James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

EA5320 - Earth Resources, Exploration and Environment

Subject Description

An outline of the distribution and abundance of Earth resources in the form of metalliferous ores, industrial minerals and fossil fuels. Description of major metalliferous ore types. Elements of resource evaluation, extraction and processing in the context of national and international environmental and socio-economic considerations. Introduction to mining and exploration methods as applied to metalliferous mineral deposits including remote sensing and GIS and geophysical and geochemical techniques. Introduction to surface and environmental processes and practices in the resource industries.

Learning Outcomes

• to gain an understanding of the mechanisms by which mineral resources form
• develop an understandign and be able to undertake basic exploration for mineral deposits
• develop an understanding of the nature, challenges and ways of evaluating and exploiting mineral resources, and related environmental issues
• to gain an informed perspective of global natural resources, Australia's and Queensland's resource based economics and the socio-economic impacts

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (15%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (10%) - Group & Individual
• Written > Tutorial task - (35%) - Group & Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Basic geological knowledge equivalent to first year level

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  EA2500 EA2510 EA3910

Availabilities