STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Identify the common ore minerals of Colorado and the rock types associated with them.

 2. Describe and discuss the hydrothermal theory of ore deposit formation.

 3. Locate and describe the major mining districts of Colorado.

 4. Discuss the history of Colorado mining camps as related to the nature of their ore deposits.

 5. Describe historic and modern techniques of mining, milling, and smelting.

 6. Discuss the environmental legacy of Colorado's historic and current mining industry.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Geology of the Colorado Mineral Belt in the context of Colorado geology

 A. Rock cycle

 B. Rock and mineral identification

 C. Geological framework of Colorado

 D. Location, formation, and types of ore deposits in the Colorado Mineral Belt

 II. Geology and history of specific districts within the Colorado Mineral Belt

 A. Ore deposits of Laramide Age

 i. Complex sulfide ores in veins in crystalline rocks (Idaho Springs, Central City, Silverplume-type deposits)

 ii. Complex sulfide ores in veins, mantos, and replacements in sedimentary rocks (Leadville-type deposits)

 B. Ore deposits of Mid-Cenozoic Age

 i. Vein deposits (Creede-type deposits)

 ii. Disseminated deposits (Climax-type deposits)

 III. Geology of deposits not within the Mineral Belt

 A. Cripple Creek gold

 B. Sandstone uranium deposits of western Colorado

 IV. Historic and modern mining, milling, and smelting techniques

 V. Environmental issues associated with mining, milling, and smelting in Colorado

 A. Acidic Mine Drainage (AMD)

 B. Smelter dust emissions

 C. Radiation hazards