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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.
Geothermal (or hydrothermal) processes are not only important in the extraction of heat as an energy resource, but they are responsible for the genesis and formation of an important class of economic ore bodies. Geothermal and Ore-forming systems require heat, fluids and permeability for the fluids to transport the heat and solutes (i.e. metals). Both Energy and 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 locating and characterising geothermal reservoirs and ore bodies by identifying chemical and/or physical anomalies that justify follow-up by drilling and other sampling or testing methods. Modern exploration is typically interdisciplinary (i.e. geology, geochemistry, geophysics), concept-oriented and model-driven, whether the buried resource is obvious from the surface geology or hidden. In addition, these conceptual models are paramount to the management (sustainable, economical, environmental) of the resources. In this course, you will learn about the geologic processes involved in forming geothermal and ore resources, as well as the techniques used to define, characterise and explore the resource.In the first six weeks of the course, we discuss hydrothermal geology with links to geothermal systems and the processes that lead to the genesis and formation of metallic ores. In the following six weeks, we focus on the formation of ore deposits and geochemical and geophysical exploration techniques including geostatistics used to define resources. Laboratory assignments will be assessed throughout the course and total 60% of the course grade.TimetableLectures: 2 lectures per week. Laboratories: 1 x 2.5 hour lab per week.
Prerequisites:GEOL242 is a required pre-requisite, along with 15 points from GEOL243-245.Goal of the Course:GEOL337 introduces students to the fundamentals of geothermal and ore-forming process and their exploration.Learning OutcomesStudents successfully completing this course will be able to:define and explain Geothermal Energyexplain the geologic controls of geothermal systemsexplain permeability and its role in mass and heat transfer in the crustdraw geothermal conceptual models from well data and field observationsunderstand how geothermal energy is createdunderstand how hydrothermal processes are related to ore genesiscan identify and classify ore minerals and textures under the microscope and how they formeddescribe selected ore deposit types in detail and their exploration requirementschoose between appropriate geochemical exploration methods and geochemical data presentation/analysis; geostatisticsSummary of the Course ContentThe topics coved by this course are:Topic 1 - Geothermal Systems (Darren Gravley, 8 lectures; Tom Powell 4 lectures)Geothermal energyGeothermal systems: geologic contextMagmatic-hydrothermal processesPermeability: scales and controlsGeothermal chemistry and alterationGeothermal system mass and heat transferConceptual geothermal modelGeothermal utilisation & explorationTopic 2 - Ore-forming Processes and Exploration (David Bell, 12 lectures)Type of Ore-forming environmentsNature and formation of metallic ore depositsOre (alteration) mineralogyGeochemical and Geophysical exploration techniquesGeostatistics (data analysis and presentation) Geologic model case studies
GEOL242 and 15 points from GEOL243-246.
Darren Gravley
David Bell
Assessment:LaboratoryGeothermal 30%Ore 30%Examination: Date TBA in mid-year exam period 40%
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.
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.
Rowland, J.V. and Simmons, S.F; Hydrolic, magmatic and tectonic controls on hydrothermal flow, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand ; Economic Geology, 2012.
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GENERAL INFORMATIONMarks and GradesThe Department of Geological Sciences uses the following scale to convert marks into grades:100 – 90 A+ 75 – 79 B+ 60 – 64 C+89 – 85 A 70 – 74 B 55 – 59 C84 – 80 A- 65 – 69 B- 50 – 54 C- Below 50 D/EThe Department of Geological Sciences reserves the right to adjust this mark/grade conversion, when deemed necessary.Late WorkIt is the policy for this course that late work is not accepted. Or, late work should be accompanied with a detailed explanation of why the work is late. The work will be marked and marks will be subtracted for each day the work is late. Days late include week-end and holidays. Academic LiaisonAlex Nichols (room 321, HUalex.nichols@canterbury.ac.nzUH, phone (03) 364 2987 ext 94410) is in charge of liaison with students in geology courses. Each year level will appoint a student representative(s) to the liaison committee at the start of the semester. Please feel free to talk to the Academic Liaison or the student rep about any problems or concerns that you might have.Students with DisabilitiesStudents with disabilities should speak with someone at Disability Resource Service. Their office is on Level 2 of the Puaka-James Hight Building (Central Library). Phone: +64 3 369 3334 or ext 93334, email: disabilities@canterbury.ac.nzPolicy on Dishonest PracticePlagiarism, collusion, copying and ghost writing are unacceptable and dishonest practices.• Plagiarism is the presentation of any material (text, data, figures or drawings, on any medium including computer files) from any other source without clear and adequate acknowledgement of the source.• Collusion is the presentation of work performed in conjunction with another person or persons, but submitted as if it has been completed only by the names author(s). • Copying is the use of material (in any medium, including computer files) produced by another person(s) with or without their knowledge and approval.• Ghost writing is the use of another person(s) (with or without payment) to prepare all or part of an item submitted for assessment. In cases where dishonest practice is involved in tests or other work submitted for credit, the student will be referred to the University Proctor. The instructor may choose to not mark the work. Reconsideration of GradesStudents should, in the first instance, speak to the course co-ordinator about their marks. If they cannot reach an agreeable solution, students should then speak to the Head of the Geological Sciences Department. Students can appeal any decision made on their final grade. You can apply at the Registry to appeal the final grade within 4 weeks of the end of the semester. Be aware that there are time limits for each step of the appeals process. Special Considerations ApplicationsIf you feel that illness, injury, bereavement or other critical circumstances has prevented you from completing an item of assessment or affected your performance, you should complete a Special Considerations application form, available from the Registry or the Student Health and Counselling Service. This should be within five days of the due date for the required work or the date of the examination. In the case of illness or injury, medical consultation should normally have taken place shortly before or within 24 hours after the due date for the required work, or the date of the test or examination. For further details on Special Consideration applications, please refer to the Enrolment Handbook or visit http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/exams/special-consideration.shtml. You have the right to appeal any decision made, including Special Considerations decisions. Missing of TestsIn rare cases a student will not be able to sit a test. In such cases, the student should consult with the course co-ordinator to the Head of the Department of Geological Sciences to arrange alternative procedures. This must be done well in advance of the set date for the test.
Week # Week starting Lectures Lecturer Labs8 20th Feb Geothermal Energy DG Geothermal recipe: water, heat, permeability9 27th Feb Magmatic-Hydrothermal Systems DG No Lab10 6th March Permeability DG Scales of Permeability11 13th March Geothermal Chemistry TP Geochemistry/Alteration12 20th March Alteration processes and products TP Q&A with Tom Powell13 27th March Geothermal Utilisation & Exploration DG Geothermal Conceptual Model14 3rd April Ore-forming processes DHB Ore petrography 1 Semester Break 18 1st May Ore-forming processes DHB Ore petrography 219 8th May Ore deposits and types DHB Ore petrography 320 15th May Ore deposits and types DHB Ore petrography 421 22nd May Ore Exploration DHB Ore genesis and structure22 29th May Ore Exploration DHB Drill-core characterisation
Domestic fee $848.00
International fee $3,713.00
* 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 .