Steering Committee meeting in Wroclaw, Poland

The TIMREX consortium had the opportunity to meet in person for the yearly Steering Committee meeting held in Wroclaw, Poland, in hybrid mode, allowing online participation as well. The event took place on 27-28 June 2024, hosted by the partner Wroclaw University of Science and Technology.

The event was initiated with welcome words and practicalities by the coordinator Ferenc Mádai (University of Miskolc), followed by the overview of the agenda and the objectives of the meeting. After that, all partners engaged in discussions about administrative topics and workplan with regards to the different components of the TIMREX programme.

The latest editions of the Summer School and Applied Field Exploration course were presented, including the feedback provided by the participating students, followed by discussions on how to improve them for the upcoming cohort. The Exploration entrepreneurship course, a strong entrepreneurial component of TIMREX programme, was presented.

After that, the partners overviewed the thesis topics of the students and their internship activities as TIMREX students. The purpose of this section was to monitor the academic progress of the students, and to plan the necessary actions to fulfill the objectives of the study programme.

The issue with regards to the upcoming third cohort were also discussed, in order to evaluate the statistics and lessons learned from previous cohorts.

Finally, the partners engaged in discussing the targets to be met in the near future and to assess the possibilities to extend the partnership for additional years.

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The 6th edition of the Applied Field Exploration course

The 6th edition of the Applied Field Exploration course comprised 3 geophycisists from Boliden and 20 students from Luleå University of Technology, University of Miskolc, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology and University of Zagreb / Sveučilište u Zagrebu, as part of the TIMREX programme.

After 3 days of mapping, the students have already mapped out several structures, stratigraphic units and alteration zones of interest for VMS exploration. The field mapping exercises have been interleaved with talks by Johannes Holzäpfel and Dave Maher of EMX Royalty Corporation and Amanda Scott (BSc Geology, FAusIMM) of Scott Geological AB touching various aspects of entrepreneurship and drivers in the mineral exploration industry.

The most promising target was tested with a geophysical survey, and on Friday the team headed to Boliden for a drill core logging exercise and talks by Mac Fjellerad Persson and Tobias Hermansson.

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Testimonials

Rayhan Aldizan Farrenzo

“”These past few days were nothing but a wonderful experience. Getting a new mindset to become a better exploration geologist, and basically starting from zero again because you basically don’t know anything, which is a good thing to start with. Nevertheless, huge thanks to Nils F Jansson and Tobias Bauer with the help of TIMREX MSc in Mineral Exploration for the meticulously curated one week summer school, mainly about VMS Deposits. Not only about VMS Deposits, we also get the insightful lectures about mineral exploration industry. Starting from talks about Junior Exploration Company from the distinguished EMX Royalty Corporation representations, Johannes Holzäpfel and Dave Maher. Continued by the motivational career talk by Amanda Scott (BSc Geology, FAusIMM) on entrepreneurial geology and most importantly to be a “full-package geologist” that can work under many different hats. Our last day for the summer school ends with a trip to Boliden, where we got to see the humongous drill core archive facilities and also to hear the successful Rävliden exploration story by Mac Fjellerad Persson and some explanation about core logs and it’s connection with the VMS Models. Lastly, we got a very interesting lecture about Exploration Geology and AI by Tobias Hermansson, and what could be the future for exploration geology. I’m very lucky to have such an experience.””

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Nchimenyi Sobse

“Celebrating the success of our VMS field exploration course in Skeleftea!

I am thrilled to have participated in a VMS field exploration course in the breathtaking skelleftea District in northern Sweden.

Hands-On fieldwork:
I gained invaluable experience, mapping and understanding the role of Insitu hyaloclastites and metasediments to proximity of the massive sulfides.

Witnessed first hand and
logged the drill cores from this area at the Boliden core facility.

Understood the process of mapping structures using high resolution photogammetric images of outcrops, alteration and facies mapping.

Networking:
Connections were forged, creating a vibrant community of like minded professionals through presentations from Johannes Holzäpfel of EMX Royalty Corporation , Amanda Scott (BSc Geology, FAusIMM) of Scott Geological AB.

At Boliden we received wonderful lectures from Mac Fjellerad Persson on VMS deposits in the skelleftea District and Tobias Hermansson on research and development at BOLIDEN.

I am incredibly proud of the dedication and enthusiasm of our field professors Nils F Jansson, Tobias Bauer and a host of professionals from Boliden for their resounding lessons and contribution which made it a success.

