Conference updates: Geoff Howarth gives Plenary talk and Geocongress 2025

At GeoCongress 2025, held at the University of the Free State, Dr. Geoff Howarth from the University of Cape Town delivered a compelling plenary talk titled “Kimberlitic Olivine: Tracking Mantle Cargo and Kimberlite Melt Evolution.” His presentation captivated attendees with fresh insights into the role of olivine in kimberlite petrogenesis.

Dr. Howarth's research delves into how olivine, often the first mineral crystallized from kimberlite melts, serves as a recorder of mantle processes. By examining the chemical and isotopic signatures of olivine crystals, he demonstrated how they can trace the evolution of kimberlite melts from their source in the mantle to their eruption at the surface. This approach offers a novel perspective on understanding the deep Earth processes that shape kimberlite magmatism.

His talk was part of a broader program at GeoCongress 2025, which featured six keynote speakers and numerous presentations across various geoscience disciplines. The conference emphasized collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to address complex geological challenges.

Dr. Howarth's contributions to the field were well-received, with attendees praising his ability to bridge theoretical research with practical applications in diamond exploration and mantle geochemistry. His work continues to inspire and inform the geoscientific community's understanding of kimberlite systems.