Emer Blackwell graduated from NUI Galway in 2007 with a BSc in Earth Science (Geology) and later, in 2014, obtained an MSc in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Ulster. In 2008 Emer began working in mineral exploration and has since worked on iron ore, gold, base metals, and REE projects in Australia and across Europe including Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Iceland, and Cyprus. Emer is currently a consultant geologist specialising in data management and GIS for mineral exploration. Emer became a Professional Member (PGeo) of the IGI in 2010. She has been on the IGI Board since 2021, currently serving as Treasurer, and is Chairperson of the IGI Minerals Information Working Group.