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Biostratigraphy and Geological Laboratory Techniques

This course covers the laboratory methods used to date, correlate and characterise rock strata for petroleum exploration, mining and groundwater investigations. Participants prepare core and cuttings samples, examine palynology and micropaleontology basics, interpret well log correlations and compile stratigraphic reports to standards used by South African and regional exploration laboratories, building practical skills that support drilling and resource decisions.

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What you will be able to do

  • Explain the principles of biostratigraphy and their application to petroleum and mineral exploration.
  • Describe standard procedures for preparing core, cuttings and outcrop samples for laboratory analysis.
  • Identify common microfossil groups used for age dating and stratigraphic correlation.
  • Apply correlation techniques to link well data across multiple boreholes.
  • Interpret palynological and micropaleontological results within a stratigraphic reporting framework.
  • Compile a laboratory report that supports geological and drilling decision making.

Course outline

  1. 01Principles of Biostratigraphy and Correlation
  2. 02Core and Cuttings Sample Preparation
  3. 03Palynology Sample Processing Techniques
  4. 04Micropaleontology Identification Basics
  5. 05Well Log and Stratigraphic Correlation
  6. 06Age Dating Methods and Limitations
  7. 07Reporting Standards for Exploration Laboratories
  8. 08Case Studies From African Basins

Who should attend

This course is designed for geologists, wellsite geologists, laboratory technicians, core analysts and exploration support staff working in petroleum, mining or groundwater programmes.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendarRegister
28 Sep to 2 Oct 2026Johannesburg5R18,000Closed
5 to 9 Oct 2026Cape Town5R18,000Register
12 to 16 Oct 2026Durban5R18,000Register
19 to 23 Oct 2026Pretoria5R18,000Register
26 to 30 Oct 2026Nairobi5US$1,800Register
2 to 6 Nov 2026Dar es Salaam5US$1,800Register
9 to 13 Nov 2026Lusaka5US$1,800Register
16 to 20 Nov 2026Harare5US$1,800Register
23 to 27 Nov 2026Accra5US$1,800Register
30 Nov to 4 Dec 2026Lagos5US$1,800Register
7 to 11 Dec 2026Dubai5US$1,800Register

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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