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Description
This module introduces students to the array of geological materials on Earth that are considered to be of economic interest. It covers why they are of value, how and where they form, how they are discovered and extracted, and the environmental implications of their extraction. Topics include magmatic and magmatic-hydrothermal systems, sedimentary ore forming processes, secondary enrichment in near surface deposits, kimberlites and diamond exploration, tectonic controls on ore formation, economic assessment of mineral deposits, mineral exploration techniques, and sustainability and the future of mining.
By the end of the course, students should:
- Appreciate the wide variety of mineral forming processes and their relationships to local geologic setting and global crustal evolution.
- Be able to critically analyse different models of ore body genesis and the factors that lead to ore body formation.
- Be able to identify key ore forming minerals in hand specimen and thin section.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how a mineral deposit is economically assessed.
- Understand a variety of exploration techniques and the economic and environmental considerations for resource extraction.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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