Lecture 1 : Introduction

Mineral resources are vital for economic development, with countries like the US, Canada, and Australia benefitting from mineral exploitation. In India, the use of metals, base metals, and critical metals is crucial for economic growth. Courses like economic geology and ore geology focus on mineral resources' significance.

This chapter discusses the need for high school level mathematical knowledge and capabilities in understanding mineral resources. Textbooks like those authored by Jensen, Bateman, Vaughan, Skinner, and Ridley are valuable resources for learning about mineral resources.

The course aims to provide insights into the geology of mineral deposits, covering how minerals are formed and their distribution. Emphasis is placed on understanding the scientific knowledge behind mineral resources and their exploitation.

This section delves into the exploitation of mineral resources and its environmental impact. It highlights the importance of sustainable exploitation practices and the need for responsible resource management to mitigate environmental effects.

The classification of minerals into silicates and non-silicates is discussed, along with their applications in various industries. The chapter emphasizes the significance of minerals as raw materials for industries and their unique properties.

The chapter explores the essential role of elements, both metals and non-metals, in mineral resources. It discusses the properties and applications of transition metals, precious metals, and non-metallic minerals in different industries.

This section covers the formation of mineral deposits and the characteristics of various minerals. It discusses the composition of minerals, including silicates and non-silicates, and their importance in different industries.

The importance of geochemical factors in mineral resources is highlighted in this chapter. It discusses how mineralogy and elemental composition play a crucial role in understanding the formation and distribution of mineral deposits.

The chapter explores the abundance of elements in the Earth's crust and its relation to mineral resources. It discusses the classification of elements based on their lithophile, siderophile, chalcophile, and atmophile characteristics.

The process of ore deposit formation and classification is discussed in this section. It covers the terminology related to minerals and rocks, including ore bodies and ore minerals, and their significance in resource extraction.