Geology

Geology

Professor ‌(Emeritus)

PhD University of Cape Town
MSc, BSc (Hons)  University of Natal

phone: +27 (0)82 3239768

e-mail: j.harmer(at)ru.ac.za

Research Interests

• Rare Earth Element and related critical metal deposits
• Petrogenesis and crustal evolution of carbonatite magmas; late magmatic to hydrothermal processes in carbonatites and controls on REE-P-Nb mineralisation
• Mineralisation processes in magmatic rocks: controls on PGE mineralisation in the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex; evolution and mineralisation in the felsic components of the Bushveld Complex (Rooiberg Group volcanics and Lebowa granites)
• Applications of isotope geochemistry in constraining mineralisation processes, developing exploration vectors and prospect prioritisation

Society Memberships & Professional Registration

• Fellow – Society of Economic Geologists
• Fellow – Geological Society of South Africa
• Registered Professional National Scientist – South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions

Selected Publications

Tanner, B., McDonald,I, Harmer,R.E, Muir,D.D., Hughes, H.S.R (2019). A record of assimilation preserved by exotic minerals in the lowermost platinum-group element deposit of the Bushveld Complex: The Volspruit Sulphide Zone. Lithos, 324-325, 584-608.

McFall,K, McDonald,I, Tanner,B, Harmer,R.E (2019). The mineralogy and mineral associations of platinum-group elements and precious metals in the Aurora Cu-Ni-Au-PGE deposit, Northern Limb, Bushveld Complex. Ore Geology Reviews, 106, 403-422.

McDonald, I., R.E. Harmer, D.A. Holwell, H.S.R. Hughes, A.J. Boyce (2017). Cu-Ni-PGE mineralisation at the Aurora Project and potential for a new PGE province in the Northern Bushveld Main Zone. Ore Geology Reviews, 80, 1135–1159.

Harmer, R.E. and Nex, P.A.M. (2016). Rare Earth Deposits of Africa, Episodes, 39/2, 381-406.

Gose, W.A., R.E. Hanson, R.E. Harmer, E.K. Seidel (2013). Reconnaissance paleomagnetic studies of Mesoproterozoic alkaline igneous complexes in the Kaapvaal craton, South Africa. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 85, 22–30.

Hanson, R.E., R.E. Harmer, T.G. Blenkinsop, D.S. Bullen, I.W.D. Dalziel, W.A. Gose, R.P. Hall, A.B. Kampunzu, R.M. Key, J. Mukwakwami, H. Munyanyiwa, J.A. Pancake, E.K. Seidel, S.E. Ward. (2006) Mesoproterozoic intraplate magmatism in the Kalahari Craton: A review. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 46, 141-167.

Gittins, J., R.E. Harmer, D.S. Barker. (2005). The bimodal composition of carbonatites: Reality or misconception? Lithos, 85, 129-139.

Harmer, R.E. (1999). The petrogenetic association of carbonatite and alkaline magmatism: Constraints from the Spitskop Complex, South Africa. Journal of Petrology, 40, 525-548.

Harmer, R.E., Lee, C.A. and Eglington, B.M. (1998). A deep mantle source for carbonatite magmatism: evidence from the nephelinites and carbonatites of the Buhera district, SE Zimbabwe. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 158, 131-142.

Harmer, R.E. and Gittins, J. (1998). The case for primary, mantle-derived carbonatite magmas.  Journal of Petrology,  39, 1895-1903.

Harmer, R.E. and Gittins, J. (1997). The Origin of Dolomitic Carbonatites: Field and Experimental Constraints. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 25, 5-24.

Harmer, R.E., Auret, J.M. and Eglington, B.M. (1995).  Lead isotope variations within the Bushveld Complex, Southern Africa: a reconnaissance study. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 21, 595-606.

Harmer, R.E., Farrow, D. (1995).  An isotopic study on the volcanics of the Rooiberg Group: Implications for the age and mineralisation potential.  Mineralium Depositum, 30, 188-195.

Von Gruenewaldt, G. and Harmer, R.E. (1992). Tectonic Setting of Proterozoic Layered Intrusions with Special Reference to the Bushveld Complex. in K.C.Condie (ed.), Proterozoic Magmatism, Elsevier, 537pp, 181-213.

Harmer, R.E. and Von Gruenewaldt, G. (1990). A review of magmatism associated with the Transvaal Basin - implications for its tectonic setting.  S. Afr. J. Geol., 94, 104-122.

Harmer, R.E. and Eglington, B.M. (1990). A Review of the Stat­istical Principles of Geochronometry: Towards a more consistent approach for reporting geochrono­logical data. S. Afr. J. Geol., 93, 845-856.

Twist, D. and Harmer, R.E. (1987) Geochemistry of contrasting siliceous magmatic suites in the Bushveld Complex:  Genetic aspects and implications for tectonic discrimination diagrams.  J. Volc. Geoth. Res., 32, 83-98.

Hatton, C.J., Harmer, R.E. and Sharpe, M.R. (1985) The  petrogenesis of the middle group of chromitite layers,  Doornvlei, eastern Bushveld Complex. in Gallagher, M.J., Ixer,  R.A., Neary, C.R. and Prichard, H.M.: Metallogeny of Basic and  Ultrabasic Rocks, IMM, London, 241-247.

Harmer, R.E. and Sharpe, M.R. (1985) Field Relations and Strontium Isotope Systematics of the Marginal Rocks of the Eastern Bushveld Complex. Economic Geology, 80, 813-837.