To the wonderful TIMREX MSc in Mineral Exploration students from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology , LuleĂĄ University of Technology , University of Miskolc and University of Zagreb it was a memorable experience working as a team.“

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Gebreselassie Gebremedhin

“Last week, I had a valuable practical experience studying Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) deposits in the field. The fieldwork took place in the SkellefteĂĄ district of Northern Sweden, one of the major ore-producing regions. The exposure to field mapping exercises and attending lectures on professional and entrepreneurial insights was enriching. Exploring the formation processes of VMS deposits, practicing structural measurements, alteration and lithological facies description (i.e., metavolcanics and metasediments), geophysical survey (i.e., magnetic-to detect possible anomalies) followed by attending lectures on data interpretation presented by geophysicists from Boliden, and a visit to Boliden for drill core logging, along with lectures were wonderful experiences.

Many thanks to the course and field leaders, Prof. Nils F Jansson and Tobias Bauer of Luleå University of Technology, for their lectures, field guidance and sharing of profound knowledge and skills. Special thanks to Amanda Scott (BSc Geology, FAusIMM) of Scott Geological AB, and Johannes Holzäpfel from EMX Royalty Corporation for their invaluable professional and entrepreneurial advice. Gratitude also extends to Mac Fjellerad Persson of Boliden for his insightful lectures on the history of VMS in Skellefteå, exploration development, and reconstruction of the VMS forming geological process based on drill core interpretation. Appreciation continues to Tobias Hermansson of Boliden for his enlightening lectures on exploration research, development of exploration techniques, and professional advice.

To my dear colleagues from TIMREX MSc in Mineral Exploration and beyond, it was a pleasure being part of the fieldwork with you. I appreciate the teamwork and have learned a lot from you. I look forward to continued collaboration in the green energy and sustainable development journey. Cheers to all!

A big thank you to the organizing team and everyone who contributed to this memorable experience.”

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Samuel Ayipa Arthur

” I am excited to share my incredible experience at the TIMREX Summer School, where I participated in the Applied Field Exploration course at LuleĂĄ University of Technology, Sweden, organized by Professors Nils F Jansson and Tobias Bauer. Held from June 10th to 14th, this immersive program provided a unique, field-based mineral exploration experience, blending innovative techniques with hands-on practice.

Alongside 20 skilled student geologists from University of Miskolc, Luleå University of Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology and the University of Zagreb / Sveučilište u Zagrebu, we tackled the challenge of rediscovering a blind VMS deposit in the Skellefte district. Utilizing various mapping techniques and magnetic geophysical surveys, we also honed our drill core logging skills at Boliden. This course, part of the EIT RawMaterials labelled TIMREX MSc in Mineral Exploration, was truly educative and transformative.

Appreciations to hashtag#Johannes hashtag#Holzäpfel (EMX Royalty Corporation), and Amanda Scott (BSc Geology, FAusIMM) (Scott Geological AB) for their insightful talks on entrepreneurship and industry drivers. The knowledge and skills gained are invaluable for my future in mineral exploration and mining.

Special thanks also to Mac Fjellerad Persson for his presentation on VMS deposits discovery case story in the Skelleftea District and Tobias Hermansson for his discussion on research and development at Boliden.

I am deeply grateful to our lecturers and coordinators from LuleĂĄ University of Technology, Prof. Nils F Jansson and Prof. Tobias Bauer, as well as the TIMREX MSc in Mineral Exploration for organizing the Summer School Field Program.

I look forward to applying these learnings and continuing this exciting journey!”

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Joshua Boye

“Exciting News!

I am thrilled to share that I recently participated in the 2024 TIMREX field Exploration Summer School!

The summer school is part of an applied Field Exploration course at LuleĂĄ University of Technology, Sweden, organized by Prof. Nils F Jansson and Tobias Bauer.This course form part of the EIT RawMaterials labelled TIMREX MSc in Mineral Exploration program .The Summer school was held from 10th to 14th of June 2024 in SkellefteĂĄ, Northern Sweden, a significant district with VMS ore deposits.

This one week intensive program was an incredible experience for me . It dived deep into the Geological and geophysical field mapping of Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide(VMS) deposits, gaining cutting-edge hands-on practical experience on structural, alteration, and lithological facies mapping in a typical VMS setting.

Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to:
Attend immersive lectures led by industry experts with diverse technical and entrepreneurial skills in mining and exploration.
Collaborate on field geological and geophysical mapping exercises with brilliant and talented peers from various Timrex partner universities.
Explore new perspectives and approaches in
Geological field mapping, Drill Core logging, and geophysical survey techniques applicable to VMS exploration and mining.
Develop critical soft skills that I am excited to apply in my career.

