Lecture, lab, occasional field trips.
- Maps and cross-sections applied to exploration and mining, including the selection, display and analysis of a number of types of data. Many applications will use ArcGIS.
- Geology of mineral deposits, including: formation, mineralogy, petrology, ore-concentrating processes, diagenesis and mapping. The following deposit types will be covered:
- Magmatic ore deposits (chromite, base-metal Ni, kimberlites).
- Hydrothermal ore deposits (porphyry, skarns, epithermal Au, VMS, orogenic Au, SEDEX).
- Supergene deposits.
- Mineral and rock identification using hand specimen, stereo (low power) microscope and petrographic microscope.
- Report writing.
After successfully completing EAES 2810, a student will be able to:
- Describe processes that concentrate minerals into deposits.
- Describe important types of ore deposits (magmatic, hydrothermal and supergene).
- Identify suites of minerals associated with ore deposits.
- Prepare and interpret a variety of geological maps for evaluating ore deposits, utilizing ArcGIS and other methods.
- Prepare geological reports.
- Collect mapping data from rock outcrops, drill cores and drill information.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Assignments and Labs 25 - 40%
Project(s) 10 - 25%
Term exams and quizzes 25%
Final exam 25%
Students should consult the bookstore for the latest required course materials, including textbooks. The course will utilize one textbook each on ore deposits, mineral exploration and mapping techniques. Additional readings will be assigned by the instructor.
Textbooks:
- Ridley, J.; Ore Deposit Geology; Cambridge University Press, or equivalent.
- Moon, C.J., Whateley, M.K.G., Evans, A.M.; Introduction to Mineral Exploration; Blackwell Publishing, or equivalent.
- Bennison, G.M.; An Introduction to Geological Structures and Maps; Hodder Education Publishing, or equivalent.
Students will also need some other supplies: "Rite in the Rain" waterproof booklet or equivalent, rock hammer, hand lens, mineral identification kit, safety eyewear.