Udemy
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.
Learn More
Your cart is empty.
Keep shopping
IOCG Deposits
Rating: 4.2 out of 5(6 ratings)
108 students

IOCG Deposits

Geology, Exploration, Economic Geology, Mineral Deposits
Created byGeology Training Center
Last updated 6/2026
English
English [Auto],

What you'll learn

  • Understand the fundamental geological characteristics of Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) deposits, including their general features and global distribution.
  • Analyze the three main tectonic and regional settings of IOCG provinces, specifically orogenic, post-orogenic, and continental margin arc environments.
  • Recognize and interpret hydrothermal alteration patterns, including proximal paragenetic sequences, and alteration zoning at the deposit sc
  • Assess the main economic aspects of IOCG deposits, including variability in grade and tonnage, metal associations.

Course content

1 section • 7 lectures • 35m total length

  • Introduction2:14

    Explore iocg deposits, iron oxide dominant systems with hematite and magnetite, rich in copper and gold, formed by hydrothermal fluids from granitic intrusions and distinct sodium to potassium alteration patterns.

  • Key Features of IOCG Deposits4:40

    Explore iocg deposits, where copper and gold occur with iron-rich rocks in distinct magnetite-hematite assemblages, controlled by structural geology and multi-fluid hydrothermal systems in volcano-sedimentary basins.

  • Global distribution3:35

    Explore the global distribution of iocg deposits, their confinement near craton boundaries and deep lithospheric controls revealed by seismic velocity patterns for guiding exploration.

  • Tectonic Settings4:46

    Explore the three main tectonic settings for IOCG deposits—orogenic, post-orogenic, and continental margin arc (Andean type)—and how geochronology and hydrothermal fluids reveal mineralization timing.

  • Hydrothermal Alteration and Paragenetic Sequences7:20

    Trace hydrothermal alteration in iocg mineralization through a five-stage paragenetic sequence. Identify sodium, calcium, iron, and potassium assemblages and how fluid evolution governs ore deposition and regional alteration.

  • Hydrothermal Alteration: Deposit Scale Zonation4:45

    Explore alteration zoning at the deposit scale across orogenic, post-orogenic, and arc related IOCG systems, from sodic and calcium-rich to potassic and ferric mineralization.

  • Main Deposits / Tonnage and Grades8:27

    Analyze the tonnage and grades of major iocg deposits, comparing copper and gold concentrations across examples like Sihlobo, Olympic Dam, and Sossego, and illustrate the relationships with tonnage-grade scatter plots.

Requirements

  • A basic understanding of general geology and mineral deposit types.
  • Familiarity with geological terminology and tectonic processes.
  • No specialized software or equipment is required.

Description

This course offers a comprehensive and updated introduction to Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) deposits, one of the most important and debated mineral systems in modern economic geology. Aimed at geologists, geology students, and professionals in mineral exploration, this course focuses on understanding the key geological, geochemical, and structural features that characterize IOCG deposits globally.

Based primarily on the updated classification and genetic models presented by Skirrow, the course systematically explores the general features of IOCG deposits, their global distribution, and their occurrence in different tectonic settings, including orogenic, post-orogenic, and continental margin arc environments. A major emphasis is placed on the hydrothermal alteration zoning at the deposit scale, covering mineral assemblages and paragenetic sequences critical to ore identification.

Through illustrated examples and scientific diagrams, learners will also become familiar with significant IOCG districts as well as the factors that influence their economic potential, including tonnage, grades, and associated elements like gold, uranium, and rare earth elements.

The course also highlights key diagnostic features that help distinguish IOCG deposits from similar mineral systems, improving the accuracy of geological interpretations during exploration.

Whether you are involved in research or mineral exploration, this course provides robust conceptual tools to interpret and recognize IOCG systems across different geological contexts.

Who this course is for:

  • Recommended for geology students, exploration geologists, or professionals working in economic geology or mineral exploration.

Report abuse