Modules

Prerequisites

Contents

Lecture Prospection and Exploration of Natural Resources The lectures provides an overview about the geological processes which are responsible for the formation of different natural resources including energy resources, metals, industrial minerals and ground water. Methods for the prospection and exploration of these resources are presented using geological, geophysical, geochemical and remote sensing techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of the methods are discussed. Practical training Prospection and Exploration of Natural Resources The focus of this course is the practical training of the prospection and exploration methods in the field and in the lab. Geological, geophysical and remote sensing techniques are used in order to detect e.g. raw material deposits. Lecture/exercise Introduction to Coal Petrology Lecture and practical training at the microscope. The lecture provides an overview about the genesis of coal seams and about the microscopic constituents of coal. The maceral concept is introduced. It is shown that coal is also a source of environmental information. The student will do a reconstruction of the paleoenvironment by using microscopic maceral analyses. Excursion Prospex Field trip to an active exploration site. Topics: Geological setting, exploration technology, efficiency and costs.

Learning outcomes

• Get to know geological processes and to understand the role of these processes for the formation of natural resources • Become acquainted to the processes leading to the genesis of different raw materials • Study methods and techniques for investigation of natural resources • Use these investigation methods in the field and in the lab • Be able to present working results in an oral presentation and to defend them in an open discussion • Get an insight in the work of a professional exploration company during an excursion

Assessment

• Written examination, 80 min. (50%) • Written essay, 8-10 pages (30%) • Short report about results of the microscopic analyses (20%) Excursion participation is mandatory.