Fan Xiao | Data Processing | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Research Data Analysis

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fan Xiao | Data Processing | Research Excellence Award

Sun Yat-sen University | China

Xiao Fan is an Associate Professor and PhD advisor at the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, recognized for his contributions to mineral exploration, mathematical geoscience, and data-driven Earth system analysis. He received his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in mineral resource exploration from China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), with joint doctoral training at the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on mineral system modeling, multi-physics numerical simulation, fractal and singularity analysis, machine-learning-based mineral prospectivity, and knowledge-driven geoscientific data integration. As a core member of major national innovation teams, he has led or participated in several national and provincial research projects and contributed to the creation of an advanced UAV-based geophysical–geochemical acquisition and processing platform. He has published 54 documents with 986 citations from 706 sources and holds an h-index of 19, along with multiple patents, software copyrights, and highly cited works in leading SCI journals. He serves on editorial boards and scientific committees, including roles as youth editor and guest editor, and has organized sessions for the International Geological Congress. His work advances quantitative mineral prediction and computational geoscience, contributing impactful models and methods that enhance understanding of mineralization processes and exploration efficiency.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

(2025). “Three-Dimensional Prospectivity Modeling of Jinshan Ag-Au Deposit, Southern China by Weights-of-Evidence.” Journal of Earth Science.

(2025). “Lithologic mapping of intermediate-acid intrusive rocks in the eastern Tianshan Gobi Desert using machine learning and multi-source data fusion.” Earth Science Frontiers.

(2025). “A DFT study on mechanisms of indium adsorption on sphalerite (100), (110), and (111) surfaces: Implications for critical metal mineralization.” Ore Geology Reviews.

(2025). “Data-driven expeditious mapping and identifying granites in covered areas via deep machine learning: A case study on the implications for geodynamics and mineralization of Eastern Tianshan.” Lithos.

(2025). “Numerical Modeling and Exploration Data Coupled-driven Mineral Prospectivity Mapping: A Case Study of Fankou Pb-Zn Deposit.” Geotectonica et Metallogenia.

Leandro Oliveira | Descriptive Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Data Analysis

Mr. Leandro Oliveira | Descriptive Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Jaguar Mining/UFOP | Brazil

Leandro Oliveira is an accomplished geologist with over two decades of expertise in mineral exploration, specializing in gold and copper deposits across diverse geological settings. He has a proven track record in managing large-scale exploration programs, leading multidisciplinary teams, and implementing innovative exploration techniques for globally recognized mining companies. His contributions have led to significant resource expansions and technological advancements in mineral exploration processes, reflecting his commitment to sustainable and efficient mining practices.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Universidade Estadual Paulista, complemented by an MBA in Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, both verified for international academic recognition. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Crustal Evolution and Mineral Resources at Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, with a strong focus on mineral systems, economic geology, and advanced exploration methodologies.

Experience

Throughout his career, he has progressed through key roles, from Junior Geologist to Exploration Coordinator, working with major companies such as Yamana Gold and Jaguar Mining. He has managed annual exploration budgets exceeding USD 5M and supervised over 250,000 meters of drilling campaigns. His expertise spans greenfield and brownfield exploration, project management, QA/QC procedures, geochemistry, geophysics, and 3D geological modeling. At Jaguar Mining, he spearheaded the discovery of over 325,000 ounces of inferred mineral resources, while at Yamana Gold, his efforts contributed to adding over 7 million ounces of AuEq to the company’s mineral resources portfolio.

Research Interests

His research and professional interests revolve around mineral systems and targeting science, structural geology, geostatistics, and the integration of advanced geospatial technologies in mineral exploration. He is particularly focused on developing innovative methodologies for target screening, mineral prospectivity mapping, and integrating hyperspectral and geochemical datasets to enhance exploration decision-making processes.

Awards and Recognitions

He has received multiple recognitions for his impactful contributions, including leading technological innovations such as implementing portable-XRF analysis that reduced analytical response time by 80% and developing corporate database structures for multi-country operations. His achievements include advancing two greenfield projects to the mine development phase and receiving acknowledgment for his role in technological innovation, exploration efficiency, and strategic mineral resource expansion.

Publications

Cabral, A.R., da Costa, M.A., Oliveira, L., Hector, S., Zeh, A., Martins, M. de S., Moura, P., Silva, M., Nazareth, L.P.T., Silva, L.C. da, Amorim, L.E.D., Kwitko-Ribeiro, R., Araújo, G.D.S., Baeta, V.A.D., Lemos, T. de C., Porto, J.V.E., Ribeiro Jr, N.F., Soares, M.L.F., Waughan, G.D., et al. (2024). “The historical Corrente gold deposit, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Geological characteristics and a reconnaissance study of nugget effect.” Applied Earth Science – Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy, 134: 1–14. Citations: 1

Prudente de Melo, R., Farias de Oliveira, M.A., Goldfarb, R.J., Johnson, C.A., Marsh, E.E., Perez Xavier, R., Rocha de Oliveira, L., Morgan, L.E., et al. (2021). “Early Neoproterozoic Gold Deposits of the Alto Guaporé Province, Southwestern Amazon Craton, Western Brazil.” Economic Geology, 117: 127–163. Citations: 6 | 5

Medina, C.M., Fernando Ducart, D., Souza Passos, J., de Oliveira, L.R., et al. (2021). “Exploration Vectoring from the White Mica Spectral Footprint in the Atypical Auriferous Lavra Velha Deposit, San Francisco Craton, Brazil.” Ore Geology Reviews, 139: 104438. Citations: 5 | 5

Conclusion

Leandro Oliveira embodies technical excellence, leadership, and innovation in mineral exploration. His ability to bridge cutting-edge technology with traditional geological principles has not only expanded mineral resource portfolios but also optimized exploration workflows across international mining operations. With a global perspective gained through professional experiences in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, USA, and Canada, and proficiency in English and Spanish, he continues to make significant contributions to the field of economic geology and mineral resource development, aligning his work with best practices, safety standards, and sustainable exploration strategies.

