GEOL483-26S2 (C) Semester Two 2026

Environmental Geology and Mining

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 13 July 2026
End Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 26 July 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 27 September 2026

Description

Environmental geology is a wide field which applies geological and geochemical principles to environmental management. Even in the age of climate change awareness, the majority of the world's energy still comes from fossil fuels, the use of which presents many challenges, not only in exploration but also in the downstream environmental effects. In addition, green technology requires mining for precious metals which will continue or even increase. Electric vehicles require 3.6 times more copper than internal combustion engine cars. Other metals in demand include zinc, lithium, nickel and aluminium, among others. The downstream environmental effects, risks and consequences of mining for these resources should be understood and be part of managing anthropogenic effects on the environment. This course explores these fields largely in the context of mineral extraction activities.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

DRAFT TIMETABLE:

Please note that the 2026 timetable has not been finalised.

Scheduled days and times will be confirmed, following review, on 15th October.

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 09:00 - 11:00 Rehua 101 Lectorial
13 Jul - 23 Aug
7 Sep - 18 Oct

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Four critical evaluations of articles 20% Due Weeks 3, 5, 8, 10
Completion of a hypothetical problem 15% Due Week 6
Completion and presentation of a chosen relevant subject 15% Week 12
Final Exam (written) 50% Due date to be advised by Examinations Office in due course

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,335.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Earth and Environment on the departments and faculties page .

All GEOL483 Occurrences

  • GEOL483-26S2 (C) Semester Two 2026