GEOL 5160 - Geology, Mining, and Economics of Ore Deposits

An introduction to the classification, distribution and characteristics of metallic and industrial ore deposits. The course emphasizes the geologic conditions and environments leading to the formation of various ores, and examines economics of ore deposits, mining methods, hazards, and remediation techniques. The tectonic settings of ore deposits are considered within the context of the plate tectonic paradigm, and we will discuss ore deposits with respect to geologic time and changes to the Earth system. Laboratory assignments focus on identifying common economic minerals, exploration practices, and ore characterization techniques.

Requisites:
Credit Hours: 2.0 lecture, 2.0 laboratory
Repeat/Retake Information: May not be retaken.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 2.0 lecture, 2.0 laboratory
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:

Calculate grade of an ore.
Construct an exploration plan, including budget, for a prospective mineral resource.
Describe methods applied in mineral resource exploration, mining, and refinement techniques.
Describe the classification and distribution of common metallic ore deposits.
Describe the mineralogy, texture, and geochemistry of an unknown specimen and construct a depositional model.
Describe the physiochemical controls (temperature, pressure, pH, etc.) on metal transport and deposition from solutions.
Discuss the Source-Transport-Trap model for common metallic and industrial mineral deposits.
Discuss the hazards, and remediation techniques associated with different ore deposits.
Explain the relationship between metallic ores, plate tectonics, and geologic time.
Explain the relationships between supply & demand, commodities, resources and reserves.
Identify common ore and industrial minerals in hand sample.
List the composition and uses of common ore and industrial minerals.
Model the partitioning of chemical elements between solutions and solids.