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What makes a resource critical? Where do these critical resources come from? This course will provide an understanding of the origin and distribution of mineral deposits that are essential for climate action, particularly in meeting our rapidly growing clean energy needs—from wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles. But are these essential minerals sustainable? How does the extraction of these minerals impact the environment and society? Throughout the course, we will explore how geological processes, driven by plate tectonics, form critical mineral deposits and examine their role in the clean energy transition. Through case studies and debates, we will explore the environmental and societal impacts of mineral extraction. A short field trip around Baltimore, combined with the examination of ore and rock samples in class, will help connect the course material to real-world applications. The course will also cover mineral exploration techniques and resource estimation methods.