Ian has a PhD in geology from the University of Adelaide and has 30 years of experience working in the resources sector in the Northern Territory in industry and government. This includes private sector gold exploration, geological mapping of central Australia and postdoctoral research based in Austria. Ian has also participated in more than 20 delegations to Asia and North America promoting mineral investment opportunities.

Ian has led the NT Geological Survey since 2006 and is responsible for the Territory Government’s initiatives to grow the exploration sector, including the current $9.5 million per annum Resourcing the Territory initiative. This includes geoscience programs, exploration grants and promotion of the Territory’s resource potential and opportunities, especially for critical minerals.