Giant Metallic Deposits (2022) Curriculum Outline

Course description

Giant deposits are the results of large-scale accumulation and significant concentration of metal elements in specific geodynamic settings, and are usually associated with catastrophic geological events and associated metallogeny. Due to their unique mineralization conditions and important economic values, the genetic mechanism and metallogenic models of giant deposits have long been the focus and frontier of international mineral deposits research. Relevant research not only promotes the theoretical innovation of mineral deposits research, but also advance the development of other disciplines, such as structural geology, petrology, and geochemistry. In addition, it will also facilitate discovery of giant mineral resources which are of critical importance for the sustainable development of human society. To the end, the English short course “Giant Metallic Deposits” focuses on the formation conditions and metallogeny of giant mineral deposits, including the geodynamic setting of mineralization, the coupling of major geological event with large-scale metallogeny, and the enrichment processes and mechanism of metal elements. This course is taught in English and the lecturers are all world-renowned economic geologists. It is suitable for graduate students majoring in mineral exploration, geology, geochemistry and related subjects.

Teaching objectives

Through this course, graduate students will enhance their understanding of the fundamental characteristics and exploration significance of giant metallic deposits. They will examine the discovery, exploration, and development processes of typical global giant deposits, with a focus on:

1.Geological Epochs & Geodynamic Settings

Analyzing the temporal and spatial distribution of giant deposits in relation to key tectonic environments (e.g., subduction zones, craton margins).

2.Metallogenic Processes & Metal Enrichment Mechanisms

Investigating ore-forming processes and the exceptional mechanisms behind massive metal accumulation (e.g., fluid sources, structural controls).

3.Special Conditions & Critical Controls

Mastering the unique prerequisites (e.g., heat/fluid flux, redox barriers) and dominant factors governing the formation of giant deposits.

4.Innovation & Professional Growth

Stimulating interest in economic geology, fostering ore-deposit thinking, and cultivating creativity through case studies (e.g., Escondida Cu deposit, Witwatersrand Au fields).

Alignment with Graduate Competencies:

Advances theoretical knowledge in metallogeny and resource assessment.

Strengthens analytical skills for exploration targeting and scientific debate.

Promotes interdisciplinary integration (tectonics-geochemistry-engineering).

Course Content: (Organized by chapter/section with numbering as shown below. Each chapter should specify the key teaching points and challenges, while each section should summarize the specific content and allocated class hours. The details should clearly define the scope and depth of knowledge and skills, reflecting the course's requirements and distinctive features. For practical teaching components such as experiments, internships, seminars, or other activities, the basic teaching content and requirements for each component (e.g., experimental projects) should be outlined here.)

Ch01 Typical giant metallic deposits worldwide and current understanding （20 hours）

1.1 Giant metallic deposits in China（8 hours）

Panxi V-Ti magnetite deposits; Chromite deposits; Regolith-hosted HREE deposits in South China;

1.2 Giant deposits in Central Asia Orogenic Belt（12hours）

CAOB giant Au mineral systems (Muruntau; red ox IRG vs orogenic systems); CAOB giant Cu mineral systems (Oyu Tolgoi to Kalmakyr); CAOB giant Sn-W CRM deposits

Ch02 Experimental and simulation of the formation processes with indicator minerals（12 hours）

2.1 Experimental study on metasomatic processes of apatite, monazite and xenotime

Apatite as an ore-forming mineral; Monazite and xenotime as potential sources of REE in ore deposits;

2.2 Application of experiment on typical IOA and REE deposits

Kiruna-type iron oxide-apatite (IOA) ore deposits: Igneous vs. metasomatic processes; Magmatic emplacement and metasomatic alteration of a monazite-apatite-magnetite-sulfide ore deposit at South Africa

Learning methods and means: The course invites internationally renowned experts in giant ore deposits, such as Professor Danivel Harlov, Professor Meifu Zhou, and Professor Reimar Seltmann, to come to the university to offer a full - English course “Giant metallic deposits” and participate in course design and teaching guidance. They are mainly invited to assist in designing the course syllabus and teaching content, participate in theoretical and practical teaching sessions, and guide students in observing and identifying samples of typical foreign giant ore deposits. The course is taught entirely in English, mainly through classroom lectures by teachers and group discussions. After class, students can go to the "Giant Ore Deposits" laboratory to observe and study ore specimens and polished sections of giant ore deposits at home and abroad and conduct discussions and exchanges. The assessment form for the course is a course paper.

Prerequisite courses and subsequent courses:

Prerequisite courses: Mineralogy, Petrology, Ore Deposit Geology, Ore Petrology, Fluid Geology, Geochemistry, Geotectonics and Structural Geology, Theories and Methods of Mineral Exploration

Subsequent courses: None

References

Laznicka, P. (2006). Giant metallic deposits: Future sources of industrial metals (Vol. 1905, pp. 251-298). Berlin: Springer.

Robb, L. (2020). Introduction to ore-forming processes. John Wiley & Sons.

Misra, K. (2012). Understanding mineral deposits. Springer Science & Business Media.

Economic Geology

Mineralium Deposita

Ore Geology Reviews