Universidad de Jaén

LECTURES

I. Introduction to ore deposits

1.- Ore deposits: definitions. Ores and indutrial minerals. Mineral deposits. Viable mineral deposits. Economic geology. Ore and gangue minerals. Concentration. Mineral resources and ore reserves.

II. Ore-forming processes and associated rocks

2.- Ore-forming processes. Internal processes. External processes.

3 .- Introduction to petrology. Minerals and mineralogy . Petrology: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

4 .- Igneous rocks. Chemical and mineralogical composition.

5 .- Magmas. Evolution of magmas.

6 .- Igneous bodies morphology. Extrusive bodies. Intrusive bodies. Geodynamic settings. Igneous suites.

7.- Sedimentary rocks. Introduction. Clasification. Composition. Sedimentary environments. Sedimentary processes. Sedimentary structures. Detritic rocks. Carbonatic rocks.

8 .- Metamorphism. Types of metamorphic change. Types of metamorphism. The controlling factors of metamorphism. Description of a metamorphic region.

9 .- Metamorphic rocks and processes.

III. Ore deposits through time and space

10 .- Ore deposits through time and space. Tectonic settings. Associated rocks. Some general definitions

IV. Ore bodies morphology and textures

11.- Morphology of ore bodies types. Syngenetic and epigenetic deposits. Concordant bodies. Discordant bodies.

12.- Textural relationships in ore bodies. Primary textures. Secondary textures. Importance for ore processing.

V. Environmental geochemistry and mineral deposits

13.- Environmental geochemistry and mineral deposits. Geochemical reservoirs. Geochemical cycles. Environmental impact of mining activity.

VI: Classification and description of ore deposits

14.- Classification of ore deposits. Classification criteria. Classification by commodities.

15.- Iron deposits.

16.- Ferroalloy metals deposits: Mn, Ni, Cr, Co, Mo, V, W, Nb, Te.

17.- Light metals deposits: Al, Mg, Ti, Be.

18.- Base metals deposits: Cu, Pb-Zn, Sn.

19.- Precious metals deposits: Au, Ag, PGE.

LABORATORY SESSIONS AND FIELD TRIPS

I. Petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

1.- Igneous rocks. Identification of volcanic and plutonic rocks at the microscope. Crystallinity. Grain size. Crystal morphology.

2.- Igneous rocks classification.

3.- Identification and description of volcanic rocks. Mineral assemblages. Textures.

4.- Identification and description of plutonic rocks. Mineral assemblages. Textures.

5 .- Identification and description of sedimentary rocks. Mineral assemblages. Textures.

6 .-Metamorphic rocks. Classification. Identification and description of metamorphic rocks. Mineral assemblages. Textures.

II: Ores and their textures

7 .- Primary and secondary ore textures.

8 .- Ores and textures in iron and ferroalloy metals deposits.

9 .- Ores and textures in light metals and base metals deposits.

10.- Ores at the reflected light microscope

III: Geology of ore deposits in Spain

11 .- The Alquife-Las Piletas Fe deposits.

12.- The Aguablanca Ni-Cu-EPG deposit.

13.- Massive sulfide deposits in the Iberian Pyritic Belt.

14.- The Linares-La Carolina Pb deposits.

IV: Field trips

15.- The Linares-La Carolina mining district.

1.- Lectures

Explanations by the teacher, discussion and answer to questions. Presentations are available before lectures take place.

2.- Lab sessions

I. Petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Introductory explanations by teacher; students observations at the microscope; exercises: description of thin sections ; eventually, exercise tests in the online teaching platform.

II. Ores and their textures

Introductory explanations by teacher; students observations of rocks and minerals hand samples; exercises: description of samples and answer to related questions ; eventually, exercise tests in the online teaching platform.

III. Geology of ore deposits in Spain

Reading of texts and papers on the geology of specific ore deposits and answer to questions about them (eventually, exercise tests in the online teaching platform). Exercises will be evaluated by the teacher. Group discussion on the texts and questions and additional explanations by the teacher.

IV. Field trips

Students will receive previous explanations and guidebooks.

Each student will write a report summarizing the observations and activities made during the trips. Eventually, exercise tests in the online teaching platform or further activities in small groups will be required.

3.- Tutorial sessions

Discussion and answer to questions on the following topics:

Lectures (1 hour)

Petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks (2 hours).

Texts on the geology of ore deposits in Spain (1 hour)

Field trips activities (2 hours).

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

S1. Class attendance: 5.0%

S2. Theoretical contents: 45%

S3. Field trip report: 15%

S4. Lab sessions:

Exercises on thin sections and samples description: 20%

Petrography exam: 15%

Marks in S2, S3 and S4 must be higher than 4.

Students not being able to take part in the lab sessions will have the right to make an exam with a 50% weight in the final grade of the course.