structural Geology, course notes, Centre for Exploration Targeting, University of W.A., pp. 131.



Miller, J. McL. and Nugus, M., (2006). The structural evolution of the Sunrise Shear Zone and overlying Watu and Western Shear Zones, Laverton, W.A., Y4, pmd*CRC project report, pp. 90.



Miller, J. McL. (2006). Structural controls on the Cu distribution at Mt Isa, Qld, I7, pmd*CRC project report, pp. 45.



Phillips, D., Miller, J. McL. (2005). H4: Ar/Ar analyses of biotite, K-feldspar, and inclusion-bearing pyrite from the Dett, Gokona,/Nyabigena and Nyabirama Gold deposits in Tanzania, pmd*CRC project report, pp. 24



Phillips, D., Miller, J. McL. and Kendrick, M. (2005). H4: Ar/Ar dating of mineralization, metamorphism and deformation, Final report, pmd*CRC project report, pp. 162



Miller, J. McL. (2005). The structural evolution of the Wallaby Gold deposit, Laverton, W.A., Y4, pmd*CRC project report, pp. 75



Widdup, H., Fouet, T., Hodgkison, J., McCuaig, T.C., Miller J. McL., (2004). A 3-Dimensional structural interpretation of the Olympic Dam Deposit _ implications for mine planning and exploration: PACRIM 2004 Congress, September 2004, Adelaide, South Australia.



Miller, J. McL., and Phillips, D. (2003). 40Ar/39Ar dating of alteration assemblages and deformation fabrics from western Victoria: implications for the evolution of the Lachlan and Delamerian Orogens. Confidential H4 project report for the pmd-CRC, 67pp.



Miller, J. McL., (2002). Report on the location of mineralisation within the Pillara system and implications for exploration targeting, 23pp. Submitted to Western metals Pty Ltd.



Miller, J. McL., Wilson, C.J.L. and Witham, B.A., (2002). Structural evolution of the Stawell Gold Lodes. Final Report to Stawell Gold Mines, 81pp.



Wilson, C.J.L., Gane, M. J, Fredericksen, D.C., Moncrieff, J. and Miller, J.McL., (1999). The Stawell Goldfield: A geological excursion guide of the Magdala and Wonga Mines: Specialist Group in Tectonics and Structural Geology Field Guide No. 7, Geological Society of Australia.50pp.

Future research

Opportunities for postgraduate and honours students:

Gold

3D Modelling and structural mapping of the Jundee deposit, Yandal Belt, W.A. (CET project)

1:15000 and 1:25000 scale structural interpretations of the St Ives gold field (Greater Victory Area to Kambalda Dome) pmd*crc project).

Plutonic underground structural geology project, Plutonic Well Greenstone Belt, W.A. (CET project)

Regional stratigraphic, structural geology and mineralisation synthesis of the Plutonic Well Greenstone Belt, W.A. (CET project)

Integration and correlation of the world class Wallaby and Sunrise Dam deposits into the evolution of the Laverton region, W.A. (pmd*CRC project)

Structural evolution of the Ballarat gold lodes, Ballarat, Victoria (pmd*CRC project)

Nickel

4D model of the Emily Ann - Maggie Hays Brownfields corridor, Lake Johnston Greenstone Belt, W.A. (CET project).

Implications for Ni potential in the Leonora and Southern Cross-Forrestania belts, W.A. (CET project)

Copper

Structural controls on the Mt Isa Cu ore body, Mt Isa, Qld (pmd*CRC project).

Synthesis of the Cu events in the Mt Isa inlier (pmd*CRC project).

Funding received

Externally Funded Research Grants

Australia Research Council Grant LP0776780 - Tectonostratigraphic controls on the localization of Archaean komatiite hosted nickel sulphide deposits and camps in the Yilgarn Craton

Researchers: Prof TC McCuaig; Prof ME Barley; Dr J Miller; Dr M Fiorentini; Dr SW Beresford

Project summary: Nickel contributes $2 billion per year to Australia's export income. Currently 80% of that comes from nickel sulphide deposits in regional Australia that are expected to be exhausted within thirty years barring significant new discoveries. Although discovery rates have been declining, as the 'easy' targets have been found, there remains considerable potential for future major discoveries. This project addresses the pressing need for new data and improved exploration techniques to enable industry to target new discoveries. As our nickel mines are located in remote communities such discoveries also have major benefits for regional Australia.

Collaborating/Partner Organisation(s)
St Barbara
BHP Billiton
LionOre Australia (Nickel) Ltd

ARC funds over 3 years: $660000

2007 :$ 100,000
2008 :$ 200,000
2009 :$ 230,000
2010 :$ 130,000

Australia Research Council Grant LP0882157 - Controls on Gold Mineralisation in Central Victoria: Towards New Exploration Models

Researchers: Prof CJ Wilson; A/Prof D Phillips; Dr J Miller; Dr MA Kendrick

Project Summary: The proposed project will develop and evaluate new exploration models with implications for gold exploration and mining/investment in Victoria. The frontier research techniques to be employed will ensure that Australian geoscience remains at the forefront of international research. This project will also provide unprecedented research training opportunities for the next generation of Australian Earth Scientists. As prospective gold terranes are located in regional Australia, enhanced exploration and mining activity in future years may have significant economic and infrastructure benefits for rural and regional communities.

Collaborating/Partner Organisation(s)
GeoScience Victoria, Department of Primary Industries
Perseverance Corporation Limited
Ballarat Goldfields (Lihir Gold Limited)
Bendigo Mining NL

ARC funds over 3 years: $410000

2008 :$ 130,000
2009 :$ 140,000
2010 :$ 140,000

Research profile

Research profile and publications