Geology of Precious & Critical Minerals (GEOL90052)

This subject comprises two intensive modules - Module 1: Geology of Gold and Module 2: Ore Deposits of Critical Minerals. 

Module 1 provides a broad coverage of gold geology and exploration, as well as some of the latest research ideas and how they apply to mineral exploration. The module covers all major types of gold deposits with emphasis on Archaean deposits of Western Australia and slate-belt deposits of the Victorian gold province. 

Module 2 provides an overview of the geology of major ore deposits hosting critical minerals for the energy transition, and diamond deposits with an emphasis on the processes controlling their genesis and how this information can be applied in exploration. The module will also introduce some of the theoretical concepts involved in ore formation such as the factors controlling sulphur solubility in mafic magmas and the roles of partial melting and crustal contamination in the genesis igneous ore deposits. 

In both modules, the core sub-discipline areas of geochemistry, structural geology, regolith and deposit geology are covered at a level to enable participants to take their place in industry and government teams and make a contribution in all of these areas. The combined modules focus on a holistic approach that uses all applicable fields of geology to address issues pertaining to precious metal and magmatic ore deposits. 

This subject is delivered in weeks 2 and 6 of Semester 1. 

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Apply discipline-specific knowledge and expertise to investigate the geology of gold and critical mineral ore deposit systems;
• Apply field mapping techniques to understand the structural controls on gold mineralisation;
• Analyse mineralogical, geochemical and structural data to determine the relationships between magmatism, metamorphism, deformation, sedimentation and the formation of gold and critical mineral ore deposits;
• Apply the theoretical concepts of ore formation and the role of magmas in ore formation;
• Interpret and analyse samples to link theoretical concepts to exploration methods.

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to :

• think critically and evaluate with due consideration;
• apply problem-solving approaches to new and unfamiliar tasks;
• prepare and present high-level written and oral reports; and
• interrogate, synthesise and interpret the published literature;