Study information

Ore Deposit Geology - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLEOre Deposit Geology CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM195 MODULE CONVENERMr Paul Wheeler (Coordinator), Prof Ben Williamson, Dr Benedikt Steiner, Dr Hannah Hughes, Prof Robin Shail
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 50
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Provides an introduction to ore deposit geology, key mineral deposit types and styles of mineralisation. This is the base for modules CSM M110, M429, M425 and M193. A short programme of local fieldwork (depending on COVID-19) and practicals is included.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim is to develop an understanding of the genesis, geological characteristics, mining and processing of the major types of metalliferous ore deposits. Major ore deposits relating to magmatic, hydrothermal, and surface processes are included. Both descriptive and genetic models of mineral deposits will be used to bring the topic to life. The selection of mineral deposits studied will vary depending upon lecturers’ research interests and areas of specialist knowledge, availability of guest lecturers, current trends in exploration, and commodity demand.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Know the key characteristics of the major ore deposit types and predict how these will affect exploration, evaluation and exploitation.

2. Understand the role of ore bearing fluids in the genesis of ore deposits and identify and explain the major controls to mineralisation for a variety of deposit types.

3. Understand the geological framework of major mining regions of the world, with an emphasis on the Cornubian orefield.

4. Recognise common ore and gangue forming minerals at a hand specimen level and identify relationships and associations of economic significance.



Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

5. Understand and demonstrate the importance of making scientific observations, recognising similarities between these and stated models and using these observations to determine or support complex geological interpretations.

6. Understand the inter-disciplinary nature of the minerals industry, placing mining geology in the context of the wider exploration, development, processing and environmental management cycle of the mining industry.

 

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Have developed and promoted his/her learning and problem-solving skills.

8. Have developed and maintained a record of practical observations, and be able to communicate with and relating to mining industry personnel.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

1. Introductory Lectures: Structures and forms of orebodies; processes for the formation of ores. The sources and nature of magmatic and hydrothermal fluids; structural, lithological and chemical controls to mineralisation. Mechanisms for deposition and the associated ore textures and wall rock alteration.

 

2. Use of descriptive and genetic models of mineral deposits to illustrate the above concepts.

The selection of mineral deposits studied varies depending upon lecturers research interests and areas of specialist knowledge, availability of guest lecturers, current trends in exploration, and commodity demand, but would typically include the following ore types, usually taught in blocks:

(i) layered intrusives (Pt/Cr), orthomagmatic Fe-Ti deposits, Ni-Cu-Co sulphide deposits of magmatic origin, (ii) porphyry Cu-Mo-Au and epithermal gold systems, (iii) volcanogenic massive sulphides VMS (iv) orogenic lode Au deposits.

 

3. Ore Mineralogy: hand specimen identification of major ore minerals and associated silicate phases. Mineral associations, textural relationships and paragenesis, implications for processing.



4.  A comprehensive study of the geology of SW England and development of the Cornubian orefield. This includes supervised fieldwork and studies at historic and extractive operations.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 83 Guided Independent Study 67 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Lectures 36 Learning is achieved through an integrated programme of lectures, tutorial, directed reading, hands-on practical classes using hand specimens and thin sections / blocks of rocks and ores (ILOs 1-5, 7-10).
Practicals 15 Practical Classes
Field Trips 32 (4 days) Field Trips (DEPENDING ON COVID-19)
Guided Independent Study 170 Private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 70 2 hours 1-3, 5-7 Verbal

Botallack Field Report:

Producing a professional report from field excursions (HH)		 20 8-10 sides A4 1-4, 5-8 Written and ongoing field (verbal)

Ore Deposit Essay:

Individual essay on specific world-class ore deposits (PW)		 10 6-8 sides A4 1-3, 5-7 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative Assessment Additional Summative Assessment As Above MSc Ref/Def Period (Sep)
Examination Additional Examination As Above MSc Ref/Def Period (Sep)

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

Journals:

Economic Geology, Ore Geology Reviews, Mineralium Deposita, Industrial Minerals, Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, Section A. Mining Industry, Section B. Applied Earth Sciences (now known as Applied Earth Science.

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Ridley, J. Ore Deposit Geology 1st Cambridge University Press 2013
Set Moon, C.J., Whateley, M.K.G., Evans, A.M. (eds) Introduction to Mineral Exploration Electronic Blackwell Science 2006
Set Marjoribanks, R. Geological Methods in Mineral Exploration and Mining 2nd Chapman & Hall 2010
Set Robb, L. Introduction to Ore-forming Processes Blackwell 2005
Set Goodfellow, W.D Mineral Deposits of Canada Geological Association of Canada, Mineral Deposits Division 2007
Set Economic Geology Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Volume Economic Geology Pub. Co
Set Webb PC Metals : Ore Deposits and Their Exploitation Open University 2006
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 4th September 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 16th September 2021
KEY WORDS SEARCH None Defined

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.