Course content

Overview of the mineral based industry, its role in the world and outlines the sustainability issues facing the minerals based industry and how they might be addressed today and in the future. The exploitation of minerals and mineral products and the implications for sustainability of the consumption of finite mineral resources and the wastes associated with their production and use is examined. The course provides a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates the physical and earth sciences with aspects of the social sciences, energy, ecology and economics.

Learning outcome

After the cours is finished the student will be able to- Identify and describe the effects on the environment from a given industrial activity- Explain different aspects with alternative methods to mitigate a given effect on the environment- Choose and explain the necessity of chemical control in industrial activities- Formulate and analyse problems regarding reclamation and recycling of metals.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures by the course instructors will cover some of the curriculum, while the students in groups will be responsible for teaching the remaining parts of the curriculum. It is expected that the students produce a term paper on central issues in the course.An attendance of at least 80% is expected at lectures. If the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for written assessments.

Recommended previous knowledge

General background in Materials Technology and Chemistry.

Course materials

W. J. Rankin «Minerals, Metals and Sustainability – Meeting Future Material Needs» CSIRO publishing, 2011, ISBN978-0-415-68459-0 Information on support litterature will be given in the beginning of the course.

Credit reductions