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
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
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
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KEA208 AND KEA209Teaching
| 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
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| Assessment | GIS modelling and prospectivity analysis assignments (20%)|Exploration prospect report (40%)|Weekly practicals (40%) |
| Timetable | View 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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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.