By the end of the course, the student:
- will have obtained in-depth understanding of concepts, tools and techniques applied to predict the distribution of various natural resources, including ore deposits and surface mineral resources.
- will have learned about ore-forming processes in general, and in more detail about:
- ancient and modern volcanogenic and sediment-hosted massive sulphides
- oxide-carbonate deposits of Fe and Mn
- gold deposits and formation of gold veins
- will have become familiar with several modern exploration methods commonly used for the detection of mineral resources located in the shallow and/or deep subsurface.
- will have become familiar with and learned how to assess European strategies for nuclear waste disposal and associated geo-political issues
- will have obtained experience in applying relevant knowledge and skills to case studies concerning Earth Resources;
- will have developed skills for pursuing a career in the Resources industry.
|
|
In our society there is a continuous demand of natural resources, e.g. in the energy, food, metal industry and construction sectors. These resources can be divided, from an economical perspective, into two main groups: petroleum and mineral resources. This particular course focuses on the geological, exploration, (sustainable) exploitation and (socio-) economical aspects of the most important mineral resources present in the deep and shallow subsurface. Petroleum resources (coal, oil and gas) are treated in the (M-profile) MSc courses Reflection Seismics and Petroleum Systems (GEO4-1441).
- The first part of the course will start with an introduction in Natural Resources, covering topics such as global distribution of Earth resources, demands, reserves, and the role of geologists in exploration and exploitation. Subsequently, a series of lectures and assignments will be given on:
- occurrence and exploitation of metal ores (e.g. bulk industrial metals, rare earth metals)
- gold deposits; formation of gold veins
- uranium deposits; disposal strategies on nuclear waste
- global salt resources; mining of salt in The Netherlands
- surface mineral resources (i.e. sand, clay, gravel)
- The second part of the course will focus on exploration methods for mineral resources. This will include lectures and assignments on:
- use of satellite images to remotely explore mineral resources
- geophysical exploration methods, in particular gravity and geomagnetic surveying for mineral resources
During the first and second part of the course, student couples also will have to write an essay on a self-chosen topic related to the sustainable exploration of mineral resources (instructions and a list of possible topics will be provided at the start of the course). The essays will be presented in the last week of the course.
Approach
The main component of the course is designed as a combination between lectures and some direct application of the lectured principles in practical exercises. Students will be informed per lecture about the key papers, character of the practical exercises or assignments.
The second course component involves student couples writing and presenting an essay on a self-chosen topic related to mineral or hydrocarbon resources (a list of possible topics will be provided at the start of the course). Moreover, each student couple will also assess the essays of two other student couples and prepare critical questions for the oral presentations. Students will receive instructions about the expected content and style of the essays at the start of the course.
During the course, the students are expected to:
- attend all lectures
- attend all oral presentations
- actively participate in practical’s and complete all assignments
- actively participate in class discussions, by asking well-thought questions
Course programme and Schedule
Tuesdays: 09.00-13.00 hrs; Thursdays: 13.15-17.00 hrs.
Most weeks, there will be a mix of lectures and class assignments on both Tuesday and Thursday. However, depending on the guest lecturer, the actual learning activities might change from session to session.
|
 |
|