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Mineral Resources
Prof. Eric PIRARD
Work load: 30h lectures and 30 h exercises
Number of credits: 5 ECTS
► Course contents :
• General overview of the mineral resources sector.
• Definitions of ore, resource, reserve (JORC Code).
• Mineral production and consumption statistics.
• General concepts of metallogeny
• Economic Geology of :
Deposits related to magmatic activities;
Deposits related to hydrothermalism associated to magmas;
Hydrothermal deposits related to sedimentary /structural features;
Deposits formed in sedimentary/evaporitic environments;
Detrital deposits;
Deposits formed by superficial weathering;
Deposits linked to metasomatism, metamorphism, diagenesis
► Learning outcomes of the course :
• Understand the regional and local geological context of the main metallic ore deposits.
• Be able to select exploration criteria for each mineral resource
• Be able to establish a clear link between the ore deposit type and its mode of excavation
• Know the geopolitical context prevailing for each metallic ore and its strategic importance in the global economy.
• Be aware of the impact of geological and mineralogical characteristics on downstream mineral and environmental processes.
• Be able to gather information about one particular orebody and to synthetise its main formation steps
► Prerequisites and corequisites/ Recommended optional programmecomponents :
General geology background.
► Planned learning activities and teaching methods:
Excathedra theory courses
Practical : Macroscopic ore samples and optical Microscopic examination of related polished sections;
Reading of Commercial documents from major mining companies.
Bibliography compilation, deposit poster realization and presentation
► Mode of delivery (facetoface ; distancelearning) :
Theoretical courses are given by modules of 2 hours. Observation of hand specimens and microscopical sections are organized after each
theoretical course.
► Recommended or required readings:
A detailed Power Point presentation is available through the student portal (MyULg)
ARNDT N. & GANINO Cl Ressources Minérales Nature, origine et exploitation, Dunod, 2010
ROBB L. Introduction to oreforming processes Blackwell, 2009
► Assessment methods and criteria:
Written examination on theory : One major question (50%) about ore deposit formation and a series of specific questions (producing
countries, terminology, mineralogy, grades,...). The quality, scientific rigor and care taken in the presentation are essential criteria.
Oral examination on practical : Identification of microscopic and macroscopic sample. Main minerals and ore body type.
Poster presentation