Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - EASC 401 D100

Mineral Deposits (3)

Class Number: 2490

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2026
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 201, 204, 208, and 301. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The petrology and genesis of metalliferous ore deposits; description of classic ore deposits; the occurrence and exploitation of industrial and non-metallic minerals.

COURSE DETAILS:

EASC 401 Mineral Deposits provides introduction to the classification, distribution, and characteristics of metalliferous ore deposits, critical minerals, as well as diamonds. Classification of ores is based on their petrologic association and current models for ore deposit genesis. The tectonic settings of ore deposits are considered within the context of the plate tectonic paradigm and global metallogenic events throughout Earth's history. The goal of the classes is to understand mineral deposits’ genesis and exploration models, and to be conversant with the legal and regulatory framework for mining.

In the Laboratory section students will receive an introduction to reflected light optical microscopy, and ore mineral identification (sulfide, oxide, and native minerals). Laboratory classes will examine sample sets from across Canada. The goal of the laboratory exercises is to be able to recognize and name ores and associated primary and alteration minerals of the host rocks representing the principal types of ore deposits.

This course consists one 2-hour lecture and one 3-hour lab period per week.  The schedule included in this syllabus outlines the major topics covered and when those topics will be presented throughout the course. The calendar may be subject to changes. Lecture slides will be posted on Canvas immediately before class to facilitate note taking.

Laboratories are hands-on exercises with a brief introduction followed by exercises and assignments on rock specimens and polished thin sections and polished mounts. Characteristics of each major ore deposit type are examined through the study of representative suites. The weekly lab assignments are INDIVIDUAL WORK and are due at the start of the following week’s lab period or otherwise indicated in the course calendar.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

  • Recognize and describe different rock forming, texture, ore mineralization and associated alterations in rock specimens and thin sections, and define the chemical components of those minerals
  • Describe the characteristic mineralogical, structural and host-rock features of a range of important ore deposit types
  • Explain the current hypotheses for the genesis of a range of ore deposit types
  • Combine scientific data to form a hypothesis that can be used in mineral exploration for a range of ore deposit types

Grading

  • Lab assignments 20%
  • Mid-term lecture exam 20%
  • Mid-term lab exam 20%
  • Final lab exam 20%
  • Final exam 20%

NOTES:

There will be one lecture midterm and a final lecture exam, as well as one laboratory midterm and a final laboratory exam. Students must complete all tests and achieve a cumulative percentage of at least 55% to obtain a letter grade of C-

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Robb, Laurence. Introduction to Ore-Forming Processes (2nd Edition). Wiley Global Research (STMS), 2020

Ore Mineral Atlas (Geological Association of Canada. Mineral Deposits Division, Softcover – 122 pages, Second Edition 2012), Authors: A. Hamid Mumin, Carolyn Diane Anglin, Daniel David Marshall

Research articles available/ posted on Canvas

SUGGESTED REFERENCE BOOKS:

Atlas of alteration: A field and petrographic guide to hydrothermal alteration minerals. Thompson and Thompson

Geology of Mineral Resources. AA: Michael Jebrak, Eric Marcoux. Geological Association of Canada

Critical Minerals of USA Special publication USGS 1802

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.