Many thanks to Prof. Nils F Jansson and Tobias Bauer of Luleå University of Technology (program coordinators and field leaders) for their insightful lectures, hands-on mentoring, and sharing of deep knowledge and skills in exploration and mining with us.I am also grateful to Amanda Scott of Scott Geological AB, and hashtag#Johannes hashtag#Holzäpfel from EMX Royalty Corporation for their industrial and entrepreneurial advice, which will be valuable to my learning and growth. Also, a heart full of gratitude goes to the TIMREX MSc in Mineral Exploration consortium for putting such an astonishing program in place. Finally, many thanks to Mac Fjellerad Persson of Boliden for enlightening us on the VMS deposits discovery case story in the Skelleftea District and Tobias Hermansson for his presentation on Research and Development at Boliden .

This One week experience has really impacted my knowledge of mineral exploration in VMS setting and I look forward to apply this valuable knowledge gained.”

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Successful conclusion of the 2024 TIMREX Summer School!

As part of the TIMREX project, a Summer Field School was organised for 25 students studying mostly in universities from the East-South-Eastern European region between 10-14 June. 25 students participated in the event from 8 universities across Europe from Estonia to Greece. The focus of the school was on fieldwork in the Telkibánya low-suplhidation Au-bearing occurrence, combined with intensive laboratory exercises and data evaluation. The program was complemented by evening lectures about upcoming solutions and trends for mineral resource exploration in Europe.

TIMREX is an EIT-RawMaterials co-financed project to implement the TIMREX EIT-labelled joint master’s programme on innovative mineral resource exploration.

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TIMREX Summer School 2024!

10-14 June 2024, Telkibánya, Hungary

Introduction

The objective of the school is to give a field-based mineral exploration experience for students, introducing innovative exploration techniques and approaches, using the example of a low sulphidation hydrothermal ore deposit. The program is designed for earth science bachelor’s and master’s students, primarily from the East-South-Eastern European (ESEE) region. Master students from field of mining engineering are also welcome.

Telkibánya is a well-known historical mining site of the Carpathian region, and the locality and the available exploration databases provide a good environment for an efficient field practice. Invited speakers from the raw materials industry will complement the program.

Upon completion of the programme and competency assessment, certificate about the field school and 3 ECTS shall be earned by the students.

The TIMREX project supports the participation of the students by a scholarship up to 400 € to cover the travel and subsistence costs. Eligibility for the scholarship will be defined by external evaluators based on the completed registration form. 

Deadline: 10 April 2024

Register here!

Site location

Program

(L) = Lectures

(PC) = Practical classes, demos

(F) = Field programs

(S) = Social programs

INTRODUCTORY ONLINE LECTURES

27 May – 7 June, 2024 (exact dates will be defined later, online lectures will be held in late afternoon time).

Topic Leaders
(L) Telkibánya geological setting and mining history
János Földessy, University of Miskolc, Hungary
(L) Magmatic-hydrothermal ore-forming processes (porphyry Cu-Mo and epithermal Au-Ag deposits)
Sibila Borojevic-Sostaric, University of Zagreb, Croatia
(L) Hydrothermal processes - physical & chemical properties of aqueous solutions, fluid inclusions, ore-fluid compositions, solubility of metals in aqueous solutions, hydrothermal alteration
Ferenc Molnár, ELTE Hungary
(L) New and innovative analytical methodologies in exploration geochemistry
István Márton, Stockwerk Ltd.
(L) Integration, interpretation and modelling of high- precision multielement and hyperspectral datasets
Thorkild Maack Rasmussen, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden
(L) Advanced geophysical methods in mineral exploration of hydrothermal deposits
Endre Nádasi, UM

FIELD WEEK PROGRAM

Students will form four groups, mixed regarding home university, gender, background. Each group will complete all field and laboratory exercises.

10 June 2024

Time Topic Leaders
10-13
(F) Geological mapping of the area of K-alteration
(F) Indication of veins by induced polarisation method and magnetometry
Norbert NĂ©meth (UM), Geogold Ltd.
13-14
Lunch
14-15
(S) Mining museum visit
15-17
(PC) Elaboration of fieldwork results in QGIS
(PC) Analysis of drill cores (alteration types, multispectral core logging, XRF, LIBS)
Norbert Németh, Norbert Zajzon, Boglárka Topa
17-18
18-19
Dinner
19-21
(L) Visiting lectures: Careers in geology for young geoscientists in Eastern Europe; Innovative solutions for and challenges in underwater spaces: sensor development, robotization
Róbert Serfőző, Geogold Ltd.; Richárd Papp, UGR

