I. Background and Objectives

Background: The Belt and Road partner countries are rich in mineral resources, but their geological survey capabilities remain uneven. Consequently, mining development in these regions faces challenges such as complex geological conditions, differing technical standards, and shortages of skilled professionals. As a world- class institution in geosciences, China University of Geosciences (CUG) boasts two A+ disciplines—Geology and Geological Resources and Geological Engineering—and has profound expertise in mineral resource exploration and geoscience technological innovation. This course aims to convert the university’s geoscience strengths into international training resources and to build a customized, systematic English-language training system for geological and mining experts, scholars, and practitioners from Belt and Road partner countries, aiming to enhance overseas prospecting efficiency and resource development capacity.

Objectives: (1) Solidify Foundational Competencies: Participants will master practical skills throughout the entire geological and mineral exploration process, and become familiar with the core theoretical system of geosciences. (2) Strengthen technology application: Participants will become proficient in applying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analysis to solve practical problems in mineral exploration. (3) Align with international standards: Participants will become familiar with international mining norms and geoscience technical standards, and improve cross-cultural technical collaboration capabilities.

II. Course Design

Module 1: Basic Practical Course in Geological and Mineral Exploration

Field geological exploration practice:

a) Geological mapping and field-work route survey: Learn 1:50,000 geological mapping specifications; master core skills such as geological point positioning, lithology identification, and judgment of stratigraphic contacts; and combine these with simulated field training in typical metallogenic belts

b) Mineral outcrop and alteration zone identification: For minerals such as copper, gold, and lithium, train in field identification and sampling methods for mineralization-related alteration indicators (e.g., skarnization, chloritization).

Laboratory experimental analysis practice:

a) Rock and mineral identification and specimen analysis: Using advanced equipment such as polarizing microscopes and electron microprobes, participants will master integrated analyses of rock structures and the mineral compositions of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, and identify mineralization-related rock types.

b) Geological data processing and map compilation: Learn to use software to draw geological cross-sections and exploration line profiles, and compile mineral reserve calculation tables.

c) Exploration report writing standards: Train in structural design, data presentation, and conclusion refinement of exploration reports.

Module 2: Fundamental Courses in Geosciences

Metallogenic regularity and mineral prediction:

a) Global metallogenic belt comparison: Analyze the tectonic setting, metallogenic series, and resource potential of major metallogenic belts along the Belt and Road (e.g., the Tethyan metallogenic domain and the Circum-Pacific metallogenic domain).

b) Deposit models and ore-prospecting indicators: Focus on the metallogenic mechanisms and spatial distribution patterns of typical deposits such as porphyry copper deposits, sedimentary lithium deposits, and orogenic gold deposits, and summarize geological, geophysical, and geochemical indicators for ore-prospecting prediction.

Structural geology and stratigraphy application:

a) Structural ore-control analysis: Learn the measurement and analysis of structural elements such as folds, faults, and joints, and master the controlling effect of structures on orebody positioning (e.g., fault zones guiding ore, anticline axes hosting ore).

b) Stratigraphic correlation and sedimentary environment reconstruction: Through standard sections (e.g., Cambrian, Permian) and stratigraphic correlation with Belt and Road regions, reconstruct the evolutionary history of sedimentary basins and guide the exploration of sedimentary minerals (e.g., uranium, manganese).

Rock geochemistry and isotope tracing:

a) Element migration and enrichment mechanisms: Explain the geochemical behavior of ore-forming elements in tectonic, magmatic, hydrothermal, and supergene environments, and analyze the physicochemical conditions of mineralization enrichment.

b) Isotope dating and material tracing: Learn isotope dating techniques, combined with Sr-Nd-Pb isotope tracing, to constrain metallogenic epochs and sources of ore-forming materials.

Module 3: Advanced Technologies

Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications:

a) Intelligent interpretation of remote sensing imagery: Based on deep learning frameworks, train convolutional neural network models to automatically identify altered minerals and structural lineaments, improving remote sensing ore-prospecting efficiency.

b) Intelligent modeling for mineral prediction: Use algorithms such as random forests and support vector machines to integrate multi-source geological, geophysical, and geochemical data, and construct probability prediction models for mineral targets.

Big data and cloud computing technology:

a) Geoscience data management platform: Build mineral exploration databases to achieve standardized storage and real-time sharing of multi-source data (e.g., drilling, geophysical exploration, and geochemical exploration).

b) Cloud platform collaborative analysis: Leverage geological cloud services to carry out cross-regional data collaborative processing (e.g., data integration of transnational metallogenic belts in Central Asia), and support remote technical decision-making.

Upgrading of laboratory analysis technology:

a) In-Situ Micro-Analysis: Master laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technology to achieve high-precision in-situ determination of trace elements and isotopes in minerals, revealing micro-scale mechanisms of metallogenic processes.

b) 3D geological modeling: Use software to integrate drilling, geophysical, and surface geological data to construct 3D visualization models of ore deposits, supporting reserve calculation and mining design.

III. Training Methods

Theoretical instruction: Jointly taught by senior professors and industry experts, adopting case-based teaching.

Hands-on training: Conduct immersive practice at field bases and the university's national key laboratories.

Project-driven: Using real Belt and Road mining projects as research subject, complete the entire process from data collection, processing to result reporting in groups.

International exchange: Invite geoscience experts from Belt and Road partner countries to participate in seminars and share regional geological characteristics and ore-prospecting experience.

IV. Training Duration

Short-term courses (1-2 weeks): Focus on core technical modules, such as AI applications and field mapping practice.

Medium-term courses (3-4 weeks): Cover basic practice and professional theory, suitable for systematic improvement of technical personnel.

Long-term courses (1-3 months): Include full-process training and project practice, suitable for targeted cultivation of reserve talents.

Training duration can be flexibly arranged as needed.

V. Expected Outcomes

Enhanced personnel capabilities: Trainees can independently complete field geological surveys, laboratory data analysis, and mineral target area prediction, and master the application of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Increased production efficiency: Through technology upgrading, shorten the exploration cycle by more than 20%, reduce ore-prospecting costs, and improve the success rate of overseas projects.

Deepened international cooperation: Promote the alignment of Chinese geoscience technologies with geological standards of Belt and Road countries, and help build an international geoscience cooperation network.