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651-4037-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-ERDW , D-GESS , D-MAVT , D-PHYS

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Mineral Resources I

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Cyril Chelle-Michou, Dr. Lorenzo Tavazzani

Can be chosen as an elective course within the Bachelor. Prospective MSc-Students attending the module "Mineral Resources" should attend Mineral Resources I and II in the first year of their MSc studies.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:09

Abstract

Principles of hydrothermal ore formation, using base metal deposits (Cu, Pb, Zn) in sedimentary basins to explain the interplay of geological, chemical and physical factors from global scale to sample scale. Introduction to orthomagmatic ore formation (mostly Cr, Ni, PGE). Introduction to supergene residual deposits (Ni, Al)

Objective

Understanding the fundamental processes of hydrothermal, magmatic and supergene ore formation, recognising and interpreting mineralised rocks in geological context

Content

(a) Principles of hydrothermal ore formation: base metal deposits in sedimentary basins. Practical classification of sample suites by genetic ore deposit types Mineral solubility and ore deposition, principles & thermodynamic prediction using activity diagrams. Driving forces and structural focussing of hydrothermal fluid flow (b) Introduction to orthomagmatic ore formation. Chromite, Ni-Cu sulphides and PGE in layered mafic intrusions. Distribution coefficients between silicate and sulphide melts. Carbonatites and pegmatite deposits. (c) Introduction to supergene residual deposits with emphasis on Ni laterites and bauxites

Resources

Lecture Notes

Notes handed out during lectures

Literature

Extensive literature list distributed in course

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Credits and mark based on participation in course (exercises, 50%) and 1h30 written exam in the last lecture of the semester (50%).

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Mineral Resources I	Wed 14:15-16:00 (NO D 11)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Erdwissenschaften Master
- Vertiefung in Mineralogy and Geochemistry
  - Wahlpflichtmodule Mineralogy und Geochemistry (Innerhalb der Majors Mineralogy and Geochemistry sind mindestens zwei Wahlpflichtmodule zu absolvieren.)
    - Mineral Resources
      - Mineral Resources: Obligatorische Fächer
Science, Technology, and Policy Master
- Naturwissenschaftlich-technische Ergänzung
  - Umwelt und Ressourcen
Space Systems Master
- Fachspezifische Vertiefung (Es müssen mindestens 20 KP aus den Deep Track Lerneinheiten absolviert werden. Überzählige KP können für Wahlfächer angerechnet werden.)
  - Planetary Science
    - Vertiefungsfächer Planetary Science (Diese LE's können sowohl als Vertiefungsfach als auch als Wahlfach angerechnet werden.)