Mineral Resources and Geomaterials

A.Y. 2023/2024
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
GEO/07 GEO/09
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the basic knowledge of some of the most common mineral commodities (PGE, zeolites, raw materials for Portland clinker production), their occurrence and availability in nature, the industrial transformation processes and utilization.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding : Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding that is founded upon and extends and/or enhances that typically associated with Bachelor's level, and that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context. By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1) know the basic concepts of georesources and geomaterials (principal industrial minerals) 2) the transformation processes of raw materials toward the industrial products, 3) the principal analytical techniques used in mineralogy (SEM-EDS, XRF, XRD).
Applying knowledge and understanding: Students are expected to apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study, and in particular georesources and geomaterials.
Making judgements: Students are expected to have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgements with incomplete or limited information, but that include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgements.
Communication skills: Students should be able to communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.
Learning skills: Students are expected to have the learning skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
In case of pandemic lockdown, this course will be delivered online using a synchronous format via the TEAMS platform, on the basis of the calendar lesson plan for the academic year 2023/2024. Updating will be available on Ariel platform.
Course syllabus
- Natural microporous materials (zeolites): Mineralogy and Classification; Physical-Chemical properties; Industrial utilizations
- Natural fibrous materials and their synthetic counterparts
- Clinker for Portland cement: Raw materials; Industrial transformation processes; Crystal-chemistry of the clinker; Methods for phase analysis; Quality control.
- llustration of "case histories" moving from mineralogical and petrological analysis toward the identification and application of "mineral commodities".
- A geological framework, an overview of textural analysis, of analytical procedures for the characterization of the chemistry and microanalysis of constituents in Layered mafic intrusions (e.g. Bushveld).
- The role of layered suites in terrestrial evolution and in mineral resource supply, the data treatment-
- Phase diagrams and covariation diagrams.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Mineralogy, Petrography/Petrology and Geochemistry
Teaching methods
The main part of the course is delivered as traditional lessons in Italian. The course also features hands-on sessions at department labs dedicated to mineralogical and chemical characterization of rocks and minerals, and seminars held by industry experts and managers (subject to availability). Students' questions and interaction are welcome and encouraged. Attendance at lectures is strongly encouraged.
Teaching Resources
All slides presented at classes and selected scientific publications will be available in digital format (.pdf).
The following textbooks are recommended for reference and further reading:
- Stephen E. Kesler & Adam C. Simon (2015) Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment (2nd Edition). Cambridge University Press, ISBN-10: 1107074916
- H. F. W. Taylor (2004) Cement Chemistry (2nd edition). Thomas Telford. ISBN-10: 0727725920.
- G. Tanelli (2009) Georisorse e Ambiente. Aracne editrice, ISBN-10: 8854826154
- Charlier B, Namur O., Latypov R, Tegner C. (2015) Layered Intrusions. Springer. ISBN 978-94-017-9651-4
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessments cover the entire program and are usually carried out by means of an oral exam. Candidates will be informed in case of a writing exam.
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday-Friday with appointment
Via Botticelli 23 - office first floor
Reception:
Tue, Wed and Thu: 2.30-6.30 p.m. (please, contact me via email too)
Via Botticelli 23 (first floor). Postal address: Via Botticelli 23, I-20133 Milan (Italy)