Building Geophysical Capacity in Latin America

"South America is a region with great potential in terms of energy transition, mining, and geothermal. I would like to be part of the next major discoveries in critical minerals and contribute to new technologies for future generations." Ana Curcio shares her journey from academia to industry and highlights the growing role of geophysics in South America’s energy and resource development. She explains the challenges of lithium brine exploration, the promise of geothermal energy, and the importance of connecting geophysics with engineering. Her insights show how geophysicists can play a key role in sustainable resource management and the energy transition. Read her article, "President's Page: Resources and geophysical opportunities in South America," on the SEG Library at https://doi.org/10.1190/tle41040228.1. For a continuing conversation on geophysics in Latin America, listen to episode 282 - https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-282-how-latin-america-is-shaping-the-next-era-of-geophysics/. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Geophysics must integrate with engineering to move exploration into production and add value to resource development. > Lithium brine and geothermal exploration in South America present both technical challenges and major opportunities for innovation. > Building stronger geophysical capacity in Latin America requires investment, education, and closer collaboration with local societies. GUEST BIO Ana Curcio is a Consultant at Proingeo SA and Professor at Buenos Aires University. She earned a Doctor of Engineering and has more than 15 years of experience in hydrocarbons, lithium, and mining. A former SEG Director-at-Large, she has held multiple leadership roles within SEG and currently serves on the board of the Argentinean Association of Petroleum Geologists and Geophysicists. Ana specializes in multiphysics integration for reservoir monitoring, brine prospecting, and anisotropy studies. She is fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Chinese. ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.