Mineral Resources and the Environment (2,2)

Catalog description

This course will focus on specific environmental problems that arise from mineral resources exploitation or utilization either (or both) in generating the problem or restoring it. Emphasis will be given to mineral characterization and use, environmental aspects of mine extraction, weathering reactions on buildings, artifacts, and monuments that constitute collective cultural heritage. The relationship between minerals and human health will be studied as a special case where the environment includes the human body itself. Ethical implications on mineral extraction will be considered from the point of view of environmental protection. Examples will be provided of analytical, experimental approaches applied to characterize mineral resources.