11 June 2024

Time Topic Leaders
9-13
(F) Geological mapping of the area of K-alteration
(F) Indication of veins by induced polarisation method and magnetometry
Norbert NĂ©meth (UM), Geogold Ltd.
13-14
Lunch
15-17
(PC) Elaboration of fieldwork results in QGIS
(PC) Analysis of multispectral satellite images (Landsat TM, ASTER)
Norbert NĂ©meth, Mohamed Badawi
17-18
18-19
Dinner
19-21
Visiting lectures • Drillcore scanning and innovative solutions for core analysis • Exploration method specialties of detecting deep-seated metallic deposits
Gyula Maros, Geological Survey (online); Ferenc Molnár, ELTE, ex-GTK

12 June 2024

Time Topic Leaders
9-13
(F) Soil and stream sediment sampling on the Kánya hill
(F) Underground observations in the Mária-adit: alteration patterns, XRF, LIBS, spectral gamma measurements
Norbert Zajzon, Ferenc Mádai, Boglárka Topa, Ferenc Móricz
13-14
Lunch
15-17
(PC) Analysis and modelling of geochemical prospecting data with IoGAS
(PC) Compiling the 3D geological model in Leapfrog
Ferenc Mádai, Evane Cesar, István Márton
17-18
18-19
Dinner
19-21
Visiting lectures • Working as an EurGeol professional in the mineral exploration industry • Lessons from the Future Explorers challenge in innovative mineral exploration
Szabolcs Orbán (online); István Márton, Stockwerk Ltd.

13 June 2024

Time Topic Leaders
9-12
(PC) Compilation of datasets and modelling, perspectivity map generation
All
12-13
Lunch
13-14
(F) Pálháza perlite quarry site visit
14-15
15-16
(PC) Pálháza quarry drone demo and interpretation
16-18
(F) Geoproduct company visit
18-
(S) Tállya vine cellar visit and tasting and dinner

14 June 2024

Time Topic Leaders
9-10
(PC) Finalization of reports and models
All
10-11
11-13
Group presentations of results, competency assessment and wrap-up
All
13-14
Lunch

Course leaders

Sibila Borojević Šoštarić

Sibila Borojević Šoštarić is Professor at the University of Zagreb – Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering. Her main scientific interest in detailed mineralogical, petrological, and geochemical analysis with emphasis on ore deposits, mineralization and metallogeny.

Thorkild Maack Rasmussen

Thorkild Maack Rasmussen is a chaired professor in Applied Geophysics, LuleĂĄ University of Technology, Sweden. Professor Rasmussen has experience from a broad spectrum of geophysical disciplines including magnetics, gravity, electromagnetics, gamma-ray spectrometry, hyperspectral data and seismics. His interest has covered all aspects from inversion and interpretation of geophysical data to instrument development and data acquisition.

Ferenc Molnár

Ferenc Molnár graduated as a qualified geologist at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest in 1986. He obtained his PhD at that university in 1995 and was a NATO-NSERC post-doctoral researcher at the Carleton University, Ottawa from 1997 to 1999. From 1986 to 2011 he worked in various positions at the Department of Mineralogy, Eötvös Loránd University and completed research projects in mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry of epithermal gold, porphyry copper, IOCG, as well as orthomagmatic and hydrothermal Cu-Ni-Pge ore deposits in various European and American terrains. From 2011 to 2021 he worked as a research professor of ore geology at the Geological Survey of Finland. In that position his major field of research was focused on the development of models for various types of ore systems, especially for orogenic gold mineral systems and development of novel mineral exploration methods based on the extensive use of modern analytical techniques. Since 2021, Dr Molnár is the head of the Department of Mineralogy at the Eötvös Loránd University. and the major focus of his work is on the mentoring of the next generation of geologists.

Norbert Zajzon

Norbert Zajzon completed his MSc and PhD studies about mineralogy, geochemistry and solid mineral resources at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest. His research subject was instrumental mineralogy and geochemistry related to global environmental crises, mass extinctions. Until now he is dedicated to numerous analytical techniques in the geoscience field. He is an associate professor at the Institute of Mineralogy and Geology, and head of the Mineralogy – Petrology Department, University of Miskolc (Miskolc, Hungary), teaching instrumental mineralogy, ore deposits and astronomy and planetology and head of the microprobe laboratory and co-leader of the 3D laboratory. He has experience in numerous H2020 projects, like Robominers, or UNEXMIN where he was the coordinator. UNEXMIN project. The UNEXMIN results leaded to its continuation the EIT Raw Materials financed UNEXUP project where he also is the coordinator. He is also the scientific advisor of the UNEXMIN Georobotics Ltd, which was founded by the UNEXMIN consortium.

