Mineral Deposit Geology

During this course, students will gain a comprehensive appreciation of the formation of the most important mineral-deposit-forming processes in the world. Geological processes that are particularly important for the formation of mineral deposits will be taught. The student will acquire a knowledge level sufficient for communicating the formation of important ore deposits to a third party. The course will offer the student hands-on experience with selected mineral-deposit types during a 6-7-day field lab in Portugal or South Norway or abroad.

This course will provide basic insights into the genesis of economic mineral deposits that are imperative for modern sustainable societies.

After completion of the course, the student will have:

• In-depth knowledge of ore-deposit types in common geological settings
• Understanding of the theory behind ore-deposit formation
• Comprehending when and how geological processes lead to the formation of potentially economic ore deposits

Skills:

• Based on available geological information, evaluate the ore-deposit forming potential of a prospect
• Based on teamwork and own observations, being able to understand and communicate ore-deposit types that may occur in a prospective terrain
• Knowing how to acquire relevant information for in-depth knowledge about ore-deposit types.

Lectures, exercises, and field course. The course includes 6-8 mandatory double lab hours in reflected light microscopy of ore-forming phases and ends with theoretical questions in ore-mineralogy in the final written exam. The course also has a mandatory 5-7 days field course (normally Sunday to Friday) either in South Norway or abroad, after which the student has to submit a mandatory field report. The written exam will include questions relevant for the field lab teaching.