Module manager: Dr Taija Torvela
Email: t.m.torvela@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Satisfactory performance at level 2, including intro-level ore geology or equivalent. This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module builds on Level 2 module “Resources from rocks and minerals” and is designed for students who may wish to follow a career path into critical minerals exploration, or mining or related fields. You will gain a wider understanding of the formation of critical mineral deposits, and the techniques which can be applied to characterise and explore them. In- depth studies of some economically important ore deposit type will provide an appropriate background level of knowledge for entry to the minerals industry. You will explore the relationships between ore deposition and wider geological processes drawing upon information generated by both industry and academia. There will be a particular focus on copper mineralization given the importance of this element to achieving the transition. The module includes a one-day field trip to North Wales that underpins the lecture content and supports module assessment.
-Establishing practical skills: advanced understanding of ore minerals and alteration associated with hydrothermal fluids, both from field work and in hand specimens. Analysis of outputs from different analytical approaches applied to characterization of earth materials.
-Linking the interpretation of physical features in minerals and ores to their processes of formation. -Developing familiarity with some deposit models for some economically important metal commodities
- Critical evaluation of published literature in the context of ore forming processes.
- Simulating real- world scenarios which demand generating conclusions from a range of geological data sets (field/lab observations, geochemical, lithological, structural, mineralogical) to evaluate the nature of resources in a given area.
-Demonstrating the relevance of academic study to an applied geoscience
By the end of the module the students will be able to:
-Interpret mineral and alteration assemblages and ore textures in terms of ore forming processes
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the formation and exploitation of some economically important ore deposit types
- Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate published work
- Show an ability to synthesize data sets derived from different sources
- Document findings in a report written to professional standards
‘Better Geologists see more rocks’: you will see a lot of rocks in this module, both in the field and in class. Particular emphasis is in wider understanding of the link between alteration and mineralisation.
You will have an introduction to industry-standard software (Iogas software) used to aid spatial interpretation of geochemical data sets.
Professional writing skills: The main assessment is a report simulating professional output.
Identification of important ore minerals and alteration styles in hand specimen
Advanced chemical and structural controls on ore deposition and implications to exploration
Deposit types, to include some or all of:
- Porphyry and epithermal mineral deposits
- Basin-hosted base metal deposits
- Pegmatite-hosted deposits
- Magmatic base-metal deposits
- PGE mineralisation in ultramafic igneous settings
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Lecture | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Practical | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Private study hours | 65 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Study of specimens related to workbook and report write up (outside practical sessions): 12 hours
Production of work books supporting assessment: 10 hours
Production of final report including background reading of specified and other literature, interpretation of data sets, report writing: 43 hours
During practical classes
During field trip
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Poster | Poster assessment of an aspect of the module that is not covered by the report | 15 |
| Report | Field trip report, 2,500 words | 85 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit comprises an exam (100%)
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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