Page 16 - Handbook of Gold Exploration and Evaluation

Acknowledgements

The author of a textbook is greatly dependent upon the encouragement and
support of his colleagues and friends, particularly during those long periods
when the mind blanks out and nothing seems to come together. Foremost
amongst those deserving great affection and respect are my wife and family,
who have been extraordinarily patient and supportive throughout. A special debt
is owed to my dearest colleague and friend Roy Kidd without whose generosity
of spirit, advice, kindness and help I could not have overcome the very great
problems encountered during the first few years of writing. I must also record
the patience and constructive criticism of Professor Bruce Gemmell, who helped
mould my opinions and improve my knowledge in his particular field of
expertise `ore deposit research'. I have also drawn heavily upon a course entitled
`Mine Evaluation and Project Assessment' presented by Ed Malone for `The
Key Centre of Mines', University of New South Wales and a course entitled
`Gravity Concentration' prepared by Dr P.N. Holtham at the same university.
The co-operation, understanding and ability of environmental geologist Rochelle
Bading (my grand-daughter) and her husband's art and design company
`Artivation Studios' (www.artivation.com.au) gave vital assistance in the
preparation of tables and diagrams.
My thanks are also due to the contributors of technical papers in many studies
of exploration geochemistry, gravity concentration, and mine evaluation that I
have drawn data from, and whom I gratefully acknowledge in the text. A
comprehensive set of references provides the opportunity for readers to enlarge
upon the necessarily basic treatment given to some aspects of geology and
geophysics. I have corresponded or worked with many other engineers and
geologists who have done much to help develop my opinions and improve my
knowledge. Amongst these are Yam Sia Goh (Malaysia), Dr A. Royle (UK),
Chamroom Usiriprisan (Thailand), Tony Farmer, (Australia), Wright Engineers
(Canada), Joe Kovacik (UNDP), Dr Pierre Goossens (Belgium) and Professor
L.J. Lawrence (NSW). The advice and assistance of Steve Proctor (Peak
Computer, Launceston) is also gratefully acknowledged.