The innovative fundraiser offers a one-day course in applied lithogeochemistry with Perth-based Scott Halley of Mineral Mapping.

Every cent from the $A1000 course fee will go the Prostate Cancer Foundation. CET director Cam McCuaig said the centre was delighted to be supporting the initiative.

“This is an exceptional opportunity on many levels. Scott is a world-leader in the emerging field of applied lithogeochemistry, which is revolutionising the way we explore for orebodies,” he said.

“Participants in the course will be exposed to be best practices in the world and learn how they can use these new techniques for themselves.

“The course is very keenly priced, and all fees will be used to fight prostate cancer. There are over 20,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Australia each year and more than 3000 deaths.

“We also hope the initiative will help to raise awareness right across the mining industry and encourage men to have their prostate checked.”

Halley said he was eager to give his time to the cause after his own recent experience with prostate cancer.

“The fundraiser is just as much about asking men to be more mindful of their health and recognise their risk factors,” he said.

“Guys in our business are in a demographic that puts them more at risk, especially with a FIFO lifestyle.

“For me personally, if my father had not had prostate cancer, I never would have bothered with a test and it would have been too late.”

To register for the course, email Halley at minmap@westnet.com.au

The course was planned for Friday July 24, and all 20 places on offer were taken up within a week of being advertised. A second session is now planned for Thursday, July 23, and places are still available.

If lithogeochemistry is not your thing, you can still support the Prostate Cancer Foundation by taking part in the Perth to Margaret River Prostate Cancer Awareness Cycle.

The event is Perth’s biggest team cycling event and will take place on September 11 and 12. Registrations close 30 June. For more information, go to http://www.prostateactive.com/