Former Australian boss at Rio Tinto and Normany Mining, Dr Ian Gould, will deliver this year’s Essington Lewis Memorial Lecture.

One of the most prestigious lectures on the resources sector calendar, it is named in honour of the one of the founding fathers of the Australian resources sector, and a former Chief Executive and Chairman of BHP.

Gould, today the Chancellor of the University of South Australia, has chosen the topic; “Letting the Rocks Speak”, for the 39th Lecture at the Allan Scott Auditorium on the University’s City West Campus on Friday, 25 October 2013.

“Dr Ian Gould needs little introduction to the international and national resources sector, given his distinguished 40-plus year corporate and academic career,” said Ric Horn, Chair of AusIMM (Adelaide branch), the organisers of the lecture.

“His acceptance as keynote speaker continues a long and successful tradition of attracting eminent figures to deliver lectures at this prestigious annual industry event.

“Dr Gould’s lecture will be a thought-provoking look at the important role geology has played, and will continue to play in our future, and to amplify its voice through research and exploration.”

Essington Lewis was instrumental in the development of BHP.

His role in co-ordinating Australian industry’s response to the demands of the World War Two effort is less recognised, but no less important.

Previous speakers include Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation former Chairman, Dr Ziggy Switkowski, prominent Australian geologist and lecturer, Professor Ian Plimer, and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer.