OBITUARY

Ray Woodall died on 14/02/2021.

Born in Perth in 1930 to recent British migrants, Dr Roy Woodall AO FTSE FAA began work as junior clerk in the Hydraulics Division of the Public Works Department at 16.

He later completed his Bachelor of Science with honours at the University of Western Australia in 1953, and his Masters at the University of California in 1957.

Dr Woodall enjoyed a distinguished career with the Western Mining Corporation for nearly 50 years, working as a geologist (1953-1961), assistant chief geologist (1962- 67), chief geologist (1967-68), exploration manager (1968-78), director of exploration (1978-95) and non-executive director (1996- 2001). He was later director for Gympie Gold and Bendigo Mining.

Dr Woodall’s scientific approach to mineral exploration revolutionised the industry. He introduced a new method to remove quartz from bauxite, and closely studied rock formations to find the shape and composition of mineral deposits.

Dr Woodall contributed to the discovery of crucial deposits around the country, including Olympic Dam, the fourth largest copper deposit and largest uranium deposit in the world.

He was elected a Fellow of ATSE in 1977 and made many contributions over the lifetime of the Academy. In 1981 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to the mining industry, and he was awarded numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Centenary Medal.

An influential member of many mining organisations, the Australian Geoscience Council has honoured his legacy with the launch of the Roy Woodall Medal.

Dr Roy Woodall died on 15 February 2021. He is survived by his wife Barbara, ten children, 30 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.