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Study information

Production and Cost Estimation - 2019 entry

MODULE TITLEProduction and Cost Estimation CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM145 MODULE CONVENERMr Paul Wheeler (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 6 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 18
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Over the last decade, there has been a strong demand for commodities and numerous mining projects and expansions are being developed to meet this demand, each of which requires a preliminary assessment or feasibility study to demonstrate its economic viability. At the same time, the industry finds itself struggling with significant cost inflation and other operational pressures that constrain production. This module examines the various components and inputs to development of production schedules, financial appraisal of mines and projects and the economic analysis of project alternatives.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to help you understand both the macro-economic and the industry specific economic environment in which mines and projects operate and are evaluated. You will learn about how technical and operational parameters influence the revenue stream and cost structure at mines.

We will discuss the generation of development and production schedules for both open pit and underground mines, and illustrate this with calculations of development rates, production cycle times and equipment selection.

Furthermore, we will review cost estimation methods (for both capital expenditure and operating costs), including the use of database models and "real-life" data.

Finally, we will examine the application of economic analysis techniques (within spreadsheet software), with specific reference to case studies and scenarios considering engineering alternatives.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Acquire, analyse and interpret types of economic and cost data covered in the syllabus, recognising the inconsistencies or errors in such data and methods;

2. Apply a variety of cost estimation techniques to mining methods. Capital and operating cost estimates can be developed for mine development and production/stoping activities; following a provisional approach to equipment selection and production scheduling;

3. Combine revenue and cost data using discounted cashflow and real options analyses to derive financial valuations of mines and projects and their alternative scenarios.

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

4. Conduct and present financial appraisals and valuations with awareness of industry standard assumptions and/or exercising personal judgment;

5. Show critical awareness of current problems and risks in the financial appraisal of mining projects.

 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

6. Enhance and refine data-assessment and software based analysis/presentation skills, particularly with the use of Excel spreadsheet and proprietary database; calculations for cost estimation and financial evaluation exercises;

7. Demonstrate technical report writing skills.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Introduction:

Review of general mineral economics theory and more detailed review of mining industry specific drivers and business risks. Sources of mine financing; fundamentals of project finance, project viability and risk assessment.

 

Development and Production Scheduling:

For both open pit and underground mines; review, discussion and calculation of: equipment selection, matching trucks and shovels, development rates, production cycle times and replacement/rebuild requirements.

 

Cost Estimation:

Capital costs - the methods available for estimating both fixed and working capital costs, depending on the type of study being carried out. Cost indices, and a description of various approaches to cost estimation. Development of pre-production and sustaining/ongoing capital cost requirements. Operating cost estimations: methods, analysis and key data inputs and cost drivers. Cost trends and pressures in the mining industry; the impact of exchange rates; fuel/power prices and labour cost inflation. Infrastructure costs.

 

Financial Analysis:

Role of cash flow modelling & detailed financial analysis/valuation of mining projects and operations. Coverage of the main technical and engineering components of such an analysis. General coverage of development of metal profuction schedules, Net Smelter Revenue calculations and risk/sensitivity analysis. The main factors considered and the techniques used in project evaluation and feasibility studies.

 

Project alternatives:

Examination of engineering and financial alternatives using economic analysis techniques. A number of scenarios will be examined from among: contract vs. owner mining; shaft vs. decline/conveyor haulage, equipment lease vs. buy, optimum fleet sizing, IPCC vs. truck-shovel, production rate optimisation etc.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 37 Guided Independent Study 113 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Lectures 15 Formal lectures delivering main syllabus.
Tutorials 2 Tutorial with staff member at module end to assist with assignment.
Workshops/IT tutorial 20 Scheduled IT related workshops allowing students to undertake formative and summative exercises introduced and supported by staff.
Independent study time 113 Independent study; including directed learning on specific topics and completion of assessments.
 

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Series of in-class exercises designed to lead up to summative coursework assessment Variable 1-7 Self/peer marked with direct feedback by working through “model” solutions

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 60 2 hours 1-5 Through tutor system
Assignment 1 20 2,000 word equivalent 1, 2, 5-7 Written
Assignment 2 20 2,000 word equivalent 1, 3-7 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative assessment Additional summative assignment Weighting as above August Ref/Def period
Examination Additional examination Weighting as above August Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading: 

Reading list books are available as e-books through University of Exeter Library

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/



Web based and Electronic Resources: As advised

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Darling, P. (Ed.) SME Mining Engineering Handbook 3rd Society of Mining Engineers 2011
Set Hartman, Howard L. (Eds.) Mining Engineering Handbook 2nd Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc. Colorado. 1992
Set Rudenno Victor Mining Valuation Handbook - Mining and Energy Valuation for Investors and Management 3rd John Wiley & Sons 2009
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 22nd October 2018
KEY WORDS SEARCH Development rates; production schedules; equipment selection; cost estimation; financial analysis.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.