Ore Deposit Geology - 2025 entry

This module provides you with an introduction to ore deposit geology, key mineral deposit types and styles of mineralisation. This is the base for modules CSMM110 Techniques in Mining Geology, CSMM429 Industrial Rocks and Minerals, CSMM425 Ore Genesis and CSMM193 Exploration Targeting. A short programme of local fieldwork and practicals is included.

The aim is to develop an understanding of the genesis, geological characteristics, mining and processing of the major types of metalliferous ore deposits. Major ore deposits relating to magmatic, hydrothermal, and surface processes are included. Both descriptive and genetic models of mineral deposits will be used to bring the topic to life. The selection of mineral deposits studied may vary depending current trends in exploration and commodity demand, but a broad base considered to reflect the main deposit types that geologists are likely to encounter will always be covered.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Know the key characteristics of the major ore deposit types and predict how these will affect exploration, evaluation and exploitation.

2. Understand the role of ore bearing fluids in the genesis of ore deposits and identify and explain the major controls to mineralisation for a variety of deposit types.

3. Understand the geological framework of major mining regions of the world, including the Cornubian orefield.

4. Recognise common ore and gangue forming minerals at a hand specimen level and identify relationships and associations of economic significance.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5. Understand and demonstrate the importance of making scientific observations, recognising similarities between these and stated models and using these observations to determine or support complex geological interpretations.

6. Understand the inter-disciplinary nature of the minerals industry, placing mining geology in the context of the wider exploration, development, processing and environmental management cycle of the mining industry.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

7. Have developed and promoted learning and problem-solving skills.

8. Have developed and maintained a record of practical observations.

Introductory to ore deposits in time and space, including general methods for identification of ore and gangue minerals in hand specimen.

Precambrian Geology.

Introduction to core logging, including practical core logging experience.

A selection of mineral deposit types taught in blocks, including:

• Orthomagmatic deposits (oxide and sulphide)

• Magmatic-hydrothermal deposits (skarns, granite-related veins, porphyry and epithermal deposits)

• Hydrothermal deposits (volcanogenic massive sulphides VMS and vein deposits, SEDEX and other sediment-hosted hydrothermal deposits)

• Surficial and sedimentary ores (placers and surficial deposits)

Use of descriptive and genetic models of mineral deposits to illustrate the above concepts.

Syllabus will incorporate practical classes to teach ore mineralogy, as identified in hand specimen, and associated silicate phases. Content to include mineral associations, textural relationships and paragenesis, and implications for processing.

Syllabus will incorporate a study of the geology of SW England and development of the Cornubian Orefield, throughout the course. This includes supervised fieldwork and studies at historic sites.

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.

Basic reading:

• Ridley, J. 2013. Ore Deposit Geology (1st ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Web-based and electronic resources:

• ELE

Reading list for this module: