Exploration Targeting - 2019 entry

Provides the skillset to conduct modern mineral exploration targeting and desktop studies which is highly sought-after by the mining industry. You will have the chance to work on a world-class dataset from a frontier exploration district and to develop advanced data interpretation and synthesis skills by jointly interpreting geological, geochemical and geophysical data.

A 10-day field trip to northern Finland will allow you to experience first-hand collection of exploration data in the field.

This coursework and guided independent study-heavy module builds on CSMM189 (GIS and Remote Sensing) and will allow you to improve your previously acquired GIS and interpretation skills.

This highly practical module intends to develop exploration targeting skills by a combined provision of formal lectures, a residential field trip and a student coursework project. This will allow the student to interpret a range of available geoscientific data and synthesise the learnings in a targeting report. Guidance in the form of scheduled group meetings and drop-in sessions will be available to support the independent learning process.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Understand advanced exploration methods, in particular GIS and spatial data handling and integration;

2 Confidently use ArcGIS and ER Mapper software packages;

3 Handle spatial data and generate maps, databases and interpretations for geological and general management;

4 Understand how exploration targets are generated and interpreted from a number of spatial data sources;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 Demonstrate a systematic understanding, and a critical awareness of the use of GIS for acquisition, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-scientific data relevant to the mineral exploration industry;

6 Apply a variety of exploration techniques in the targeting of mineral deposits. Sources of data will encompass literature, laboratory and field based materials and information;

7 Have the ability to synthesise and evaluate complex geological data, make sound judgments and communicate the results to others, along with an ability to make recommendations relevant to decision-making in the mining industry;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 Select and utilise a full range of online learning resources and software packages to analyse, synthesise and interpret data. This includes GIS and Remote Sensing software, academic papers, book chapters, discussion boards and online individual and group activities;

9 Demonstrate commercial awareness with regards to exploration techniques;

10 Discuss complex issues, report on them and communicate the results to others.

After an introduction to the concepts of exploration targeting (exploration principles taught concurrently in CSMM194 Exploration and Mining Geology), students will independently work on a publicly available “Frank Arnott Award”-type dataset which typically involves geological, geochemical and geophysical data. A summary report will synthesise the available data and critically evaluate new target areas. Note: introductory lectures will be delivered in January 2020, followed by weekly drop-in sessions and tutorials. This module requires a considerable amount of independent/ self-study.

A 10-day field trip to northern Finland will offer the chance to first-hand experience mineral exploration and put course learnings into practice.

Resubmission of either the targeting report or the field trip report, depending on overall module performance. All referral marks are capped at 50%.

Basic reading:

Various journals, including, but not limited to, Economic Geology; Journal of Geochemical Exploration; GEEA; GTK reports on www.gtk.fi

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

A list of web resources and academic papers are available through ELE. In addition, the course site contains comprehensive online resources including lectures, PowerPoint presentations, documents and reference material in pdf format, mp3 podcasts, videos, e-tivities, discussion boards; and links to the University of Exeter electronic library and its comprehensive resources.

Web based and electronic resources:

Module is largely delivered by a dedicated ELE website that also involves links to external corporate, professional, educational websites and YouTube.

http://support.esri.com/en/knowledgebase/Gisdictionary/browse (useful GIS dictionary provided by ESRI)

http://resources.arcgis.com (useful website for ArcGIS forums, online help and support)

http://help.arcgis.com/ (another useful ArcGIS online help website)

Other resources:

The site will have additional literature resources from external professional bodies, technical guides and manuals and use of company annual reports.

Reading list for this module: