Description
This trip, UBC-SEG 2024 International Trip to Greece-Türkiye: Exploring the Western Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, planned by the UBC-SEG Student Chapter will run from May 1-20, 2024. Participants will arrive in Izmir, Türkiye, and the trip will end with participants leaving Athens, Greece. The objective of this trip is to offer UBC geoscience students the opportunity to visit unique geological sites of interest which are not typically discussed or traveled to within their regular degree program. Greece and Türkiye are rich in mineral deposits within the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt. These deposits include the Kisladag Au porphyry, the Olympias Au-rich polymetallic carbonate replacement deposit, the ancient Ag mines of Lavrio and many more. Many students participating in this trip have worked or will work in the mineral exploration industry within British Columbia. Visiting similar deposit styles internationally will not only strengthen understanding of these deposits, but will also give broader insights into the various geological settings in which these deposits can occur.
This trip will allow the group to build connections with international geologists during site visits, and those in academia. We plan on visiting several mines and one exploration project where we will learn about each project’s geology directly from their geologists (see itinerary). The group is collaborating with several universities in both Greece and Türkiye, namely the University of Athens (UofA), University of Patras (UofP), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and Middle East Technical University (METU). With Professor Panagiotis Voudouris (UofA), we will explore the underground geology of the ancient Lavrio Mining district. With the UofP SEG chapter and Professor Stavros Kalaitzidis, we will visit the Molaoi Zn-Pb-Ag VMS deposit. The AuTh SEG chapter and Professor Vasilios Melfos will guide us through the Olympias and Mavres Petres carbonate replacement deposits, and the Skouries porphyry Au deposit. A METU alumni, Koray Tasbicen (Colorado School of Mines), will be planning to join us on visits to the Kisladag Au porphyry deposit and the Efemçukuru Au epithermal deposit. Additionally, the group will include undergraduates, graduate students, Post-Doctoral Fellows, research associates and industry professionals who share a passion for geology and mineral exploration. The diversity in skill sets amongst the group participants will facilitate mentorship, especially for undergraduates, and will allow for more in-depth discussions about the region’s geology.
Registration
Industry partners interested in participating in the trip can also attend. The cost of the trip for industry participants is $4000 which includes all itinerary activities, transport, accommodation and the majority of meals, but does not include flights. Spots are limited and will be on a first come first serve basis. The deadline to secure your spot (i.e. payment) is January 31, 2024. If you would like to join the trip or find out more, please contact ubcseg@gmail.com.
The UBC-SEG Student Chapter welcomes sponsorship of student travel. If you know of any individuals or companies that are willing to sponsor the trip, please contact ubcseg@gmail.com or make a direct donation.