Insights in Ore Geology

This course is a selection module and an insight to ore geology. The modules covered include genetic models of the Fe-V-Ti systems, scarn mineralizations and metallurgical coals. Emphasis is given to the application of various laboratory examinations and data evaluation for ore’s processing studies.

The Teaching goals include:

• Knowledge of the modern research methods for assessing the physicochemical conditions of ore-forming processes, as well as of the laboratory parameters for financial evaluation of ore deposits; pros and cons of each technique.
• Life Cyrcle Analysis of ore processing techniques, data acquisition for mineral liberation studies. Optimization techniques for minerals recovery
• Ability in evaluation and interpretation of mineralogical, petrographical and geochemical data, as well as in presenting the studies in useful format for the mining and processing engineers.

• Search, analyze and synthesizedataand information,using thenecessary technologies
• Independent work
• Group work
• Work in international environment
• Work in multidisciplinary environment
• Development of new research ideas
• Work design and management
• Respect of natural environment
• Exercise of criticism and self-criticism
• Promote free, creative and inductive thinking

1. Mineralogical data of ore deposits, liberation of metalic minerals, textures under the microscope.
2. Metals in metallurgical processes, studies on tailings, characteristics of concentrates, balance calculations and metals distribution in various processing stages.
3. Evaluation of industrial minerals (e.g. wollastonite, micas) for modern industrial applications.
4. Principle characteristics of metallurgical coals and the respective produced cokes.
5. Evaluation of critical metals (e.g. V, Nb, Ta, Y, Zr), recovery and modern industrial applications
6. Economic Geology data in relation to processing and metallurgical techniques.
7. Economic Geology data in relation to environmental studies related to the extraction industry (e.g. Acid Rock Drainage, Neutralization).

• Usage of IT (power point, pdf) and blackboard. Lab exercises on maps and drilling
• Support of tutoring through e-class platform.

Α. Written final exam test (70%) that includes:

1. Multiple choise questions
2. Question of short answers

iii.            Synthesis of short essays

1. Understanding and interpreting geochemical/petrographical data of mining companies
2. Designing of lab tests
3. Interpreting minerals liberation data.

Β. Oral exam on Practical issues (20%) that includes:

1. Interpretation of metals processing data
2. Description of textures and fabrics under the microscope

iii.            Designing of lab tests for sustainable mineral extraction.

Γ. Group Presentation of working paper (10%)

Team Oral presentation of a subject within Economic Geology.

Evaluation criteria:

1. Petruk, W., 2000. Applied Mineralogy in the mining industry. Elsevier, 287p.

Journals

1. Economic Geology Journal http://www.segweb.org/