Gema Olivo

Professor Gema Olivo is a leading economic geologist at the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering within the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen's University. She specializes in understanding metal storage and migration mechanisms in the upper crust to form mineral deposits.

Educational Background:

• BSc in Geology, Universidade de Brasília
• MSc in Mineral Exploration, Universidade de Brasília
• PhD in Geology, Université du Québec à Montréal

Her research focuses on precious metal deposits (gold, silver, platinum-group elements) in volcanic-plutonic and sedimentary sequences across Canada, Brazil, USA, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Argentina. She applies multidisciplinary approaches integrating fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and modeling to enhance exploration strategies and reduce mineral exploration costs.

Research trends over the last 15 years reveal expertise in:

• Geochemical and geochronological analysis of ore systems
• Hydrothermal fluid dynamics and mixing
• Metamorphic and tectonic controls on gold mineralization
• Application of geophysical methods (spectral induced polarization) for exploration
• Machine learning in mineral system characterization
• Multi-scale footprint modeling of ore deposits

Scientific Awards & Leadership:

• Premier's Research Excellence Award (2003)
• NSERC Strategic Grant committee member (2011–2013)
• Society of Economic Geologists Councillor (2012–2014)
• Associate Editor, Canadian Mineralogist (2007–2009)

She has supervised over 60 graduate students and postdocs, many of whom have achieved prestigious positions globally. Her teaching portfolio includes advanced courses on petrogenesis, metallogenesis, and resource sustainability.