Mining and Exploration Geology Course

Lesson 1 • Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics

Covers Earth's internal layers, lithospheric plates, and tectonic settings. Links plate boundary types to metallogeny and ore deposit formation.

Lesson 2 • Rock-Forming Minerals and Identification

Teaches physical and optical properties of common rock-forming minerals. Builds identification skills critical for field logging and sample description.

Lesson 3 • Structural Geology Fundamentals

Explains folds, faults, joints, and foliations as controls on fluid flow and ore localization. Introduces measurement conventions used in field mapping.

Lesson 4 • Geologic Time and Stratigraphy

Introduces the geologic timescale, relative and absolute dating methods, and stratigraphic principles. Provides temporal context for interpreting ore deposit ages.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Ore Deposit Formation

Examines the source, transport, and precipitation of ore-forming fluids and metals. Establishes the genetic framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Metamorphic and Supergene Deposits

Covers orogenic gold, metamorphic remobilization, and supergene enrichment profiles. Connects weathering processes to economic upgrading of primary ore.

Lesson 3 • Magmatic and Magmatic-Hydrothermal Deposits

Covers orthomagmatic segregation, porphyry, skarn, and epithermal systems. Students distinguish deposit subtypes by alteration and metal assemblage.

Lesson 4 • Sediment-Hosted and Stratabound Deposits

Analyzes sedimentary exhalative, Mississippi Valley-type, and sediment-hosted gold systems. Emphasizes stratigraphic and diagenetic controls on ore localization.

Lesson 1 • Core and Chip Logging

Trains systematic description of drill core and reverse-circulation chips. Logging accuracy directly controls resource estimation and exploration targeting.

Lesson 2 • Field Data Management and Reporting

Introduces field notebook standards, digital data capture, and preliminary report writing. Ensures data integrity from collection through to office interpretation.

Lesson 3 • Topographic Maps and Navigation

Teaches map reading, grid systems, and GPS navigation for field positioning. Accurate location recording underpins all subsequent mapping and sampling work.

Lesson 4 • Geological Mapping Techniques

Covers traverse mapping, contact tracing, and unit boundary delineation. Students produce field maps that accurately represent lithology and structure.

Lesson 1 • Data Validation and Assay Reporting

Covers database validation, outlier detection, and assay result reporting conventions. Prepares students to deliver defensible analytical datasets.

Lesson 2 • Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Establishes QAQC protocols using standards, blanks, and duplicates. Students interpret QAQC charts to detect contamination, bias, and precision failures.

Lesson 3 • Sample Preparation and Analytical Methods

Describes crushing, pulverizing, and splitting workflows and common assay techniques. Links preparation quality to analytical accuracy and detection limits.

Lesson 4 • Sampling Theory and Design

Explains the theory of sampling error, nugget effect, and sample support. Students design programs that minimize bias and meet exploration objectives.

Lesson 1 • Gravity and Magnetic Surveys

Explains the physical basis, acquisition, and interpretation of gravity and magnetic data. Connects anomaly patterns to lithological and structural targets.

Lesson 2 • Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods

Covers induced polarization, resistivity, and time-domain EM surveys for sulfide detection. Students interpret chargeability and conductivity responses in exploration contexts.

Lesson 3 • Geochemical Survey Design and Interpretation

Covers pathfinder element selection, sample media, and anomaly interpretation. Students design geochemical surveys appropriate to deposit type and terrain.

Lesson 4 • Seismic Methods in Mining Exploration

Introduces reflection and refraction seismic techniques applied to deep ore deposit targeting. Emphasizes seismic data interpretation for structural and lithological mapping.

Lesson 1 • Downhole Surveying and Deviation Control

Covers gyroscopic and magnetic downhole survey tools and deviation correction strategies. Accurate hole trajectories are essential for correct ore body geometry.

Lesson 2 • Drill Program Design and Planning

Teaches collar location, azimuth, dip, and spacing decisions for effective ore body testing. Links drill program geometry to deposit model and resource confidence.

Lesson 3 • Borehole Geophysics and Downhole Testing

Covers downhole geophysical logging tools and hydrogeological testing methods. Borehole data extends geological interpretation beyond core observations.

Lesson 4 • Drilling Method Selection

Compares diamond, RC, rotary air blast, and percussion drilling for different exploration stages. Students match drilling method to geological objective and budget.

Lesson 1 • Resource Classification and Reporting

Applies international reporting standards to classify inferred, indicated, and measured resources. Students prepare resource statements that meet professional reporting requirements.

Lesson 2 • Three-Dimensional Geological Modeling

Teaches construction of lithological, structural, and alteration wireframes from drill data. 3D models form the geometric foundation for all resource estimation work.

Lesson 3 • Exploratory Data Analysis and Statistics

Covers univariate and bivariate statistics, histograms, and probability plots for assay data. Statistical understanding guides compositing, capping, and estimation decisions.

Lesson 4 • Geostatistics and Variogram Analysis

Introduces spatial continuity analysis through experimental and modeled variograms. Variogram parameters directly control kriging interpolation quality and block model accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Exploration Budgeting and Program Management

Teaches work program design, cost estimation, scheduling, and contractor management. Effective program management ensures exploration objectives are met on time and within budget.

Lesson 2 • Economic Evaluation of Exploration Projects

Covers cut-off grade, metal price sensitivity, and preliminary economic assessment methods. Students apply economic filters to prioritize exploration targets and allocate budgets.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory Compliance and Land Access

Covers mineral tenure systems, exploration permit conditions, and environmental compliance obligations. Students navigate regulatory frameworks to maintain project access and good standing.

Lesson 4 • Exploration Target Generation and Ranking

Applies deposit models, geoscience data, and prospectivity analysis to generate ranked targets. Students build systematic target inventories that guide exploration investment decisions.