Department of Geology

About the Department

The Department of Geology is the centre of expertise in geology, mineral resources, and mining at TalTech. Our researchers focus on bedrock geology, paleoenvironments, mineral resources, mining engineering and circular economy. We are responsible for study programmes on Earth systems and georesources, host various labs and the largest geocollections in Estonia.

Research groups

Our researchers are involved in palaeoclimate and environmental research, mineral resources, geochemistry, palaeontology, marine geology, hydrogeology and other geosciences.

Studies

The Department of Geology is responsible for bachelor's and master's degree programmes in mineral resources (in Estonian, for now), the aim of which is to train geologists and mining engineers. Doctoral studies in geology and geotechnology are part of the curriculum of physical sciences.

Our laboratories

The Department's modern laboratories support research and teaching and are able to provide various services also outside the university.

Geoseminars

Weekly Department seminars are free to attend, either on-site or on-line.

Our Projects

The Department participates in a number of local and international research projects.

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Liberation of REEs. Illustration from PhD thesis by Nthati Monei

The defense of Nthati Lillian Monei's doctoral thesis, "Phytomining of Rare Earth Elements: Dynamics of Rhizosphere Processes and Element Interactions in the Soil," will take place on December 13, 2023, at 9:00 in room U06-401 and via Zoom.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Michael Hitch
Co-supervisor: Prof. Dr. Hermann Heilmeier (Institute of Biosciences, TU Bergakademie Freiberg)

Opponents: Prof. David Houben (Department of Agricultural and Animal Sciences, UniLaSalle, Beauvais, France)
ja Prof. Alar Astover (Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu)

The thesis is available online: https://digikogu.taltech.ee/et/Item/ae5a3629-d857-411e-86d5-9778767e7f64

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91526584149

Join the Massive Open Online Course “Circular economy in extractive industry” available for free on the Canvas Instructure platform

What is the purpose of this course?

Waste from extractive operations is one of the largest waste streams in the EU. Most of the generated waste is inert or still contains some valuable raw materials and can be reused instead of being disposed. Modern processing methods can help in the reduction of waste disposal on the surface and close the loop in the extraction process.

In this course you will learn the principles of circular economy approach and practical application of some of the methods of solid, liquid and gaseous waste management from the extractive industry.

The course is taught at two levels:

Beginners – for those who want to learn more on the application of circular economy approach in extractive industry but do not have a background in mining, geology or engineering

Advanced – for specialists such as engineers or managers with background in mineral processing, mining or resource management and extraction
The course consists of six modules:

•   Circular economy - principles and regulations
•   Geo-activities with sustainable waste management
•   Modern processing methods
•   Environmental impact assessment
•   Energy Storage in abandoned coal mines – infrastructure CAES (iCAES)
•   Underground Disposal and Storage of Wastes

The course is taught fully online and you can learn at your own pace. After each there is a quiz which allows you to pass to another module.
To join the course simply fill in the form and we will send you all the necessary information on how to log in on the platform canvas.net!