QUALIFICATIONS:

GCE 'O' LEVELS - (Malvern Hall School, Solihull, 1974-79): English (A), Mathematics (C), Physics (B), Chemistry (B), Biology (A), Geography (A), Literature (C).

GCE 'A' LEVELS - (Solihull Sixth Form College, 1979-81): Geology (A), Chemistry (B).

HONOURS DEGREE - (University of Wales, Aberystwyth, 1981-85): Geology (2.2).

Full clean Driving Licence.

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH DEGREE - University of Wales, Aberystwyth: external M.Phil degree awarded 1994. Thesis: A Regional Paragenesis for the Central Wales Orefield.

GEOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY: 1996-present

Since 1996 I have undertaken a variety of consultancy work chiefly in connection with Welsh metallogenesis in a number of contexts:

INTERPRETATION

Forest Enterprise:

The possibility of a geological trail incorporating several GCR sites in Coed Y Brenin (NE of Dolgellau) was conceived some time ago. In 2002-2003 I designed and wrote the trail guide and interpretation panels: the trail officially opens in May 2004. This is I believe the first geological trail in any Forest Enterprise woodland. The trail looks at various mineral deposits related to volcanism in early Ordovician times and includes the well-known Coed Y Brenin porphyry-copper deposit, discovered by Riofinex Ltd in the 1960s. Part of the work involved excavating an exposure of the "ore-zone" of this deposit.

Spirit of the Miners:

During 2006 and 2007 I was involved in a number of interpretation projects commissioned by Spirit of the Miners - the Ceredigion Uplands Regeneration Initiative. The initiative is managed by Ceredigion County Council and is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, the European Objective 1 programme and the Countryside Council for Wales. My input comprised writing a bilingual colour booklet on the mines and minerals of the area, plus the design, layout and text for 6 bilingual interpretation panels, for projects involving Central Wales RIGS, Trefeurig Community Council, CADW, CCW and the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust. The panels are sited at the following mines: Cwmystwyth, Cwmsymlog, Cwmrheidol and at the remains of the Pont Ceunant Generating Station near Frongoch.

GeoMon (Anglesey Geopark Project):

I designed and built the website for this organisation (www.geomon.org.uk) in 2006, and continue to manage it to the present day. The site offers a growing and comprehensive guide to the rather complex and often controversial geology of the island.

CONSERVATION & RESEARCH

National Museums and Galleries of Wales:

Early 1996 saw the initiation of the MINESCAN project, for which I was taken on as a consultant responsible to Dr Richard Bevins of the Department of Geology, National Museums and Galleries of Wales, Cardiff. The work involved an initial desktop study in order to rationalise various listings of disused Welsh metal mines. Simultaneously, a set of weighted criteria was developed, against which the mineralogical/metallogenic interest of the minesites could be assessed, resulting in each site being awarded a numerical score. The scoring system was designed to determine whether the sites were of sufficient quality to be incorporated. into the Mineralogy Block of the Geological Conservation Review (GCR). Set up by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), the GCR programme was implemented to afford sites of national geological importance statutory protection as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Following this initial phase of MINESCAN, I was briefed to undertake the assessments of over 1000 Welsh mine and mineral sites on a county-by-county basis. The work, financially sponsored by the Countryside Council for Wales, involved field surveys, follow-up laboratory work and database compilation with, finally, recommendations on the status of each site in terms of GCR significance. Thus, 1996 saw Dyfed & Powys mines examined, 1997 was spent in Gwynedd, 1998 in Clwyd and 1999 in Glamorgan & Gwent. The work has resulted in an unprecedented detailed regional view of metallogenesis in Wales, from which various publications are continuing to be generated. In 1999 I was also commissioned to co-author the Welsh chapter of the GCR mineralogy/ metallogenesis volume, the first draft of which was completed in March 2000.

In 2000-2002 I worked on the recently donated J.W.G. Gilbey PhD collection of polished sections and rock samples collected in the Dolgellau Gold-belt in the 1960s. I also did a lot of other research into Welsh Mineralogy, using the new Scanning Electron Microscope to image and analyse new discoveries.

In 2004-2005 I worked extensively in writing the text for the second edition of A Mineralogy of Wales - first published as a book in 1994. This heavily revised version, with lots of new data, was published not as a book but as a website within the National Museum's main website. The results of this major project may be seen at http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/mineralogy_of_wales/.

In 2006 I was made an Honourary Research Fellow of the Museum.

Welsh RIGS groups:

From 2005 onwards I have been working with groups in Gwynedd, Clwyd, Pembrokeshire and Central Wales inputting site data into RIGS documentation. RIGS stands for Regionally Important Geological Sites, which are localities of educational or research use. Part of a team of specialist geologists, the sites I am covering in these areas are flagged-up for their mineralogical and/or metallogenic features. Documentation is held on a central database and is also passed on when complete to the relevant Planning Authorities.

Richards, Moorehead and Laing Ltd:

In 1997, I was commissioned to undertake a field-survey, and provide a database and report, on a number of disused metal mines in the SW Shropshire Orefield, as part of a feasibility study into their partial reclamation. The work, in the MINESCAN idiom, involved assessment and delineation of any areas of mineralogical importance at the sites specified.

Symonds Group:

In 1999, I was contracted by this consultancy firm to undertake the mineralogical assessment of features exposed in a working quarry in Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire. The work involved the rope-access inspection of a 60m rock-face, collection of samples, assessment and compilation of a report. The aim of the work was to assess whether features examined in the face were of sufficient scientific interest to warrant being made accessible as part of the afteruse plan upon closure of the quarry.

MINERAL EXPLORATION

Cambrian Goldfields Ltd:

From 1997-2005 I was attached to this junior exploration company, as consultant geologist, mineralogist and webmaster. The company was active in the Dolgellau Gold-belt, Gwynedd, North Wales, where they held a Crown Exploration Licence over an area exceeding 150km, including many old gold-mines, a number of which were reassessed. In 1999, the Company took on a Crown Exploration Licence over the Clogau gold-mine, historically the most productive in the area. The occurrence of gold in the Dolgellau area is strictly constrained by an interactive set of geological parameters, so that detailed geological modelling is the most successful exploration tool in locating ore-zones which, although small in extent, may grade at many kilograms/tonne. It is the evaluation of the geological controls upon such 'bonanza' deposits that is the chief task of any exploration geologist attached to such a project.

OTHER (NON-GEOLOGICAL) ONGOING WORK:

SEVERE WEATHER RESEARCH & PHOTOGRAPHY

Dyfi Valley & Welsh Weather Slide-Library

In the closing years of the 20th Century, I became interested in severe (particularly convective) weather - squall lines, thunderstorms, tornadoes and so on. When time is available and conditions are right I analyse online data and intercept storms armed with a camera. The results are posted on my popular Welsh storms blog at www.geologywales.co.uk/storms.

In 2007 I spent a lot of time professionally digitising my collection of photographic slides. From the best of these (ca. 350 images) I compiled an online slide-library, searchable either by geography or by weather-type. This ongoing project offers prints (up to large format) and digital images for multimedia use. Already a very comprehensive photographic resource on the Machynlleth and Dyfi Valley area and on Welsh weather, it is anticipated to expand by at least 50 images per annum, assisted by the recent acquisition of a pro-quality Nikon D300 DSLR. The Slide-library may also be accessed from the above link.

TV and Radio

I have appeared in several weather-related programmes in recent years for BBC1 (including Countryfile - launching its weather photography competition), BBC Wales, ITV Wales, national and local radio.

TORRO

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation is a privately supported research body, serving the national and international public interest. Founded in 1974, data-collection, research and co-ordination is undertaken by the Directors of TORRO, supported by some 400 observers, investigators and other contributors. Most supporters are British, with a smaller number from elsewhere in Europe and across the world.

Work by all TORRO personnel - the Directors (of which I am one), Executives, European Representatives - and all members and supporters is undertaken voluntarily. TORRO Staff are composed of professional and amateur meteorologists, with academic qualifications ranging from nothing to doctorates: the only requirements are an interest in the subject area, enthusiasm and a desire to add to the body of scientific knowledge relating to our changeable and at times spectacular climate.

UK WEATHERWORLD

UKww, as it is known, is a popular online weather forum based in the UK, with over 6000 members. I became involved with the site many years ago, and am now part of the Management Team, with specific responsibility for running the Warnings Team, where a small group of experienced amateur forecasters discuss forthcoming severe weather events and issue Watches and Warnings accordingly. This is a voluntary position.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Cyberspace:

In 2000 I completed a Web Design course at Cyberspace, Machynlleth's Cyber Cafe and I.T. Centre. I then worked there on a part-time basis, until it closed, and now based at home I do freelance web design, with a number of (non-geological) regular customers. Although I have used Flash and similar by request, I prefer straightforward uncluttered sites which convey the information the viewer is looking for quickly and effectively, with straightforward navigation an absolute must! I am also fluent in Photoshop, Quark Xpress and other graphics/DTP software.

CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS:

I maintain an ongoing active interest into all aspects of Welsh metallogenesis and mineralogy, with particular emphasis on the metallogenic evolution of the Welsh Caledonides. I am also involved with further research into vein-type gold mineralisation in Scotland. The central theme to much of my research is that it is essential to understand the paragenesis of a mineral deposit prior to undertaking, and interpreting, mineral-specific data. I also actively support the UK Journal of Mines and Minerals, a comparatively new publication which has improved immeasurably (and consequently now appears in Mineralogical Abstracts) since it first appeared in the mid-1980s. The major advantage of this journal is its extensive use of colour illustrations - of vital importance a) when illustrating minerals whose field identification is partly based on colour and b) when illustrating rare ore-minerals in polished section, particularly when they have colourful and diagnostic anisotropy.

I also take an active interest in media geology, and in this context, in 1999 I designed and set up an exhibition, 'Elementals', in the Welsh Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth, Mid-Wales. The aim of the exhibition was, through the combined media of art and science, to portray the Archaean-Holocene geological evolution of Mid-Wales, and its palaeoenvironmental relevance to current issues affecting humanity. Visitors' comments indicate that this aim was achieved.

EARLIER WORK EXPERIENCE TO 1995

Field Assistant (Mineral Reconnaissance Programme, British Geological Survey, 1988-89): Regional and specific area surveys for gold, platinoids and base metals, mainly in Scotland (Ochils, Glen Clova, Loch Ailsh) involving drainage, soil, deep overburden and rock sampling supplemented by geophysical surveys and diamond drilling. Additionally gained experience at BGS Keyworth in all aspects of sample preparation for analysis.

Project Geologist (Colby Resources Corporation of Vancouver, 1989-91): Regional and specific area surveys for gold in the Scottish Dalradian involving similar techniques to the BGS work plus liaison with estate owners and Crown agents, geological mapping, trenching of auriferous veins and the sinking of an open stope on a particularly rich vein at the Calliachar Burn prospect. Promoted to managing field geologist in 1990; corporate (& therefore field) operations ceased in late 1991.

General geologist (self-employed, 1991-95): Based in Central Wales and undertaking a variety of contracts, including rock face demolition & stabilisation (Constitution Hill, Aberystwyth, for Posford Duvivier Ltd, Welshpool Quarry for Richards Moorehead & Laing Ltd); minesite surveys (for Richards, Moorehead & Laing Ltd); emergency dewatering of mineworkings and underground drainage maintenance (National Rivers Authority Welsh Region); exploration for baryte at Cothercott, SW Shropshire (Colin Stewart Minchem Ltd); shotfiring & rock blasting for seismic surveys, farm roads, foundations etc (SJS Hughes Mining Services); archival geological research of planned windfarm sites (Dulas Engineering Ltd).

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS (in chronological order):

Mason, J.S. and Hughes, S.J.S. 1990. Geology of the Darren District. In: Hughes, S.J.S. The Darren Mines. British Mining, Northern Mine Research Society, 40, 131-141.

Mason, J.S. 1992. Wulfenite in the British Isles. Part Two: Wales. U.K. Journal of Mines and Minerals, 11, 38-41.

Mason, J.S. 1994. A Regional Paragenesis for the Central Wales Orefield. Unpublished MPhil thesis, University of Wales.

Mason, J.S. and Rust, S.A. 1995. An unusual occurrence of arsenate minerals at Gwaith-yr-Afon mine, Dyfed, Wales. Journal of the Russell Society, 5, 109-113.

Mason, J.S., and Green, D.I. 1995. Supergene minerals including exceptional ramsbeckite from Penrhiw Mine, Ystumtuen, Dyfed. U.K. Journal of Mines & Minerals, 15, 21-27.

Mason, J.S., and Green, D.I. 1996: Supergene copper mineralisation in situ at Lodge Park Copper Trial, Dyfed. U.K. Journal of Mines & Minerals, 17, 19-23.

Mason, J.S. 1997. Regional polyphase and polymetallic vein mineralisation in the Caledonides of the Central Wales Orefield. Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy (Section B: Applied Earth Science), 106, B135-B144.

Mason, J.S. and Rust, S.A. 1997. The Mineralogy of Ystrad Einion Mine, Dyfed, Wales. U.K. Journal of Mines and Minerals, 18, 33-36.

Mason, J.S., Fitches, W.R. and Bevins, R.E. 1998. Pre-tectonic auriferous vein-type mineralisation in North Wales. In: Abstracts volume, Geoscience '98 conference (London: Geological Society, 1998), 147.

Mason, J.S. 1998. Tucekite, a mineral new to Britain, and other rare ore minerals from the Central Wales Orefield. U.K. Journal of Mines and Minerals, 19, 30-36.

Mason, J.S., Fitches, W.R and Bevins, R.E. 1999. Evidence for a pre-tectonic origin for the auriferous vein-type mineralisation in the Dolgellau Gold-belt, North Wales. Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy (Section B, Applied earth science), 108, B45-B52.

Mason, J.S. and Bevins, R.E. 2002. St Elvis Mine, Solva, Pembrokeshire: Another Elizabethan tetrahedrite occurrence? British Mining 71, 5-12, Northern Mines Research Society.

Mason, J.S., Bevins, R.E and Alderton, D.H.M. 2002. Ore Mineralogy of the mesothermal gold lodes of the Dolgellau Gold Belt, North Wales. Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy (Section B, Applied earth science), 111, B203-B214.

Mason, J.S. 2004. The development and preservation of supergene lead mineralisation in Central Wales. UK Journal of Mines and Minerals, 24, 35-46.

Rust, S.A, and Mason, J.S., 1988. The minerals of Esgair-Hir mine, Dyfed, Wales. U.K. Journal of Mines & Minerals, 5, 35-43.

Pattrick, R.A.D., Mason, J.S. and Gallagher, M.J. 1991: Auriferous structures in the Upper Dalradian near Aberfeldy, Scotland. In: Abstracts volume, Prospecting in areas of glaciated terrain, Edinburgh 1991, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London.

Swainbank, I.G, Colman, T.B, Fletcher, C.J. and Mason, J.S. 1992. Multiple sources for lead mineralisation in the Caledonian terrane of Wales. In: Abstracts volume, Mineral Deposit Modelling in relation to crustal reservoirs of the ore-forming elements. Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London 1992.

Green, D.I., Rust, S.A. and Mason, J.S. 1996. Frongoch Mine, Dyfed. U.K. Journal of Mines & Minerals, 17, 29-38.

Bevins, R.E., Mason, J.S. and Wood, M. 1996. MINESCAN - WALES: Specimen acquisition and site conservation. Acta Mineralogica-Petrographica, Szeged, XXXVIII, Supplementum, 14.

Bevins, R.E. and Mason, J.S. 1997: Welsh Metallophyte and Metallogenic evaluation project: Results of a Minesite Survey of Dyfed and Powys. National Museums & Galleries of Wales.

Bevins, R.E. and Mason, J.S., 1998: Welsh Metallophyte and Metallogenic evaluation project: Results of a Minesite Survey of Gwynedd. National Museums & Galleries of Wales.

Bevins, R.E. and Mason, J.S. 1999. MINESCAN - Selection Criteria for Mineral Site Conservation. In: Barettino, D., Vallejo, M. and Gallego, E. (Eds): Towards the Better Management of the Geological Heritage in the New Millennium, Madrid, Spain, pp. 21-23.

Bevins, R.E. and Mason, J.S., 1999: Welsh Metallophyte and Metallogenic evaluation project: Results of a Minesite Survey of Clwyd. National Museums & Galleries of Wales.

Bevins, R.E. and Mason, J.S., 2000: Welsh Metallophyte and Metallogenic evaluation project: Results of a Minesite Survey of Glamorgan and Gwent. National Museums & Galleries of Wales.