Regional Mineral Resources

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Face-to-face teaching and distance teaching with the following components:

Theorical: expository teaching using audiovisual means to make easier to understand the concepts, models and methodologies;

Practical and laboratory: methods of identifying “opaque” phases and ore textures using reflected light microscope; study of examples of metalliferous mineral deposits.

Fieldwork: observation of mineral occurences in the area of each course edition.

Learning Outcomes

To recognize the geological characteristics of the main types of mineral deposits known in the area of each course edition.

To recognize and understand the principles that rule the natural concentration of metals in the Earth's crust.

To characterize and identify metallic minerals using appropriate field and laboratory methods and techniques.

To describe the geological characteristics and the processes of formation of the types or examples of mineral deposits not taught in formal classes.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

a) General concepts on mineral resources.

b) Classification schemes for ore deposits.

c) Main types of ore deposits in the area of each course edition, geotectonic framework and mineralizing processes.

d) Mineral resources and the extractive industry.

e) Use of mineral resources.

f) Valuation of mineral resources.

g) Characterization of mineral occurrences in the area of each course edition.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Portfolio including lab and fieldwork reports: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

CRAIG, J. R., VAUGHAN, D. V. & SKINNER, B. J. (2001). Resources of the Earth: origin, use, and environmental impact. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 520pp.

DILL, H. G. (2010). The "chessboard" classification scheme of mineral deposits: Mineralogy and geology from aluminum to zirconium. Earth Science-Reviews, 100, 1-420.

ROBB, L. (2005). Introduction to ore-forming processes. Blackwell, Oxford, 373pp.

TAYLOR, R. (2009). Ore Textures. Recognition and Interpretation. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 288pp.