István Márton PhD

István Márton PhD has obtained BSc and Msc in Romania at the Babeș–Bolyai University, Cluj and University of Bucharest, respectively. Following a 3 years period working as Exploration Geologist in Apuseni Mts (Romania) he continued studies at the University of Geneva (Switzerland), where he obtained PhD in 2008. After a short academic post-doc research period he has joined the exploration industry and since then, he has been working in the exploration and mining industry as an Exploration Geologist and Geochemist. The lecturer has been involved in target generation, greenfield- and brownfield- exploration and geometallurgical works in 8 countries being focused on Cretaceous–Miocene epithermal Au-Ag, polymetallic carbonate replacement Pb-Zn-Cu-Au, porphyry Cu-Au-Mo, sedimentary rock-hosted gold and Archean orogenic gold deposits. Since 2009 he is working also as visiting lecturer at the University of Babeş–Bolyai University teaching Introduction to Ore Deposits and Economic Geology courses and supervises bachelor/master student projects. More recently the Lecturer is acting as principal geoscientist consultant at Dundee Precious Metals with focus on exploration geochemistry, 3D modelling and drill target generation efforts of the company in greenfield and near-mine projects in Bulgaria, Serbia, Armenia and Canada.

Richárd Zoltán Papp

Richárd Zoltán Papp is the Managing Director at UNEXMIN GeoRobotics Ltd. He graduated from the Environmental sciences BSc at the Eötvös Loránd University and then from the Earth science engineering MSc at the University of Miskolc. He completed his PhD studies in mineralogy at the University of Miskolc and participated in the UNEXMIN (H2020) and UNEXUP (EIT RawMaterials) projects as a research fellow. Recently he is the head of the UNEXMIN Georobotics Ltd., the successor enterprise of the UNEXMIN project aiming to commercially exploit the multi-robot platform. The company positions itself as a R&D and commercial technology service provider capable of significantly extending the framework for mineral exploration and data acquisition methods, with robotic solutions (initially with underwater surveying) and integration of available geoscientific data acquired for greenfield or brownfield deep deposits exploration /development.

Ferenc Mádai

Ferenc Mádai is the head of Institute of Exploration Geosciences at the University of Miskolc. His teaching duties cover the topics of petrography, geochemical exploration methods, mineral exploration and mineral resource management. He has participated in several domestic and international projects for assessing the potential of critical raw materials (e.g. REEBAUX) and improving utilization conditions (e.g. MINLEX, Robominers). Participates in several international educational projects, he is the program coordinator for the TIMREX joint programme.

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Program brochure

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Environmental startup ideas competition at university of Miskolc

Blog post published by University of Miskolc, translated to English below. Click HERE to read the original post (in Hungarian).

The University of Miskolc’s Startup Ideas Competition focused on today’s environmental problems, with ten teams submitting their entries. In the project presentation final, the first place was won by HydroGen, a team of students from the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Engineering, with their idea to start a company researching natural hydrogen sources.

The ‘National EIT KIC Raw Materials Partnership for the Development of Innovation Ecosystem – HAPAKO Project’ (2021-1.2.1-EIT-KIC-2021-00003), which organises this year’s first semester Startup Idea Competition, is open for entries in the fields of raw materials research, circular economy and waste recovery.

The competition aims to give innovative young people the opportunity and support to create their future businesses. This will be supported by a cash grant to the winners. This year, for the first time, the competition was open to foreign students, with seven teams taking part.

In the final of the Startup Idea Competition on 30 November, the jury of experts awarded three winning teams.

The first place was won by HydroGen, a team of students from the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Engineering (Gábor Babos, Krisztofer Török, Péter Mátyás), with a plan to start a hydrogen research company that would offer an environmentally friendly solution using natural hydrogen.

The second prize-winning team ByprodEx (Moataz Mohamed, Gomaa Abdelrahman, Hadeer Ahmed Ali Hassan, PhD students in geophysics) is developing an application that would support the recovery of industrial waste from companies through an electronic marketplace.

Third place was awarded to the Grassroots team (Rayhan Aldızan Farrenzo, Zeynep Kezer, Makhosi geology students), who would produce soap and candles from used cooking oil.

A special prize was awarded to the Pickapp team (PĂ©ter Gál Zoltán Gál, law student, and his colleagues), who would support the collection of PET bottles and aluminium cans with a “door-to-door” collection service in the mandatory deposit scheme starting in 2024.

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Label Induction Day for TIMREX and AMIR students

On Friday, October 27th, we hosted the Label Induction Day for our first-year TIMREX and AMIR students currently enrolled at the University of Miskolc. TIMREX students from Uni-ZG (RGNF) – Zagreb – have joined the event online.

