Course Overview
Provides an introduction to the methods and techniques that are used in prospecting and exploring for mineral deposits. The course will cover reading and interpreting topographic and geological maps, online claim staking, measuring the strike and dip of geological structures, prospecting techniques and an overview of geological, geochemical and geophysical methods used in mineral exploration including drilling. It will also discuss aspects of marketing and optioning mineral properties. Laboratory/field exercises include using a compass and GPS, measuring strike and dip, laying out a grid, researching a prospecting play through the use of BC provincial government websites such as MapPlace and Minfile and the design of a simple prospecting/exploration program. Completion of MINE 1001 or MINE 1003 or a basic course in geology is strongly recommended before taking this course.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
2.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Recall the business structure of the mineral exploration industry and the significance of Vancouver as a global center for mineral exploration.
- Read and gather information from topographic and geological maps.
- Describe the process of acquiring mineral claims in British Columbia.
- Use a compass to measure strike and dip of geological structures and for orientation in the field.
- Discuss common prospecting techniques and what to look for as a prospector.
- Outline common exploration techniques such as remote sensing mapping, soil sampling, stream sediment sampling, geochemistry, geophysics, and drilling.
- Become familiar with the MapPlace and Minfile websites.
- Recall methods for selecting an area to prospect.
- Design a simple prospecting/exploration program.
- Describe ways to effectively present and sell an exploration property.
- List the components of a basic property option agreement.
Effective as of Winter 2006
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.