Mineral Exploration Techniques

In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes. 

42 Hours

This course covers basic algebra properties, graphing the straight line, basic geometry and trigonometry, and solving a system of equations graphically and algebraically. It also covers vector addition by components and by the cosine and sine laws.

56 Hours

This course introduces the student to the Mineral Exploration industry, the associated policies, legislation and acts that govern exploration on a global, national and provincial scale. It examines the Mining sequence in Ontario. Students will learn about the process and responsibilities of companies from consultation, exploration, advanced stage exploration, development, production to closure/reclamation. This course also provides an introduction Mineral Economics as it pertains to global markets down to local scale impacts. The course introduces the different types of economic mineral deposits.

42 Hours

This course introduces the student to the sampling methods and protocols used in the mineral exploration and mining industry. The students learn various methods and processes for extracting, processing, recording, shipping and storage of geological, soil, vegetation and water samples. The students learn the importance of QA/QC – Quality Assurance/ Quality Control, accuracy, contamination prevention, accountability and transparency in sampling methods. Data entry creating spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel as a database platform is practiced.

42 Hours

This course introduces the student to the science of geology and mineralogy and the theories that govern our understanding of the Earth’s processes and geomorphological processes that form the landscapes we see every day. These topics will be examined in context with how different ore deposits have different inherent geological indicators and subsequent exploration methods employed governed by the landscapes in which they occur.

42 Hours

This course introduces the student to the best practices and standards in the mineral exploration workplace including the field, lab and coreshack environment setting. Students learn the general safety protocols and standards employed in the field of mineral exploration including bush safety and survival. Students learn about the social and personal benefits of safe work practices and the methods to best prevent accidents or injuries. Students will review the role, rights and responsibilities of an individual in today’s health and safety conscious world.

42 Hours

Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.

42 Hours

This course introduces the basic principles of geographic information systems. Emphasis will be placed on the theory, uses and applications of GIS in mineral exploration. Students will examine the relationships between sample data, databases and GIS in mineral exploration and digital map making.

42 Hours

Students will gain direct hands-on experience in drill-core logging, drill-core-cutting and sampling of rock, soils, vegetation and water. Field work includes outcrop, grid and traverse mapping, line-cutting, digital map making, data entry, geophysical methods, geochemical methods, orienteering and bush craft, geology and geomorphology.

56 Hours

This course introduces the student to the theory and application of geophysical surveys in mineral exploration. Students will examine the relationship of magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic and gravity properties and surveys to the various ore deposit type signatures.

42 Hours

This course introduces the student to concepts of environmental vulnerability and responsibility in mineral exploration industry. It outlines the responsibilities and best practices of all parties in regard to the Environmental Protection Act and the Mining Acts of Ontario. It examines the techniques used by the mineral exploration industry to mitigate the potential for environmental impacts during exploration activities.

42 Hours

This course introduces the student to the basics of how to complete fieldwork efficiently, safely and with regard for the environment. Students learn about the components of maps and field notes and how to interpret air photos, topographic and geological maps and cross-sections. The course teaches the students about orienteering, compass and GPS use and bush skills.

42 Hours

This course introduces the student to the theory and application of geochemical surveys in mineral exploration. Students analyze the relationship of rock, soil and biogeochemical chemistry to various ore deposit type signatures. Students also examine the various analytical methods used in industry.

42 Hours