During the Label Induction Day, Imre Gombkötő, a dedicated member of the EIT-RM ECLC team, provided an informative overview of the numerous opportunities available to students within the labeled programs, with a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Zsolt István, a staff member from the University of Miskolc, delivered a presentation on the university’s vibrant innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. He highlighted the various talent-management programs that the university offers to support and nurture our students’ development.

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Steering commitee meeting – September 2023

The TIMREX consortium was together in LuleĂĄ, Sweden, for the annual Steering Committee meeting that was hosted by the education partner LTU (LuleĂĄ University of Technology). This opportunity brought together representatives from the partners in order to discuss the current state of the education programme, leassons learned, and the plan for the future activities.

Firstly, we discussed the conclusions and findings from both the pilot and second cohorts, followed by discussions on administrative points and the application wave that will be launched for WUST. Another important topic was the thesis semester for the pilot cohort – in which the topic proposals were analysed and discussed between the programme representatives.

The closure of day 1 was dedicated to a session with students from the pilot cohort. Their feedback on impressions and expectations was invaluable in shaping the project’s future, and we appreciate their dedication and resilience.

The second day of meetings started with discussions on the continuation of TIMREX. Project partners discussed the timeline, improvement points and opportunities for the partners to continue its legacy and relevance towards aspiring students in mineral exploration.

As an EIT RawMaterials project, project management issues were discussed such as the timeline and milestones to pursue in the upcoming months. The consortium is committed to fulfill the obligations on reporting and promotion activities, to guarantee that the target audiences remain aware and interested in the TIMREX programme.

Planning for fieldwork weeks in 2024 was another topic, in which we discussed the coordinating logistics and proper planning of activities. Lastly, we established a roadmap for the closure months of 2023 with regards to KPIs and deliverables; as well as the structure of the tasks in 2024.

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TIMREX Zagreb admission opened!

LinkedIn post by Professor Sibila Borojević Šoštarić:

August 22, 2023

“Dear students,

EIT RawMaterials funded MSc labelled programme in mineral exploration TIMREX Project had opened admission for University of Zagreb/Sveuciliste u Zagrebu, Croatia intake for academic year 2023/24!

Check our requirements and application procedure here:

Requirements & application

Cohort 2023/24 starting at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering will enrol new university MSc programme in Applied Geology and Geological Engineering – Module Exploration and Environmental Geology (accredited, registration procedure ongoing), and select between preferred mobility routes:

Zagreb (year 1) – Miskolc (year 2)

Zagreb (year 1) – Wroclaw (year 2)

Application documents must be submitted by September 22nd, 2023, at the latest to Assoc. Prof. Ana Maričić at ana.maricic@rgn.unizg.hr.

Looking forward to answering your additional questions!

Sibila Borojević Ĺ oštarić and Ana MariÄŤić.”

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TIMREX Summer School 2023!

29 May – 02 June 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction

The objective of the school is to introduce innovative mineral exploration methods and techniques with special focus on metallic mineral commodities. The program is designed for earth science master students, primarily from the East-South-Eastern European (ESEE) region. Master students from field of mining engineering are also welcome.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is currently in the focus of European mineral resource exploration due to its critical raw material potential, with over 120 critical raw materials deposits and occurrences known in B&H. During the summer field school students will have opportunity to visit three different and significant mineral regions in Bosnia and Hercegovina.
First region to visit is Ljubija iron ore region with three open-cast pits: Omarska, Adamuša and Ciganuša. Second one is the Jajce bauxite-bearing region and the third one is polymetallic mining area of Vareš town.

Download brochure

Application

Students of the TIMREX Summer Field School will have the opportunity to investigate all this impressive raw material deposits from iron ores to bauxite and dimension stone and to learn importance of data collection, analysis, modelling and interpretation of results as the first major step in exploration and exploitation decision making. The TIMREX project supports the participation of the students by a scholarship up to 400 € to cover the travel and subsistence costs during the summer school field programme. Arrival to and from Zagreb is not covered by the project. Eligibility for the scholarship will be defined by external evaluators based on the completed registration form:

Register here!

Upon successful completion of the summer school a certificate on 3 ECTS is given to the students.

Application deadline: 2 May 2023, 23:59 (CET)

Site location

Omarska, Adamuša and Ciganuša open-cast pits near Prijedor are part of the Ljubija sideriteankerite-limonite ore region related to Early Permian intracontinental rifting containing 50 iron ore deposits and over 100 ore occurrences. Primary carbonate iron ores are siderite and ankerite while limonite is a secondary oxidised ore. Manganese content is several percent. Omarska is the most significant iron ore deposits with primary ore within Carboniferous clastic and carbonate rocks. Unlike Adamuša and Ciganuša pits, Omarska pit is still active where ore is processed in a modern gravity – magnetic separation processing plant. Sideritelimonite ore body in Adamuša pit, according to rough estimation, is 800 m in length, 500 m in width and with thickness up to 40 m while siderite-ankerite and limonite ore bodies in Ciganuša pit have dimension of 1,600 x 1,200 m and total area of 1.25 km2.

