Use the Tab and Up, Down arrow keys to select menu items.
Nature and origin of metallic ore deposits and how to find them, with emphasis on geophysical and geochemical exploration. Mining methods and mining geology.
Mineral Exploration encompasses many of those areas of geology within which many university graduates find employment, and specialist postgraduate courses are recommended for those wishing to pursue professional careers in these disciplines. Geochemical and geophysical exploration techniques are widely used in the location of orebodies by identifying chemical and/or physical anomalies that justify follow-up by drilling and other sampling/testing methods. Modern exploration is typically concept-oriented, given that the majority of outcropping ore deposits have already been located, and an understanding of ore genesis models is critical to the identification of geological environments in which particular ores or non-metallic deposits might be found. GEOL242 provides useful and important background material.In the first part of the course, Paul Siratovich discusses Petroleum Geology, including occurrence of oil and gas, appropriate exploration techniques with emphasis on well logging, and brief consideration of petroleum exploitation. David Bell then discusses stratiform-type mineralisation and hydrothermal gold in New Zealand, as well alluvial gold deposits and recovery, and this is followed with a series of lectures on metalliferous exploration techniques. The course concludes with a consideration of surface and underground mining methods.
Students successfully completing this course will understand:advanced knowledge of selected ore deposit types, including genesis and exploration requirements; anda thorough understanding of petroleum geology, exploration techniques, and resource evaluation; andconcept-oriented approaches in the analysis of geological data; andgeochemical exploration methods and geochemical data presentation/analysis; anda brief introduction to geophysical mineral exploration methods; andthe range of surface and underground mining techniques; andthe role of geology in mine design and operation.
GEOL242 and 15 points from GEOL243-245.
David Bell
Paul Siratovich
Evans, Anthony M; Ore Geology and Industrial Minerals : An Introduction ; 3rd ed; John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2009.
Evans, Anthony M. , Barrett, William L; Introduction to mineral exploration ; Blackwell Science, 1995.
Kearey, P. , Brooks, M., Hill, Ian; An introduction to geophysical exploration ; 3rd ed. ; Blackwell Science, 2002.
Milsom, John; Field geophysics ; 3rd ed; J. Wiley, 2003.
Moon, Charles. et al; Introduction to mineral exploration ; 2nd ed; John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2009.
Robb, L. J; Introduction to ore-forming processes ; Blackwell Pub, 2005.
Library portal
Goal of the CourseGEOL337 introduces students to the fundamentals of mineral deposit formation, exploration and mining.Relationship of GEOL337 to other CoursesGEOL331 (Principles of Basin Analysis) and GEOL338 (Engineering and Mining Geology) complement GEOL337. GEOL331 covers seismic reflection surveying and interpretation for basin analysis, whereas GEOL337 includes the non-seismic geophysical exploration methods which are used for mineral exploration. GEOL338 provides an introduction to engineering and environmental geology, with emphasis on site investigations and mining geotechnics.
Summary of the Course ContentTopic 1 Petroleum Geology (Paul Siratovich; 8 lectures)• Nature and formation of petroleum deposits• Geochemical and geophysical exploration methods• Drilling and logging techniques for petroleum • Building a prospect, including resource evaluation Weeks 1 – 4, February–MarchTopic 2 Metallic Ores, Detrital Gold and Clays (David Bell; 6 lectures)• Stratiform and stratabound ore deposits, with examples• Hydrothermal gold deposits, with examples• Detrital (alluvial) and placer gold deposits• Clay minerals and clay deposits Weeks 5. 6 & 10, March-April Topic 3 Metalliferous Exploration Techniques (David Bell; 6 lectures)• Principal methods of mineral exploration• Geochemical exploration & data analysis• Introduction to geophysical exploration• Drilling & resource/reserve establishment Weeks 11 – 13, MayTopic 4 Surface and Underground Mining (David Bell; 4 lectures)• Overview of mining and mineral explotation• Mining of unconsolidated deposits• Open-pit mining and ore recovery• Underground mining techniquesWeeks 14 & 15, May-June
Domestic fee $718.00
International fee $3,350.00
* 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 Geological Sciences .