Bruce Phillip Webb

Bruce Phillip Webb was born on 16 November 1926 in New South Wales. Webb attended Sydney University and graduated in1947, with BSc (Hons). He joined North Broken Hill Ltd as a Field Assistant and during that time (1949 - 1950), completed one of the first geochemical surveys conducted in Australia. Webb furthered his studies at the University of Adelaide and was awarded an MSc.

In 1972, Webb became Director General of SA Department of Mines, a position he held until 1983. During this time Webb played an important part in the opening of the Cooper Basin oil and gas field. He was behind the introduction of improved licensing conditions which encouraged Western Mining Corporation to undertake exploration that led to the discovery of the Olympic Dam ore body.

Webb was also very interested and involved in tertiary education for students with prospects of joining the mining industry. He Chaired the South Australian Gartrell School of Mining, Metallurgy & Applied Geology from 1989 - 1994 while the School was being integrated into the newly established University of South Australia. He acted as Head of School from 1991 - 1994.

Bruce Webb was awarded a Doctorate by the University of South Australia in 1998. Through his involvement in tertiary education in South Australia, Webb had become a Member of the University of Adelaide Council in 1995 and was Chancellor from 1998 to 2000. Bruce Webb was recognised as one of Australia's best known and respected mining geologists who worked well with the business world. He died in Adelaide on 10 March 2000, aged 73 years.

The Bruce Webb Medal for leadership on earth sciences is awarded by the Geological Society of Australia.