Anne Replumaz | Real-world Case Studies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Data Analysis

Dr. Anne Replumaz | Real-world Case Studies | Best Researcher Award

Université Grenoble Alpes | France

Author  Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Anne Replumaz began her academic journey with a rigorous foundation in Earth Sciences. She entered the prestigious École Normale Supérieure de Cachan in 1990, followed by the Magistère Inter Universitaire des Sciences de la Terre in Paris (1991–1993). She then pursued a DEA at IPG Paris (1993–1994) and completed her Doctorate at IPG Paris between 1994 and 1999, under the guidance of renowned geologists R. Lacassin and P. Tapponnier. This early phase of her academic career firmly rooted her expertise in tectonics and geological modeling.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Replumaz has had a distinguished and progressive research career across top French institutions. She began as an ATER at LGIT Grenoble (1999–2001), followed by a Post-doctoral position at CEA-CNRS, Toulouse (2001–2002). From 2002 to 2007, she served as a CR2 Researcher at LST Lyon, then transitioned to CR1 Researcher roles at LGCA and ISTerre, Grenoble (2007–2023). In 2023, she was promoted to Chargée de Recherche Hors Classe (CRHC) at ISTerre, marking her as a senior figure in her field. Her professional advancement is marked by the attainment of the Habilitation à diriger des recherches (HDR) in 2014, confirming her capacity to lead doctoral research.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Replumaz’s research spans a comprehensive range of topics including continental deformation, fault dynamics, and crust-mantle interactions, with a geographic focus on Tibet and the Himalayas. She has led and contributed to multiple ANR and international research projects such as ANR Tibetan Orchestra and NSFC collaborations with China, investigating seismic hazards, exhumation processes, and tectonic activity. Her approach integrates field studies, analogue modeling, and thermochronology, reflecting a robust multi-disciplinary methodology.

Impact and Influence

Her scientific impact is demonstrated through sustained international collaborations, notably with institutions in China, Italy, the Netherlands, and Australia. She has co-supervised numerous PhD and Master students, many of whom have published in prestigious journals such as EPSL, GRL, Tectonics, and Geomorphology. She actively contributes to the scientific community through editorial work—serving as Associate Editor at Tectonics since 2023 and being recognized as one of AGU’s Outstanding Reviewers (2021). She routinely serves on national and international selection and evaluation panels (e.g., HCERES, CNU, SNSF), affirming her leadership and peer recognition.

Academic Cites

Dr. Replumaz has authored or co-authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications, many in top-tier geoscience journals such as Nature Geoscience, EPSL, Science, and PNAS. Her work is highly cited, especially in areas related to tectonic deformation in Asia, indicating a strong academic footprint and influence across the geodynamics community.

Technical Skills

She possesses advanced skills in geophysical modeling, thermochronological data analysis, and analog sand modeling experiments. Her ability to lead field missions in complex geological terrains, particularly in the Tibetan Plateau, underscores her hands-on expertise and technical leadership. She is also proficient in managing multinational research programs, coordinating budgets exceeding €100,000 annually.

Teaching Experience

Dr. Replumaz has contributed extensively to graduate education and doctoral training. She has been a key instructor in modules such as “Dynamique de la lithosphère” and “Imagerie profonde”, and played a leadership role in M1 internships and doctoral schools. Her teaching experience extends back to her time as an ATER, and she remains actively engaged in mentoring Master’s and PhD students.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As the Deputy Director of ISTerre (2025) and a long-time contributor to scientific strategy at OSUG and LabEx, Dr. Replumaz continues to shape the institutional and scientific future of French geoscience. She is also deeply committed to public engagement and scientific outreach, having led initiatives with secondary schools, media, and CNRS-sponsored events such as “Science is Wonderful” and Cosmocité. Her legacy includes both advancing seismic and tectonic research and fostering science communication across generations.

Publications

New constraints on the structure, thermochronology, and timing of the Ailao Shan‐Red River shear zone, SE Asia

Authors: PH Leloup, N Arnaud, R Lacassin, JR Kienast, TM Harrison, TTP Trong, et al.
Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth
Year: 2001

Reconstruction of the deformed collision zone between India and Asia by backward motion of lithospheric blocks

Authors: A Replumaz, P Tapponnier
Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth
Year: 2003

 4-D evolution of SE Asia’s mantle from geological reconstructions and seismic tomography

Authors: A Replumaz, H Karason, RD van der Hilst, J Besse, P Tapponnier
Journal: Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Year: 2004

 Large river offsets and Plio‐Quaternary dextral slip rate on the Red River fault (Yunnan, China)

Authors: A Replumaz, R Lacassin, P Tapponnier, PH Leloup
Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth
Year: 2001

Modeling the evolution of continental subduction processes in the Pamir–Hindu Kush region

Authors: AM Negredo, A Replumaz, A Villaseñor, S Guillot
Journal: Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Year: 2007