Module Information | Study information

MODULE TITLE	Exploration Techniques	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	CSM3151	MODULE CONVENER	Ms Aveen Hameed (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	0	11	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	20

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to mineral exploration techniques commonly applied in the international mining sector. The main exploration techniques will be covered, this includes drilling and geophysics. Participants will also learn about near mine and brownfield exploration, in addition to production geology in underground and surface mines.

This module is particularly important for those looking to work in mineral exploration, mineral production, and mining finance in addition to other applied geology careers.

This module is compulsory for BSc/ MGeol Applied Geology and optional for BSc/ MGeol EGG and Geology.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module is designed to introduce a detailed approach to exploration geology, surface and underground production geology, mineral finance, and global mining trends. The aims are to prepare students for a range of careers in mineral exploration, mineral production (surface and underground mining), and site investigation..

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the organisation of the mining industry and its objectives, particularly with respect to exploration;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the stages of exploration programmes and the appropriate choices of exploration techniques;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of drilling techniques, how resources and reserves are calculated and their importance in raising finance for the mining industry;

4. Demonstrate an appreciation of geochemical sampling techniques utilising rock, soil and stream sediment data;

5. Demonstrate a knowledge of the main exploration geophysical techniques, methods and appropriate uses for different mineral deposit types.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of near mine and brownfield exploration. This will include an understanding of production geology and the production cycle, and the role of the geologist in these industry settings.

7. Demonstrate an understanding of environmental and social impacts of exploration and mining.

8. Demonstrate an understanding of mineral finance and global drivers that impact the mineral industry.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

9. Develop an awareness of the place and role of the various techniques and processes that are applied in mineral exploration and production.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

10. Present data in written/graphical form including numeracy, analysis.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Geophysics Exploration techniques- a summary of the techniques available and the data they provide.

Exploration Programmes and Exploration Geochemistry - a detailed study of the stages and the use of data from each stage.

The mining life cycle

Environmental and social impacts of exploration and mining activity.

Brownfield and near mine exploration.

The role of geologists in surface and underground production

Resource geology and mining finance

Mine mapping

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	40	Guided Independent Study	110	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	40	Lectures/Practicals
Guided Independent Study	110	Private Study

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Discussion Board	Variable	All	Oral/Written
Peer and Lecturer Feedback: to immediately address queries and misconceptions	Ongoing	All	Verbal feedback during seminar discussions
Drop-In Assignment Clinic	1 hour (Approx.)	All	Informal student-led session held during the assignment period, to address any deficiencies in skills or knowledge exposed during the assignment.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Desk study report	50	15 pages (including figures)	1-5, 9	BART
Case study report	50	15 pages (including figures)	1, 6-10	BART

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-assessment
Desk study report	Desk study report (50%)	1-5, 9	August Ref/Def period
Case study report	Case study report (50%)	1, 6-10	August Ref/Def period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

See ELE for additional resources

Reading list for this module:

Type	Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year
Set	Moon, C.J., Whateley, M.K.G., Evans, A.M. (eds)	Introduction to Mineral Exploration	Electronic	Blackwell Science	2006
Set	Marjoribanks, R.	Geological Methods in Mineral Exploration and Mining	2nd	Chapman & Hall	2010
Set	Rose, A.W. Hawkes, H.E. & Webb, J.S.	Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration	2nd	Academic Press	1979

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	CSM2312, CSM3047
CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	6	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Thursday 6th July 2017	LAST REVISION DATE	Friday 17th March 2023

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Exploration Geochemistry; Exploration Geophysics; Field Geophysics; brownfield exploration; surface and underground production geology.

Exploration Techniques - 2023 entry