Ore Geology and Mineral Prospecting
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course is aimed to provide basic knowledge about the following topics: Providing basic knowledge on the following subjects: (a) genetic processes of ore minerals, correlated to their geological context; (b) geographical distribution of ore deposits, correlation with plate tectonics processes and effects on economic geology; (c) knowledge useful for planning mineral exploration in order to find new ore deposits or to better optimize exploitation; (d) knowledge useful for assessment and planning of mineral beneficiation processes.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to recognize the essential geological, mineralogical, textural and ore elements that characterize the main types of ore deposits. These competences are the basics for the work as an ore geologist and mining geologist. Students will also acquire basic knowledge on economic geology and beneficiation processes.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The aim of the teaching is to cover a wide range of ore deposit typologies, to correlate them to geological processes at different scales and to deal with principles, technics and strategies for exploration and economic evaluation of ore deposits.
List of subjects:
General part - Definition of "ore deposit" typologies, geometries and textures; mineralogical associations and useful metals; main "engines" of ore deposit formation (water, magma, tectonics and so on), role of fluids and mechanisms of precipitation of minerals/metals. Classification of ore deposits.
Ore deposits - Main geological and minerogentic models and their relation with the evolution of Earth crust and different geodynamic contexts. (a) Ore deposits related to convergent or collisional environments (deposits related to arc or collisional magmatism, tectonics and hydrothermal activity - porphiry, hipo-thermal dykes, skarn, greisen etc.; deposits related to metamorphism and deformation). (b) Ore deposits related to extensional tectonics at different stages of crustal extension: anorogenic magmatism deposits (mafic-ultramafic, layered complexes, peralkaline magmas etc.); deposits related to sedimentation and/or submarine exhalative activity etc. (c) Deposits related to diagenetic and surficial processes (weathering/pedogenesis, alluvial sedimentation etc.).
When dealing with each of the ore deposit categories the teachers will illustrate their specific characteristics and those of the geologic context useful for exploration with different technologies or important for valorization of the deposit (mining, separation). Some basic hints on economic geology and technical and economic evaluation of ore deposits will be given (comminution, concentration, liberation, efficiency factor).
List of subjects:
General part - Definition of "ore deposit" typologies, geometries and textures; mineralogical associations and useful metals; main "engines" of ore deposit formation (water, magma, tectonics and so on), role of fluids and mechanisms of precipitation of minerals/metals. Classification of ore deposits.
Ore deposits - Main geological and minerogentic models and their relation with the evolution of Earth crust and different geodynamic contexts. (a) Ore deposits related to convergent or collisional environments (deposits related to arc or collisional magmatism, tectonics and hydrothermal activity - porphiry, hipo-thermal dykes, skarn, greisen etc.; deposits related to metamorphism and deformation). (b) Ore deposits related to extensional tectonics at different stages of crustal extension: anorogenic magmatism deposits (mafic-ultramafic, layered complexes, peralkaline magmas etc.); deposits related to sedimentation and/or submarine exhalative activity etc. (c) Deposits related to diagenetic and surficial processes (weathering/pedogenesis, alluvial sedimentation etc.).
When dealing with each of the ore deposit categories the teachers will illustrate their specific characteristics and those of the geologic context useful for exploration with different technologies or important for valorization of the deposit (mining, separation). Some basic hints on economic geology and technical and economic evaluation of ore deposits will be given (comminution, concentration, liberation, efficiency factor).
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge and competences acquired with bachelor degree in Geology. Specifically all the programs of the courses of "Georisorse" and "Materie prime e industria" are prerequisites for the present teaching.
Teaching methods
48 hours of frontal lessons. Teachers promote and welcomes an active partecipation to the classes, thorough questions, expression of doubt, examples or personal experiences.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes released by teachers, scientific articles and websites (e.g. USGS), metallogenic maps
Reference textbooks: Robb - Introduction To Ore-Forming Processes - Blackwell Science; Evans - Ore Geology and Industrial Minerals: An Introduction. Blackwell Science; Pirajno - Hydrothermal processes and Mineral Systems - Springer
Reference textbooks: Robb - Introduction To Ore-Forming Processes - Blackwell Science; Evans - Ore Geology and Industrial Minerals: An Introduction. Blackwell Science; Pirajno - Hydrothermal processes and Mineral Systems - Springer
Assessment methods and Criteria
The verification consists in an oral exam based on the subjects debated during the lessons and present in the lecture notes released by the teachers. Discussion during oral exam can start from a classical question, a chart, or a diagram used during the lessons. It is also possible that discussion starts from a geological, geographical or metallogenic map. The aim is to test student preparation, with focus on her/his ability to comprehend and illustrate the links between the multiple aspects of the discipline. In particular among the basic geologic processes and the more technical and applicative knowledge necessary for the exploitation of the georesources. Links that are widely illustrated during the classes.
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Grieco Giovanni, Moroni Marilena
Shifts:
Professor(s)