Overview
Explore the geological origins, and environmental and ethical issues, associated with mineral and energy resources essential for the global transition to a sustainable low-carbon society.
“Geological Resources for a sustainable New Zealand” provides a foundation for the description and interpretation of rocks associated with a broad range of ore deposits and non-metallic geological resources (e.g. geothermal, oil and gas). Through the study of chemical and physical characteristics of key deposits types you will learn to reconstruct the processes that lead to mineralisation and resource formation. Practical work will train you in cutting-edge techniques used in the exploration for geological resources. All topics covered will expose you to real-world situations, including remediation and the social responsibility which are an integral part of the resource exploitation process, to ensure their sustainability for society.
About this paper
| Paper title | Geological Resources and Sustainability |
|---|---|
| Subject | Geology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2027 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Pre or Corequisite
- 90 points including EAOS 111 and/or GEOL 112 and/or ENVI 111
- Restriction
- GEOL 376
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
Background requirements: knowledge of mineralogy, petrology (including use of the petrographic microscope), tectonics, equivalent to high-school physics, basic understanding of chemistry, thermal and fluid dynamics, and computer literacy.
GEOL 276 is for students in their second year of a geology or equivalent degree. GEOL 376 is for students in their third year of a geology or equivalent degree.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Dr Marco Brenna
- Paper Structure
Topics covered:
- Igneous-related mineralisation, magmatic processes leading to ore formation, sulphide saturation in mafic bodies, metallic enrichment through magmatic differentiation, effect of heat and fluid movement.
- Gold mineralization, metamorphic reactions leading to dewatering and fluid generation, structural traps and ore deposition.
- Exploration to remediation, geophysical techniques, GIS, engineering geology, hydrocarbons, social responsibility.
- Two fieldtrips to localities in Otago.
Assessment is approximately an even split between internal (ongoing during the semester) and external (final exam). Assessments for GEOL 376 are set and graded differently to GEOL 276 to reflect greater background knowledge and higher expectations of students taking the paper at 300-level.
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week.
Fieldwork: 2 x 1-day fieldtrips.- Textbooks
Recommended texts:
- Robb L. 2014. Introduction to ore-forming processes. Blackwell Publishing; or Ridley J. 2013. Ore deposit geology. Cambridge University Press.
For a broader approach:
- Kesler S.E. and Simon A.C. 2015. Mineral resources, economics and the environment (2nd ed). Cambridge University Press.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students will gain:
- Knowledge of the mechanisms that lead to the formation of metallic ore deposits, hydrocarbon deposits and geothermal energy, and be able to recognize prospective areas for their exploration.
- A broad set of skills required in the process of mineral, oil and gas and geothermal exploration, such as the ability to describe and identify rock and mineral specimens, interpret geophysical and geochemical data.
- Understanding of the impact of natural resource exploitation on the environment and the importance of both for society.