African Mineral Resources: The Science and Politics of Sustainable Extraction of Mineral Resources
Syllabus, Master's level, 1MP023
- Code
- 1MP023
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Earth Science A1N, Sustainable Development A1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 8 March 2018
- Responsible department
- Department of Earth Sciences
Entry requirements
120 credits with (1) 90 credits in earth science and 15 credits in chemistry, or (2) 90 credits in physics and 30 credits in earth science, or (3) 90 credits in geology. Regional Geology, 10 credits.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course the student shall be able to:
- critically assess and describe Africa’s major mineral provinces and resources, their properties and suitability for exploitation
- provide informed insight and proficient discussion around exploration and exploitation strategies for primarily Sub-Sarahan resources
- account for management and awareness of social challenges of sustainable mining in Africa
- critically evaluate potential environmental hazards and suitable mitigation strategies
Content
Future availability of minerals and expected demand trends with respect to economic development. Projections of global demand and supply of minerals and metals over the next century. The genesis of African ore bodies and great mineral fields with emphasis on stratigraphy, tectonics, site classification, depth, and other geoscientific and technical parameters. Deposits of resources such as chrome, copper, diamonds, gold, iron, manganese, platinum group elements, uranium, rare earth elements, and vanadium. Fossil fuels and energy minerals.
Geoscientific exploration of primarily Sub-Saharan deposits and suitable explorations strategies for currently under-explored regions within Africa. Economic geology and feasibility of exploitation. Current issues related to natural resource exploitation such as illegal mining, smuggling, mining rights, worker safety, and other socio-political issues. Development of mining policies and the connection between mining and economy and the globalized market in various countries. Environmental issues like waste rock management, tailings, acid mine drainage, air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and other local and global impacts from mining operations. The course will make extensive use of case histories.
Instruction
Lectures, seminars, case-based learning and practical exercises.
Assessment
Individual project report and oral presentation (2 hp), participation in group work and seminars (1 hp), written examination (2 hp).