2024-2025 / GEOL1040-1

Metallogeny

Duration

15h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in geology, research focus4 crédits 

Lecturer

Bernard Charlier

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This advanced course complements the general concepts of metallogeny taught in the course GEOL0020-7: Mineral Resources. The processes of element concentration and ore deposit formation will be studied in detail through selected examples. The objective is to thoroughly examine specific cases of different types of deposits and locations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the genetic processes highlighted by studies in mineralogy, elemental and isotopic geochemistry, and geochronology. Other approaches, such as fluid and melt inclusions, will also be explained. Geochronological methods for ore deposits will be covered as well.

Theoretical courses will be complemented by practical work, including the handling of samples and geological maps, the inspection of drill cores, and microscopic observation of thin sections and polished sections. Geochemical databases will also be used to understand compositional variations within a single deposit (work to be done using the R software). Emphasis will be placed on magmatic origin deposits.

The course will cover the following topics (subject to modification):

  • Layered intrusions and associated ore deposits
  • Fe-Ti deposits in anorthosites
  • Magmatic Ni-Cu-Co-(PGE) sulfide deposits
  • Diamonds and kimberlites
  • Kiruna-type deposits and IOCG
  • Mineral deposits in Cyprus
  • Fluid and melt inclusions
  • Geochronology of ore deposits
Depending on the specific interests and Master's research topics of the students, the course content will be adapted.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Understand geochemical data of rocks and minerals and interpret their genetic implications; Integrate different approaches to construct a model of ore deposit formation.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Knowledge of mineralogy, sedimentology, magmatic and metamorphic petrology, as well as geochemistry, must have been acquired beforehand. Proficiency in English is essential.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Specialized international literature, sample handling, mining reports, data processing.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

The theoretical courses are delivered in modules of one or two hours. The practical work is organized following the theoretical course during the same half-day.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- MyULiège


Further information:

Evans, AM (1993) Ore Geology and Industrial Minerals. Blackwell Science, 389 pp. (ISBN 0-632-02953-2)

Pohl, WL (2011) Economic Geology: Principles and Practice. Wiley-Blackwell, 680 pp. (ISBN: 1-4443-3663-4)

Robb, L (2005) Introduction to Ore-Forming Processes. Blackwell Science, 384 pp. (ISBN 0-632-06378-5)

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

Written work / report

Continuous assessment


Further information:

- Oral exam on the theory and practical part during the exam session (50%)

- Personal work and its presentation during the last class (25%)

- Completion of graded exercises during practical sessions or at home (25%)

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

         

Association of one or more MOOCs