Date: July 25 - August 1, 2026
Location: Antofagasta, Chile
Capacity: 15

Application Opens: March 16, 2026
Application Deadline: April 6, 2026, at 3:00pm MDT
Selected Participant Notification: April 24, 2026

Description

The Coastal Cordillera of northern Chile are characterized by Jurassic-age andesite hostrocks that host Cu-Ag systems, collectively known as "Chilean Manto-Type" ore deposits. These ores are generally oxidized to a distinctive assemblage of copper minerals that complement low-temperature alteration minerals within andesite flows and flow-breccias.

This course will emphasize detailed mapping of rock units, structures, and alteration minerals associated with copper occurrences; our final products will be maps showing the distribution of copper within andesites and the local structural controls of copper oxides.

• Preference will be given to active SEG Student Members. Join/Renew
• Selection of participants is competitive. Travel grants will only be awarded to qualified students and early career recent graduates.
• Participants must provide proof of valid medical and life insurance and are required to have these documents with them during the course.
• Participants must have completed at least one field mapping course (field camp not necessary)
• Participants must have a working Brunton© Standard Transit compass (SEG Student Members receive a 30% discount)
• Some participants may be required to have a Chilean visa. Please review your individual visa and entry requirements well in advance, as it is the responsibility of each participant to obtain the proper entry documentation. Contact your embassy website for additional information.
• Mina Comahue is less than 1000m above sea level, so no special high-elevation medical clearance is needed.

Trip Leaders

William X. Chávez, Jr.

New Mexico School of Mines

SEG Fellow since 1990

Ralph A. González

Archean Ingenieria International Ltda

SEG Fellow since 1981

Included for Participants

• Up to 75% on economy-class roundtrip airfare ONLY to/from Antofagasta, Chile (Airport Code ANF). Ground transportation from Antofagasta to our field area is also provided. Participants are required to provide flight details in the application.
• Double-occupancy lodging, breakfasts, and field lunches.
• Map sheets and engineer's scales.
• Taught in English and Spanish.

Not Included for Participants

• Dinners, some meals, snacks, water, and drinks, and any incidental expenses.
• The following gear to be packed:
  • Brunton© Standard Transit compass (see above)
  • Hardhat
  • Sturdy, steel- or hard-toe leather boots. Hiking shoes or similar are not appropriate
  • Reflective vest (orange or yellow)
  • Long-sleeve shirt
  • Long pants
  • Eye protection (prescription and sunglasses are acceptable)
  • Gloves (garden gloves are acceptable)
  • Hand lens
  • Pencils (2H or harder are required; soft pencils are NOT appropriate for our mapping)
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Clipboard
  • Magnet
  • Eraser
  • Engineer's Scale (provided; see above)
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Water bottle
  • Prescription medications and their prescriptions

SEG will provide updates for field safety and insurance items, as well as a list of required paperwork, closer to the departure date.

Application

Application Opens: March 16, 2026
Application Deadline: April 6, 2026, at 3:00pm MDT
Selected Participant Notification: April 24, 2026

• Participants must pay US$195 registration fee; travel grants will not be issued until registration fee is paid.
• Medical and life insurance forms must be submitted to SEG before funding is distributed.
• Late applications will not be accepted. For questions regarding an existing application, contact [email protected]

To avoid losing your work it is recommended to complete responses in a text file and then copy/paste into the application.