Mark Pearce

Dr. Mark Pearce is a Research Director and leader of the Characterisation Program within CSIRO's Mineral Resources Business Unit. He applies advanced microanalytical and synchrotron-based techniques to understand geological processes related to ore formation, mineral systems, and metal transport. His work underpins exploration strategies for gold, base metals, and critical minerals across Australia and globally.

• PhD, University of Liverpool (2009)
• MGeol, University of Leeds (2005)

Mark is a leading expert in quantitative microstructural analysis and mineral chemistry, with research focusing on structural geology, metamorphic petrology, ore deposit petrology, and mineralogy. His work integrates field observations with high-resolution laboratory analyses to unravel the history of rock deformation, fluid-rock interaction, and metallogenesis. He has particular expertise in applying electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) to study replacement reactions, deformation mechanisms, and trace element distributions in minerals.

His recent research publications and datasets highlight a strong trend in using cutting-edge analytical methods to probe micro- to nano-scale processes in mineral systems. These include studies on porphyry copper deposits, Carlin-type and orogenic gold systems, eclogite facies metamorphism, and magmatic Ni-Cu-Co sulfides. His work frequently involves collaboration with the Australian Synchrotron and academic partners to develop new exploration tools and interpret complex mineralogical data.

• Science Excellence Award - Early Career Researcher, CSIRO (2018)

Mark leads or contributes to multiple ARC-funded projects, including ARC Discovery and Linkage projects focused on metal remobilisation and high-grade gold mineralisation. He has developed open-source software tools such as TCInvestigator and EBSDinterp to support thermodynamic modeling and microstructural data interpolation. He is also actively involved in professional service, serving on the Governing Council of the Geological Society of Australia and CSIRO’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, reflecting his commitment to advancing both science and workplace culture.

He has led research teams in orebody geoscience and has extensive experience in both academic and applied geoscience settings, having previously worked as a structural geologist in the Zagros Mountains and as a postdoctoral researcher before joining CSIRO in 2012.