Ore Geology: In the Epicentre of the Fossil-Free Energy Transition

Society is transitioning from an oil dependency to a metal dependency as we are turning to fossil-free alternatives in the energy and transport sectors.

On this three-week course from Luleå University of Technology (LTU), you’ll explore the role of ore geology in the green transition of modern society as we move from oil to metal dependency.

Geological processes throughout the earth’s history are responsible for the current distribution of ores containing critical metals and by understanding the fundamentals of these ore-forming systems, we can understand why certain critical metals occur in extractable amounts in one place while being almost absent in another.

You’ll discover the fantastic world of the subsurface that made all the technology you use on a daily basis possible. You’ll explore the definition of critical metals, common ore-forming processes, where they are produced today, supply risks, and the potential for European self-sufficiency.

This course will guide you through the large-scale geological processes, the minerals, rock types, and geological structures involved, and why they matter.

Then, you’ll look at the role of the ore geologist in building a sustainable future for the world.

LTU has a long tradition of research and education in Ore Geology. Today, the only professorship in ore geology in Sweden is based at Luleå University of Technology and the research group is internationally recognized and involved in several highly prestigious research projects, both nationally and internationally.