The Diverse Ore Deposits, Prospects and Mineralization Styles, Northwest US – Ronald E. Seavooy Student Field trip 2026 (July 8 to 17, 2026)

The Society of Economic Geologist has set itself the goal of promoting the study of geology within the framework of mineral exploration, extraction and mining. Conveying this through excursions and conferences is an effective and rewarding method. The SEG is organising multiple field trips every year with the Michael J. Fitzgerald Student Mapping Course or the Ronald E. Seavoy Student Fieldtrip.

This year two Field trips of the latter programme were conducted. One to Namibia’s Damara Belt in April and the other to the North-Western United States in July that fortunately, I got to experience myself. Over staggering 10 days, I had the privilege of getting first-hand insights into the mining and exploration industry in Montana and South Dakota. Under the hoof of experienced mentors, Timothy MacIntyre, PhD and Jan Schulz-Isenbeck, and our leader, Prof. William X. Chavez.

We started of with the Continental Mine at the world-reknown Butte, a Cu-Mo Porphyry, operated by Montana Resources. Our Roadtrip embraced epithermal Au deposits of the Golden Sunlight by Barrick Mining Corporation, the Black Butte Cu(-Co-Ag-Ni) project of Sandfire Resources America Inc, a visit to the Yellowstone Nationalpark (the place to be for geysers and bisons), the Stillwater West Ni-PGE-CU-Co-Au Project of Stillwater Critical Minerals, the Bull Hill REE (Carbonatite) Project of RER (Rare Element Resources) as well a “gold nugget” for the end - the Richmond Hill Project in the Black Hills district of the Dakota Gold Corp.

This field trip has been invaluable - not only for gaining knowledge on the regional geological history of North America and the evolution of Cu and Au systems near the Wyoming craton, but also for broadening my perspective on the entire development trajectory of projects from exploration to mining, not to mention the hurdles and difficulties associated with them.

However, the biggest impact on me from this trip was having my fellow companions. Meeting student geologists from around the world was truly mesmerizing - one realizes that this globe is pretty tiny after all. A big thank you to the SEG for organising and sponsoring this event, giving students an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

In light of this, applying for these field trips is really just a tiny step. There is nothing to lose!

I also want to encourage you to join our SEG Student Chapter of the University of Zagreb. Planning and participating in field trips, vibrant discussions, lectures, and short courses - as well as gaining firsthand experience and support from industry professionals and senior geologists - can all be part of your studies!

Feel free to reach out via mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Instagram DM SEG Student Chapter UNIZG!