Created by Business Development Manager, Stephen Alpers.
NewGenGold 2025 brought exploration geologists together for two days of real discovery stories, practical learning and genuine community spirit. The event highlighted that persistence still drives major finds, even in mature terrains, and showed strong interest in how digital tools can support better geological decisions.
NewGenGold 2025, held on November 18 and 19 in Perth, stood out as a genuine meeting place for exploration geologists who came not for sales pitches but for story sharing, technical learning and connection with peers who understand the grind of discovery. This is a conference built by geologists for geologists.
A reminder that discovery favours the patient
A strong theme emerged throughout the two days. Exploration is slow, methodical and often unpredictable, yet persistence continues to pay off. Many speakers shared timelines that stretched across decades. Several discoveries came from ground that had been drilled repeatedly and written off more than once. The message was clear, even in mature terrains, new ore bodies still hide in plain sight. They reveal themselves only after long cycles of incremental learning, data re-evaluation with fresh eyes, persistent curiosity, ongoing questioning, and patient fieldwork.
These stories resonated because they reflected the reality of exploration. With skills shortages, evolving technology and increasing pressure to make better use of geological data, the audience appreciated the reminder that discovery is still grounded in fundamental geological thinking supported by consistent effort.
Introducing Datarock to hands-on geologists
NewGenGold presented an opportunity and a challenge. The audience was made up mostly of site-based geologists, which was great to meet at the event. They are the people who log core in 40-degree heat, carry out mapping programs, fight patchy satellite connections to upload data, and consume data every day, yet they are not always the ones buying technology. Many had never seen Datarock’s tools in action.
The approach was to make the booth a hands-on space. Delegates were encouraged to try the Core Platform and the Chip app for themselves. Day one ended with Luisa joining a panel to discuss how digital tools can support confident geological decisions and lighten the load on busy exploration teams.
What comes next
With gold currently above $6,300 AUD and exploration budgets finally flowing again, the mood was unmistakably optimistic. The event was a reminder that the next big discovery will still be made by a geologist prepared to walk one more traverse, question one more assumption, and wait one more season. Technology only succeeds when it supports the people doing the work.
Our job at Datarock is to make sure that when the breakthrough moment arrives, nothing is missed because of slow logging, inconsistent descriptions, or data trapped in spreadsheets. Connecting with this community reinforces why our tools matter. At the end of the day, it is the persistence and expertise of geologists that drive discovery, and digital solutions work best when they fit naturally into that journey.
See you at NewGenGold 2027. Same spirit, better datasets.
