Module GL4419: Economic Geology
| Co-ordinator: | Dr David Chew |
|---|---|
| Course Type: | Optional |
| Assessment: | Theory examination (60%), in-course assessments (40%) |
| ECTS: | 5 Credits |
| Prerequisites: | JS Geology |
Contact hours & timing:
| Seven hours per week |
Module Learning Aims:
To gain a broad understanding of the occurrence of the most important types of metal ore deposits. The students learn to identify the most important ore minerals and alteration assemblages and are introduced to core logging. They will become familiar with the petrogenetic environments in which ore deposits form and will be introduced to the economics of mineral exploration.
Module Content:
The module introduces the various types of metal ore deposits with an emphasis on base metals, including Irish zinc deposits. For each type of deposit, students will be exposed to the most common ore minerals in hand specimen, and for selected types, drill cores containing relevant rock types. Deposit types will be explained in the petrologic context that most commonly hosts the ores. Finally, the strategies for mineral exploration and the economics of mineral exploration and production will be explained with case studies.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• identify typical ore minerals and alteration associations
• explain how the major types of ore deposits form and identify describe the issues of critical raw metals
• devise strategies for mineral exploration and analyse the economic factors controlling the viability of mineral exploration and production