Dr Jim Hodgson is a Senior Geologist at Geological Survey Ireland and the Tellus Programme Manager. He holds a degree and PhD in geophysics and a master’s degree in leadership and innovation. He has 30 years’ experience working in geophysics and geology in both private and government sectors with particular experience in airborne geophysics, survey operations and communications.
The Value of Tellus
Geological Surveys play a vital role in stimulating exploration through the availability of quality national geoscience datasets. Private companies typically only have interests in specific areas or licence blocks so there is a need for government to step in to fill the gaps and provide baseline data. Geological Survey Ireland’s Tellus Programme has collected airborne geophysics and soil geochemistry data across Ireland achieving full coverage in 2026. Combined with the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland’s Tellus data, an all-island transboundary, merged dataset will shortly be freely available. Lessons learned from 16 years of surveys can be used to assist future national and transboundary projects particularly for CRM exploration within Europe and beyond. Extensive outreach undertaken by Geological Surveys during these projects can also provide a bridge with stakeholders and the public for further engagement on the need of geoscience data in the search for natural resources.
