Mineral georesources, mineral exploration (prefeasibility, exploration and evaluation), industrial minerals (minerogenesis and industrial processes), environmental impact of mineral extractions, new emerging contaminants
Evans A.M. - An introduction to ore geology. Blackwell Scient. Publ. London
Moon C.J, Whateley M.K.G., Evans A.M. Introduction to mineral exploration. Blackwell Publ.
Learning Objectives
Provide in-depth knowledge of the mineral raw materials and deposits, stone materials used in construction and ornamental use, , their compositional and merchandise characteristics; provide knowledge about the environmental impact of georesources exploitation
Prerequisites
basic knowledge in mineralogy and geochemistry; it is suggested to have basic knowledge on georesources
Teaching Methods
CFU:6
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 150
Further information
seminars proposed during the course
Type of Assessment
Exam modality: oral test.
The student will be invited to discuss some topics related to the main issues covered in the course. The critical capacity of the student will be taken into account for the final evaluation.
Course program
The concept of georesources: ore minerals. reserves, ores; mineral exploration: the phases of the process (pre-feasibility, exploration, evaluation); industrial minerals: definition and description of the different categories like minerals for fertilizer production (e.g. nitrates, phosphates, sulphates), minerals for chemical productions, minerals as food preservatives, medicine and cosmetics (micas, calcite, talc ect.), bulding materials, derived materials (glass, ceramics), refractory materials, minerals for abrasives production; hydrocarbons (brief notes); environmental impact of mineral exploitation (waste production, management and recycling; acid mine drainage processes, emerging contaminants)