Bowen Basin Geologists Group

Email: DGerber@rpmglobal.com
Website: Please click here

The Bowen Basin Geologists Group (BBGG) is a not for profit organisation run by volunteers from across industry, research and consulting. It has been running for over 30 years and has a great history and general Guidelines (click here). Anyone with an interest in Bowen Basin geology in particular, and coal geology in general is welcome and membership is free.

The BBGG meet quarterly at different mine sites and hold a 1-day meeting that consists of topical presentations followed by a mine site tour.  The BBGG also host the Bowen Basin Symposium once every five years.  It is the largest gather of coal geologists in Australia.

To join the BBGG, create an account. The BBGG currently have over 650 members. After joining, you can access member-only content such as publications, BBGG meeting information, AGM minutes, photos and more.

BBGG Executive

Events 

March/April 2020 - Bowen Basin Geologists Group Meeting
Details: Dates to be advised 
Location: Callide Mine, Mount Murchison, Queensland


8-10 September 2020 - The Bowen Basin Symposium
Details: The BBGG has a proud history of presenting the Bowen Basin Symposium (BBS) every 5 years since 1985. The theme of 2020’s event is looking “Beyond 2020: The Future of Coal”. This is the premier event run by geoscientists, for geoscientists and associated personnel, who study, explore, evaluate and mine the occurrence of coal throughout the Bowen and other basins in Queensland.
Location: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Mackay, QLD
Please click here to download the flyer
Website: Please click here
Cost: Early bird rate, Closes Friday 28 Feb: $770 full registration, $440 retired or hardship, $250 student, $250 day registration  and $150 additional dinner tickets. Standard rate: $880 full registration, $550 retired or hardship, $300 student
Registration: Click here

Field Trip: Dinosaur Safari 
Details: The specially designed three-day, local palaeontologist led, Winton based program starts straight after the 2020 Bowen Basin Symposium.
Safari highlights:
- Explore the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils
- Visit Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond to deep dive into marine fossils, and fossick the ancient beds of the Great Inland Sea
- Experience the world’s only recorded dinosaur stampede exhibition at the Lark Quarry Conservation Park
Duration: Three days (11-13 September, 2020)
Start/Finish: Mackay/Mackay*
Travel Style: Chartered flights, private coaches, comfortable “safari-style” tents (twin share)**, continental breakfasts, and outback evening meals
Physical Rating: Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels
Cost: (all inclusive): $1,650 per person (early bird rate) / $1950 (regular rate).*Option to fly to Brisbane for a small additional cost ($85), ** Single-share accommodation is available for an additional cost ($475).
Registration: https://www.sassaffair.com/dinosaur



The 2015 Bowen Basin Symposium was held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 7 – 9 October 2015. The theme was Bowen Basin and Beyond; with an extended focus beyond the Bowen Basin to other coal Basins throughout Queensland, placing a strong emphasis on both the coal mining and coal seam gas industries.

Members can access copies of all Bowen Basin Symposium proceedings through the BBGG website.

Previous Meetings

11 September 2019 - Bowen Basin Geologists Group Mine Visit (joint with New Hope Group)
Details: New Hope Group & the BBGG hosted the third BBGG meeting of 2019, allowing attendees the final chance to see operations at Jeebropilly Mine.
Location: Rosewood Golf Club (Karrabin Rosewood Road, Rosewood)

3-4 July 2019 - Bowen Basin Geologists Group joint meeting with ACARP
Details: The biennial BBGG-ACARP Meeting provided industry delegates and researchers an opportunity to share learning from investigations in coal geology and related disciplines. The Leichhardt Award Dinner was hosted during the two-day event, and recognised the contributions of a worthy recipient to the advancement of coal geology or related disciplines in Queensland.

22 May 2019 - BBGG Meeting at Curragh Mine
Details: Coronado Global Resources & the BBGG hosted the first BBGG meeting of 2019. 
Location: Curragh Mine, Blackwater, QLD

The Leichhardt Award
In the in the spirit of the pioneering geological efforts of Ludwig Leichhardt, Don King and Ted Milligan, the Leichhardt Award is instituted to recognise original contribution to the advancement of coal geology or related disciplines in Queensland. The award recognises scientific achievement, particularly where there has been a significant impact on the Queensland coal industry is the basis of award, rather than seniority or longevity in the industry. The award serves to encourage development of the highest professional standards within the Queensland coal industry.

 Please click here to read more about past Leichhardt Award winners.

The rules governing The Leichhardt Award, as well as the nomination form for The Leichhardt Award recipients, can be downloaded below.