CSMM193 - Exploration Targeting (2023)

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MODULE TITLEExploration Targeting CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM193 MODULE CONVENERDr Benedikt Steiner (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 25
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Provides the skillset to conduct modern mineral exploration targeting and desktop studies which is highly sought-after by the mining industry. You will have the chance to work on a world-class dataset from a frontier exploration district and to develop advanced data interpretation and synthesis skills by jointly interpreting geological, geochemical and geophysical data. 
 
A 10-day field trip to a prominent mining district will allow you to experience first-hand collection of exploration data in the field. 
 
This coursework and guided independent study-heavy module builds on CSMM219 (GIS for Mineral Explorationists and Geoenvironmental Engineers) and will allow you to improve your previously acquired GIS and interpretation skills.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This highly practical module intends to develop exploration targeting skills by a combined provision of formal lectures, a residential field trip and a student coursework project. This will allow the student to interpret a range of available geoscientific data and synthesise the learnings in a targeting report. Guidance in the form of scheduled group meetings and drop-in sessions will be available to support the independent learning process.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Understand advanced exploration methods, in particular GIS and spatial data handling and integration;

2 Confidently use ArcGIS and ER Mapper software packages;

3 Handle spatial data and generate maps, databases and interpretations for geological and general management;

4 Understand how exploration targets are generated and interpreted from a number of spatial data sources;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 Demonstrate a systematic understanding, and a critical awareness of the use of GIS for acquisition, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-scientific data relevant to the mineral exploration industry;

6 Apply a variety of exploration techniques in the targeting of mineral deposits. Sources of data will encompass literature, laboratory and field based materials and information;

7 Have the ability to synthesise and evaluate complex geological data, make sound judgments and communicate the results to others, along with an ability to make recommendations relevant to decision-making in the mining industry;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 Select and utilise a full range of online learning resources and software packages to analyse, synthesise and interpret data. This includes GIS and Remote Sensing software, academic papers, book chapters, discussion boards and online individual and group activities;

9 Demonstrate commercial awareness with regards to exploration techniques;

10 Discuss complex issues, report on them and communicate the results to others.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
After an introduction to the concepts of exploration targeting (exploration principles taught concurrently in CSMM194 Exploration and Mining Geology), students will independently work on a publicly available “Frank Arnott Award”-type dataset which typically involves geological, geochemical and geophysical data. A summary report will synthesise the available data and critically evaluate new target areas. Note: introductory lectures will be delivered in January 2021, followed by weekly drop-in sessions and tutorials. This module requires a considerable amount of independent/ self-study. Time and project management skills will be trained using the implementation of bi-weekly project update and Gantt planning chart submissions.
 
If the situation (COVID-19) allows, a 10-day field trip to northern Finland will offer the chance to first-hand experience mineral exploration and put course learnings into practice.  If this is not possible, alternative arrangements will be made.
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 25.00 Guided Independent Study 125.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 25 Lectures and practicals. Focus will be on developing computing skills and familiarisation with industry standard software. 10-day field trip to northern Finland.
Guided Independent Study 125 Coursework and using online resources with help and guidance from UoE staff.

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Drop-In Sessions 2h on a weekly basis 1-10 Verbal
Discussion Boards (e.g., Microsoft Teams Groups) Variable 1-10 Written (on discussion boards)

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Targeting Report 60 30 pages (note: this usually includes 40 - 50% figures and maps).  1-10 Written/Verbal
Group Presentation of Field Trip Project 40
15 minutes group presentation followed by Q&A session
 1-10 Written/Verbal

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Targeting Report (60%) Targeting Report 1-10 Ref/ Def period
Group Presentation of Field Trip Project (40%) Individual or Group presentation of Field Trip Project 1-10 Ref/ Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Resubmission of either the targeting report or the field trip report, depending on overall module performance. All referral marks are capped at 50%. Due to the nature of the group presentation, a re-assessment will usually take the form of an individual or a group presentation. If a student is referred/ deferred and/ or did not contribute to the original group presentation, then a presentation of the student’s individual work will be assessed..

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

Various journals, including, but not limited to, Economic Geology; Journal of Geochemical Exploration; GEEA; GTK reports on www.gtk.fi

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

A list of web resources and academic papers are available through ELE. In addition, the course site contains comprehensive online resources including lectures, PowerPoint presentations, documents and reference material in pdf format, mp3 podcasts, videos, e-tivities, discussion boards; and links to the University of Exeter electronic library and its comprehensive resources.

Web based and electronic resources:

Module is largely delivered by a dedicated ELE website that also involves links to external corporate, professional, educational websites and YouTube.

http://support.esri.com/en/knowledgebase/Gisdictionary/browse (useful GIS dictionary provided by ESRI)

http://resources.arcgis.com (useful website for ArcGIS forums, online help and support)

http://help.arcgis.com/ (another useful ArcGIS online help website)

Other resources:

The site will have additional literature resources from external professional bodies, technical guides and manuals and use of company annual reports.

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search
Set Carranza, E. J. M. Geochemical Anomaly and Mineral Prospectivity Mapping in GIS 1st Elsevier, 368p 2008 [Library]
Set Moon, C., Whateley, M. and Evans, M. (eds.) Introduction to Mineral Exploration 2nd Wiley, 496p 2005 [Library]
Set Marjoribanks, R. Geological Methods in Mineral Exploration and Mining 2nd Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 238p 2010 [Library]
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSMM219
CO-REQUISITE MODULES CSMM194, CSMM218
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 06 July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 17 October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Mineral; Exploration; Ore; Deposits; Geology; Exploration; GIS; Remote; Sensing; Cartography; Mineral Potential Mapping