In the Jajce bauxite-bearing area numerous high-quality karst bauxite deposits, with high Al2O3 and low SiO2 content, are located. In Bešpelj, Crvene Stijene, and Poljane districts bauxite exploration and exploitation are done by underground methods while Skakavacdeposit is exploited by surface exploitation. Furthermore, two quarries of dimension stone are associated with bauxite deposits: Crvene Stijene, presented by reddish breccias, and polymict grey conglomerates in the hanging wall to bauxite deposits, and Poljane with light grey fossiliferous limestones from footwall of bauxite deposits.

The mining town and area of Vareš has a significant mining history dating back to Bronze Age.

Several iron and polymetallic (lead, zinc, barite, silver, gold) deposits within a 30 km x 10 km sedimentary formation were discovered there. The polymetallic mineralization in the Vareš region is associated with Middle Triassic advanced rifting. Mineralisation includes siderite, manganese-rich hematite, barite, pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite and Pb-sulphosalts.

Program

(L) = Lectures

(PC) = Practical classes, demos

(F) = Field programs

(S) = Social programs

INTRODUCTORY ONLINE LECTURES

23 May 2023

Time Topic Leaders
16h00-17h00
(L) Regional Geology of the Western Balkans
Sibila Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF
17h00-18h00
(L) Overview of metallic mineral deposits of BIH
Sibila Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF

24 May 2023

Time Topic Leaders
16h00-17h00
(L) Innovative analytical methodologies in exploration geochemistry
István Márton, Stockwork Ltd
17h00-18h00
(L) Integration, interpretation and modelling of multielement geochemical and geophysical datasets
Tomislav Brenko, UNIZG-RGNF; Jasna Orešković, UNIZG-RGNF

25 May 2023

Time Topic Leaders
16h00-17h00
(L) Specific exploration methods of dimension stone deposits
Ana Maričić, UNIZG-RGNF
17h00-18h00
(L) Karst Bauxites - potential REE resources?
Andrea Mindszenty, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest

SUMMER FIELD SCHOOL PROGRAMME

28 May 2023

Time Leaders
15h00-16h00
Meeting in Zagreb, Pierottijeva street 6
16h00-19h00
Travel to Prijedor (BIH) and accommodation

29 May 2023

Time Location Topic Leaders
09h00-13h00
Prijedor
(F) Omarska open-pit mine Topic: geochemistry of Iron and manganese
Sibila Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF
13h00-14h00
(F) Visit to the ore processing plant (gravity – magnetic separation)
Local geologist
14h00-15h00
(S) Lunch
15h00-18h00
(PC) Cabinet work in groups: Link between geochemistry and field mineralogical data
Sibila Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF; Tomislav Brenko, UNIZG-RGNF
(PC) Cabinet work in groups: Link between ore geochemistry before and after processing
19h00-
(S) Dinner

30 May 2023

Time Location Topic Leaders
09h00-13h00
Prijedor
(F) Adamuša and Ciganuša – iron ore open-cast pit Topic: geological setting and main features of deposits influencing the exploitation
Sibila Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF; Local geologists
13h00-14h00
(S) Lunch
14h00-16h00
(F) Advanced geophysical methods in mineral exploration (Magnetometry, Electric resistivity tomography – ERT) – differences between methods and advantages of geophysical methods during exploration of deposits
Josipa Kapuralić, UNIZG-RGNF
16h00-18h00
Jajce
Travel to Jajce
19h00-
(S) Dinner

31 May 2023

Time Location Topic Leaders
08h00-12h00
Jajce
(F) Jajce underground bauxite mine Topic: observation of stratigraphical setting influencing exploitation
Sibila Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF; Local head geologist at Rudnik boksita Jajce
12h00-15h00
(F) REE geochemistry observations / profiling at open-pit Skakavac profile
Tomislav Brenko, UNIZG-RGNF
15h00-17h00
(F) Dimension stone quarry: specific issues of dimension stone exploration and resource assessment
Ana Maričić, UNIZG-RGNF
17h00-19h30
Travel to Kakanj
20h00-
(S) Dinner

