Research Projects

This page highlights my research experience in economic geology and my supervision of student research projects.

Academic collaborators:

Chiba Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, University of Adelaide; University of Durham, Iowa State University, Natural History Museum of London

Industry collaborators:

Black Raven Mining, Pty., Ltd., Galantas Gold Corp.

2022-present

Developing geochemical vectors to aid the discovery of metamorphosed VMS deposits

This research was conducted as part of my PhD project and resulted in two peer-reviewed publications in the journals Economic Geology and Mineralium Deposita. The study investigated how mineral chemistry can preserve evidence of ancient hydrothermal systems even after strong metamorphic overprinting. The key finding is that common metamorphic minerals (i.e., chlorite, white mica, and garnet) retain geochemical signatures of earlier hydrothermal alteration associated with VMS systems. Their compositions can therefore be used to: (1) reconstruct original hydrothermal alteration zones that formed during mineralization, (2) distinguish geological units located below (footwall) and above (hanging-wall) the ore-forming horizon, and (3) differentiate between mineralized (fertile) and non-mineralized (barren) volcanic belts, even in rocks that experienced amphibolite-facies metamorphism.

2020-present

Geochronology of the Central Borneo metallogenic belt, Indonesia

This study is part of my MSc project and resulted in two peer-reviewed paper in the journal Economic Geology and Ore Geology Reviews. The research investigated the metallogenic evolution of the Central Borneo metallogenic belt and evaluated the mineralization potential of its magmatic suites. This was the first study that demonstrated that Cretaceous magmatic suites in the region are fertile for mineralization, highlighting new exploration opportunities within other Mesozoic units. It also identified two distinct metallogenic events: a Cretaceous event characterized mainly by polymetallic mineralization, and a younger Miocene event dominated by epithermal Au–Ag systems. This work involved the application of multiple stable and radiogenic isotope systems, including U–Pb, Re–Os, Hf, S, and C–O isotopes. Through this integrated approach, the research provided a strong foundation in isotope geochemistry and demonstrated how multi-isotope datasets can be used to understand mineral deposit formation and guide mineral exploration.

Academic collaborators:

Akita University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, ETH Zurich, Chiba Institute of Technology, The University of Tokyo, CSIRO, University of Western Australia, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Industry collaborators:

PT Kapuas Prima Coal, Tbk., PT Cempaka Wulung, Asiamet Resources, JResources Asia Pacific.

Academic collaborators:

Universitas Gadjah Mada, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, RWTH Aachen University, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta.

Industry collaborators:

PT Multi Utama Kreasindo Mining, PT Alexis Perdana Mineral (a subsidiary of Far East Gold).

2018-2023

Epithermal and porphyry mineralization in Sunda arc, Indonesia

This project was conducted in collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia) and resulted in one peer-reviewed publication in International Geology Review. The study used mineral chemistry of amphibole, plagioclase, secondary biotite, and chlorite to reconstruct the physicochemical conditions of the magmatic–hydrothermal system responsible for the deposit. The results indicate that the magma source strongly influenced the oxygen fugacity (fO₂) of the causative intrusion, which in turn controlled its fertility for Cu–Au mineralization. This research improved understanding of how magma source characteristics and redox conditions affect ore-forming processes in active subduction settings.

Student supervision

Undergraduate degree

Current

[11/2025-present] Moh Rian Firmansyah - Universitas Jenderal Soedirman; co-supervisor, led by Dr. Fadlin; Project: Geology and lithium enrichment in the Ciniru mud volcano deposits, Western Java.

Completed

[09/2025-02/2026] Gabriella Noanita Roring - Pertamina University; co-supervisor, led by Dian Yesy Fatimah, M.Eng; Project: Exploratory data analysis of trace element variations in garnet from skarn deposits.

[09/2025-02/2026] Jonathan Kensie - Pertamina University; co-supervisor, led by Dian Yesy Fatimah, M.Eng; Project: Exploratory data analysis of trace element variations in apatite from skarn deposits.

[09/2023-12/2023] Aenan Putri Aulia - Pertamina University; co-supervisor, led by Dian Yesy Fatimah, M.Eng; Project: Alteration and mineralization characteristics of the Ciemas prospect, Western Java.