Raw Materials: from Prospection to Recycling
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing advanced knowledge of: 1) the most important mineral commodities of the modern market, including the "critical raw materials", the mineral prospecting protocols based on geochemical-mineralogical approaches, and the most common mineral processing methods, and 2) the basic concepts of circular economy and sustainability.
Expected learning outcomes
Students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject matters and, with the support of advanced textbooks, reach a level of proficiency including leading edge aspects of this field. By the end of this course, students are expected to master the essentials of the most important mineral commodities of the modern market (including the CRM), the mineral prospecting protocols based on geochemical-mineralogical approaches, and the most common mineral processing methods, along with the basic concepts of circular economy and sustainability. Students should develop the ability to gather and interpret data to make independent judgements, being also aware of the relevant economic, social, scientific or ethical consequences.
Lesson period: Second semester
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
In case of restrictions (for example due to pandemic), the class will be held online.
Course syllabus
First part (Gatta)
- Critical and strategic raw materials: definition, legislation, national and international market
- Critical raw materials in Italy: distribution and perspective
- Historical and modern mining wastes deposits: problems and opportunities
- Circular economy and sustainability: Reduce, reuse and recycle
Second part (Farina)
Introduction to mineral prospecting
Geochemical methods in mineral prospecting and case studies on Li, Sn and Cu
Chemical separation, purification and recycle of CRM: urban mining, tailings, and industrial wastes.
- Critical and strategic raw materials: definition, legislation, national and international market
- Critical raw materials in Italy: distribution and perspective
- Historical and modern mining wastes deposits: problems and opportunities
- Circular economy and sustainability: Reduce, reuse and recycle
Second part (Farina)
Introduction to mineral prospecting
Geochemical methods in mineral prospecting and case studies on Li, Sn and Cu
Chemical separation, purification and recycle of CRM: urban mining, tailings, and industrial wastes.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology
Teaching methods
The main part of the course is delivered as traditional lessons and hands-on sessions at department labs, along with seminars held by industry experts and managers (subject to availability). However, lab activities cannot be done if this course will be delivered online (due to the COVID19 pandemic or other reasons). Students' questions and interaction are welcome and encouraged. Attendance at lectures is strongly encouraged, but is not considered compulsory.
Teaching Resources
- Slides of the lectures and additional learning material (including manuscripts pertaining to case studies) will be provided
- Stephen E. Kesler & Adam C. Simon (2015): Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment (2nd Edition). Cambridge University Press, ISBN-10: 1107074916
- Tanelli, G. (2009): Georisorse e Ambiente. Aracne editrice, ISBN-10: 8854826154.
- Practical Geochemistry (2021) - P. Alexandre. Springer.
- Gardinier et al., 2024. On tin and lithium granite systems: A crustal evolution perspective. Earth Science Review, 258.
- Heinrich, 2024. The Chain of Processes Forming Porphyry Copper Deposits—An Invited Paper/ Economic Geology,119, 4.
- Stephen E. Kesler & Adam C. Simon (2015): Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment (2nd Edition). Cambridge University Press, ISBN-10: 1107074916
- Tanelli, G. (2009): Georisorse e Ambiente. Aracne editrice, ISBN-10: 8854826154.
- Practical Geochemistry (2021) - P. Alexandre. Springer.
- Gardinier et al., 2024. On tin and lithium granite systems: A crustal evolution perspective. Earth Science Review, 258.
- Heinrich, 2024. The Chain of Processes Forming Porphyry Copper Deposits—An Invited Paper/ Economic Geology,119, 4.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessments cover the entire program and are usually carried out by means of an oral exam.
GEO/08 - GEOCHEMISTRY AND VOLCANOLOGY - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 3
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Farina Federico, Gatta Giacomo Diego
Professor(s)
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)