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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 or testing methods. Modern exploration is typically concept-oriented, given that the majority of outcropping ore deposits have already been located. 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 four weeks of the course, David Bell discusses metallic ores and related weathering products. David Nobes then addresses geophysical and geochemical exploration techniques in the next five weeks, and the course concludes with three weeks on ore reserves and mining methods by David Bell. Laboratory assignments form part of the metallic ore deposits and exploration techniques, and total 60% of the course grade.
Goal of the CourseGEOL337 introduces students to the fundamentals of mineral deposit formation, exploration and mining.Learning OutcomesStudents successfully completing this course will understand:advanced knowledge of selected ore deposit types, including genesis and exploration requirements; anda thorough understanding of non-seismic exploration techniques and applications; andconcept-oriented approaches in the analysis of geological data; andgeochemical exploration methods and geochemical data presentation/analysis; 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
David Nobes
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.
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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 ContentThe topics coved by this course are:Topic 1 Metallic Ores, Weathering & Detrital Gold (David Bell; 8 lectures)• Nature and formation of metallic ore deposits• Hydrothermal gold deposits, with examples• Detrital (alluvial) and placer gold deposits • Clay minerals & clay productsWeeks 8-11, February–MarchTopic 2 Geophysical & Geochemical Exploration Methods (David Nobes; 10 lectures)• Overview of an exploration programme• Non-seismic geophysical exploration methods• Geochemical exploration, data analysis & presentation• Exploration case studiesWeeks 12-13 and 17-19 March-May Topic 3 Surface and Underground Mining (David Bell; 6 lectures)• Overview of mining and mineral exploitation• Mining of unconsolidated deposits• Open-pit mining and ore recovery• Underground mining techniquesWeeks 20-22, May-June
Domestic fee $747.00
International fee $3,488.00
* 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 .