Geology of components and sustainability

Course contents

The goal of the course is for the student to gain insight into the natural (geological) limitations that the ongoing transition to fossil-free energy may encounter.

The student learns in which geological environments different critical materials are formed and how the occurrences are distributed on the globe. The student gains insights into Finland’s role for precious metals in Europe. Political and social aspects of mining, refining and trading of precious metals will be discussed and the student will be given the opportunity to construct the value chains of individual precious metals, from rocks to energy-producing technology and energy storage.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course, the student’s are expected to have gained insight into:

• metals’ value chains from a sustainability perspective.
• the globe’s limited resources.
• the geological complexity of different ores.
• political and social obstacles to international trade in precious metals.
• precious metals in Finland and Europe.

Course material

Materials will be in Moodle.

Teaching schedule

First lecture on 20.3. at 10.00 (Zoom) and a presentation on seminar day on 23.5.

Completion methods

The course is completed in Moodle. Project work during the course.

More information in the Åbo Akademi study guide.

You can get a digital badge after completing this course.

Testing, Energy storage, geologia, vihreä siirtymä, uusiutuvat energianlähteet, jalometallit, louhinta, energiavarasto, malmi