This module develops the knowledge of the economic formation, extraction and use of industrial minerals in our modern society. The module builds on the knowledge of geolocial processes equivalent to the syllabus of the second year of study of a typical geology programme. The module will deal with the formation, characteristics and extractive properties of industrial rock and mineral commodities, as well as develop knowledge of the industry standards for their economic processing, marketing and use.

Prerequisites for this module are general knowledge of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, structural geology and tectonics equivalent to the completion of a second year geology programme. Students must have completed Mineral Deposit Geology (CSM3046) or a module with equivalent contents. This module is not suitable for non-specialist students or interdisciplinary pathways.

The aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of the genesis, geological characteristics, extraction and processing of the major types of industrial minerals. The selection of commodities studied will vary depending upon lecturers’ research interests and areas of specialist knowledge, availability of guest lecturers, current trends in exploration, and commodity demands.

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

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1.     Know the key characteristics of the major types of industrial rocks and minerals and the properties that affect exploration, evaluation and exploitation.

2.     Understand the role of geological processes in the genesis of industrial rock and mineral deposits and identify and explain the major controls on their formation.

3.     Recognise the mineralogical and petrological signatures of major industrial rock and mineral types, identify and analyse their assemblages, textural relationships and parageneses and relate these to the mode  of formation and technical performance.

4.     Recognise industrial minerals at a microstructural and hand specimen level and identify relationships and associations of economic significance.

5.     Understand the complexities in the marketing of industrial rocks and minerals, in relation to metalliferous ores.

6.     Understand the geological and economical framework for industrial rock and mineral extraction in Cornwall and the UK.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

7.     Understand and demonstrate the importance of making scientific observations, recognising similarities, and using observations to develop complex geological interpretations.

8.     Understand the inter-disciplinary nature of the extractive industry, placing industrial rocks and minerals in the context of the wider exploration, development, processing and environmental management cycle of the extractive industry.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
 

9.     Develop and promote personal learning and problem-solving skills.

10.   Develop and maintain a record of practical observations.

A typical syllabus may include:

Introduction, Aggregates, Cement, Clay, Limestone, Sand and gravel, Dimension stone, Tarmac, Iron ores, Bauxite, Evaporites, Gemstones, Diamonds, Economics of industrial minerals

Web based and Electronic Resources:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/


Other Resources:

Research papers (reading list per seminar)

Reading list for this module: