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Mineral Exploration unit (KEA343)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart

Offered in odd years.

Note:  There is a compulsory excursion during the mid-semester break. Students are expected to contribute to the costs of accommodation and meals associated with the excursion.

Introduction

Exploration for mineral resources is vital for meeting the demands of society, industry, and technology. The pursuit of these resources drives innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. This unit draws on the expertise of scientists from the Discipline of Earth Sciences and Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (CODES) and aims to address fundamental questions related to mineral exploration. You will learn about the latest models for a range of hydrothermal ore deposit types and the techniques now used in industry to explore for them. Emphasis is placed on the integration of real-world geological, geochemical and geophysical datasets. Practical exercises reinforce theoretical concepts, preparing you for a career in mineral exploration or further studies in economic geology. This unit is one of four 300-level units available for the Earth Science Major and is highly recommended for students who intend to become professional geoscientists.

Summary

Unit name Mineral Exploration
Unit code KEA343
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Natural Sciences
Discipline Earth Sciences
Coordinator Associate Professor Lejun Zhang
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to classify rocks and regions in a mineral exploration context
  • Integrate and analyse geological, geochemical, and geophysical datasets to identify exploration targets, and make informed decisions about mineral resource potential
  • Evaluate geological and exploration datasets to select and propose appropriate mineral exploration techniques for different deposit types, geographic and environmental settings, and budgetary constraints.
  • Communicate mineral exploration findings to professional audiences

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
010700 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $3,575.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KEA208 AND KEA209

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

2 x 1-hr lectures (face-to-face) weekly

2 x 1 hr lecturers (in-person and online) presented by invited speakers

2 x 2-hr practical sessions weekly for 12 weeks

A 3-day field trip to western Tasmania during mid-semester break in Semester 2

 

AssessmentGIS modelling and prospectivity analysis assignments (20%)|Exploration prospect report (40%)|Weekly practicals (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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