1 June 2023

Time Location Topic Leaders
09h00-15h00
Kakanj / Vareš
(F) Vareš mining area. Topic: precious and base metal site development
Local geologists
15h00-16h00
(S) Lunch
16h00-18h00
(PC) Geochemistry and core analysis cabinet work Importance of data analysis and modelling of different data sets during exploration phase, and its influence on exploitation
Sibila Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF; Local geologists
19h00-
(S) Dinner

2 June 2023

Time Location Topic Leaders
08h00-12h00
Kakanj
(PC) Students’ presentations – work in groups. Students will present their results. Each group will present different sets of data that are connected to iron ores, bauxite and dimension stone deposits
Sibila Borojević Šoštarić, UNIZG-RGNF; Tomislav Brenko, UNIZG-RGNF; Ana Maričić, UNIZG-RGNF
12h00-13h00
(S) Closing event + Lunch
13h00-18h00
Return to Zagreb / return home from Sarajevo

Course leaders

Sibila Borojević Šoštarić

Sibila Borojević Šoštarić is Professor at the University of Zagreb – Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering. Her main scientific interest in detailed mineralogical, petrological, and geochemical analysis with emphasis on ore deposits, mineralization and metallogeny.

Ana Maričić

Ana Maričić is Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb – Faculty of
Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering. Her main scientific interest is
in assessment and qualification of natural building stone, aggregates, sand
and gravel deposits and determination of its of properties and durability
when used in civil engineering constructions.

Tomislav Brenko

Tomislav Brenko is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zagreb – Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering. His main scientific interests include detailed geochemical and mineralogical analyses, statistical modelling of data and provenance studies in geoarchaeology, with an emphasis on iron ore.

István Márton PhD

István Márton has been working in the exploration and mining industry as an Exploration Geologist and Geochemist, involved in target generation, greenfieldand brownfield- exploration and geometallurgical works in 8 countries being focused on Cretaceous–Miocene epithermal Au-Ag, polymetallic carbonate replacement Pb-Zn-Cu-Au, porphyry Cu-Au-Mo, sedimentary rock-hosted gold and Archean orogenic gold deposits. Since 2009 he is working also as visiting lecturer at the University of Babeş–Bolyai University teaching Introduction to Ore Deposits and Economic Geology courses and supervises bachelor/master student projects. More recently ha is acting as principal geoscientist consultant at Dundee Precious Metals with focus on exploration geochemistry, 3D modelling and drill target generation efforts of the company in greenfield and near-mine projects in Bulgaria, Serbia, Armenia and Canada.

Andrea Mindszenty

Andrea Mindszenty is a Professor Emeritus at the Department of Applied Geology of Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest. She has worked for 10 years as an exploration geologist in the aluminium industry in Hungary and abroad (Nigeria, Pakistan, VietNam, Cuba); visited and studied bauxite deposits of India and those of the Mediterranean countries like Italy, former Yugoslavia etc. She joined the University staff in 1981 and has worked in the education of students of geology ever since then. She was co-leader of IGCP Project 287 „Tethyan Bauxites” in 1989-1993. Her major research interest has been: Unconformity-related phenomena (Bauxites and Paleosols/Paleokarst, Travertines, Submarine hardgrounds), Carbonate diagenesis/porosity evolution, Urban Geology, and REE-enrichment in bauxites and Bayer-residue. Currently she is national correspondent of Hungary for the International Association of Sedimentologists (IAS).

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TIMREX at Education Fairs in February and March 2023

The University of Miskolc (HU), coordinating institution in TIMREX, will be representing the study programme in several international fairs that will be held in February and March 2023. These events will happen in Kazakhstan, India, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Therefore, local students are welcome to join the fairs and contact representatives of TIMREX in case they are interested in the newly developed EIT-labelled MSc programme in Mineral Exploration!

The agenda in the upcoming weeks is the following:

  • 26 February, Mumbai (India) 13:00 – 17:00: https://begin-expo.com/en/events/international-education-fair-mumbai/
  • 27 February, Bangalore (India)  13:00- 17:00 : https://begin-expo.com/en/events/international-education-fair-bangalore/
  • 4 March, Cairo (Egypt)15:00-19:00: https://begin-expo.com/en/events/international-education-fair-cairo/
  • 11 March, Baku (Azerbaijan)13:00-1:00: https://begin-expo.com/en/events/international-education-fair-baku/
  • 18 March, Astana (Kazakhstan) 12:00-16:00 : https://begin-expo.com/en/events/international-education-fair-astana/
  • 19 March, Almaty (Kazakhstan) 12:00-16:00 : https://begin-expo.com/en/events/international-education-fair-almaty/
  • 25 March, New Delhi (India) 13:00-17:00 : https://begin-expo.com/en/events/international-education-fair-new-delhi/

In case you are joining one of these student fairs, feel free to reach out to us!

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