PETROLOGY OF MINERAL DEPOSITModule MODULE 1
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ROSOLINO CIRRINCIONEExpected Learning Outcomes
knowledge of the geological, geochemical, petrological, sedimentary, and structural processesresponsible for the formation of mineral deposits;
experts on the main magmatic, sedimentary, and hydrothermal mineralogenetic processes;
the ability to recognize and interpret mineralization;
knowledge of critical raw materials and their strategic role in the modern economy;
the ability to use mineralogical, petrographic, geochemical, and petrophysical methodologies tocharacterize geological materials;
knowledge of mining activity in Sicily, Italy, and Europe;
the ability to evaluate environmental, economic, and sustainability aspects related to the extraction andutilization of mineral resources.
The expected learning outcomes are:
Knowledge of the geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic properties of geological materials andunderstanding their origin and transformation in natural and anthropogenic contexts.
Knowledge of the main sedimentary, tectonic, magmatic, and metamorphic geological processes thatcontrol the formation and evolution of geological systems within the Earth System, and the methods forreconstructing their history.
Understand environmental systems, georesources, and geological heritage in relation to sustainabilityand interactions with anthropogenic activities.
Ability to integrate different types of geological data—structural, stratigraphic, petrographic, andhydrogeological—to produce interpretive models of the geological and hydrogeological setting atdifferent spatial and temporal scales within the Earth System.
Ability to apply geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analysis techniques to characterize thecomposition, origin, and properties of geological materials.
Ability to translate geological knowledge into operational assessments to support sustainable landmanagement and the valorization of georesources and geological heritage.
Through assessment methods, students will acquire:
Ability to analyze, synthesize, and effectively communicate technical and scientific results to bothspecialist and non-specialist audiences.
Ability to independently consult databases, scientific literature, and regulatory references
Course Structure
Lectures and fieldwork.
Required Prerequisites
Mineralogy;
Petrography;
General geology
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Part II – Mineralogenetic Processes
Part III – Deposit Distribution and Geodynamic Context
Part IV – Exploration and Evaluation Methods
Part V – Mining and Extraction Techniques
Part VI – Case Studies
Textbook Information
slides.
Lecture notes.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | introduction to the course | power point and notes |
| 2 | elements of economic geology | power point and notes |
| 3 | magmatic mineralization | power point and notes |
| 4 | sedimentary mineralization | power point and notes |
| 5 | hydrothermal mineralization | power point and notes |
| 6 | Exploration Methods | power point and notes |
| 7 | Techniques | power point and notes |
| 8 | Mining activity in Europe | power point and notes |
| 9 | Mining activity in Italy | power point and notes |
| 10 | Mining activity in Sicily | power point and notes |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The assessment includes:
Oral presentation - Presentation of a short PowerPoint presentation on an agreed-upon topic coveredduring the course.
Oral exam - Questions on the topics covered in the modules.
Assessment criteria
Knowledge of the topics;
Interdisciplinary networking skills;
Scientific accuracy;
Clarity of presentation;
Independent judgment.
Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equalopportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview inorder to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specificneeds. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per leDisabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (
https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti
)
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
How do hydrothermal fluids play a role in the formation of deposits?
Under what conditions do banded iron formations form?
What are Sicily's main mineral resources?
What is the relationship between mineral deposits and orogeny?
What are the main critical raw materials, and why are they strategic?