ERB306 Earth's Mineral Resources
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| Unit code: | ERB306 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ERB204 and ERB206 and ERB301 |
| Equivalent(s): | NQB512 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ERB306 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | ERB204 and ERB206 and ERB301 |
| Equivalent: | NQB512 |
| Coordinator: | Patrick Hayman | patrick.hayman@qut.edu.au |
Overview
A mineral resource represents an enrichment of an element or mineral that can be mined for a profit, and Australia's wealth and future economic growth depend largely on these resources. Develop a theoretical background and understanding of the major aspects of mineral resource formation; develop the practical skills to describe and interpret mineralised rocks and their host sequences; and plan and execute an exploration program. Learning approaches include, lectures (including guest industry lectures) and practical sessions using samples from famous ore bodies across the globe (hand samples and thin sections for microscopic study). Students are assessed based on a group project and theoretical and practical exams. Many students find the semester-long mineral exploration group project a highlight, as students get an opportunity to use a variety of real datasets to ‘explore’ for mineral prospects. The JK Education Endowment Award is given to the group with the top mark.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Identify economic minerals and textures and relate this to mineral resource genesis, economic value classification and nomenclature.
- Explain ore genesis at molecular to global scales.
- Solve problems in practical and theoretical aspects of resource exploration and evaluation.
- Evaluate current industry practice through interaction with industry experts.
Content
The origin, formation, and geologic history of mineral resources as determined from field and laboratory studies of occurrences, mineral assemblages, rock compositions and textures; the geochemical, structural and tectonic controls on mineral resource genesis.
Methods of mineral exploration and evaluation in delineating the architecture and economic value of subsurface ore deposits; the legal framework of resource definition.
Learning Approaches
A wide variety of approaches to teaching and learning are used including significant industry participation that enhances the real world learning aspect of this unit. The unit will involve lectures workshops, guest industry lectures (which may be outside of normal lecture times), practical sessions involving hand specimen study and microscopy, research and communication, and problem solving assignments. Practical sessions will be carried out in the laboratory (e.g. microscopy) as well as off campus for drill core investigation. A portfolio of your work will be developed throughout the unit and will include assignments, reports and reflections. Work will employ both group and individual activities.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Written and oral feedback on assessment 1 on a weekly basis.Oral and written feedback on assessment 2..
Assessment
Overview
If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Examination (written)
Final theory and practical examinaton
Assessment: Laboratory/Practical
Weekly practical exercises including; petrology and petrogenesis of ore deposits, geostatistic exercises and map exercises (formative/summative)
Assessment: Project (applied)
Mineral Exploration Project- Reports and Presentation.
Final report is due by week 12
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Robb (2004) Introduction to Ore-Forming Processes, Blackwell Scientific Publications
Reference book(s)
Craig J, Vaughan D, Skinner B (2001) Resources of the Earth: Origin, Use, and Environmental Impact, 3rd edition. Prentice Hall
Evans AM (1997) An Introduction to Economic Geology and its Environmental Impact, Oxford: Blackwell Science Ltd
Misra KC (1999) Understanding Mineral Deposits, Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the unit