Surface Mining - 2019 entry

Surface Mining is the first of two core technical modules for the Professional PG Dip / MSc Mining Engineering programme. The module examines the design, development, operation, optimization and eventual closure of surface mines. It will look at the way near surface deposits can be cost effectively extracted through construction of safe, efficient, open pits, and the factors that control the optimum design. 

The module will particularly explore ground control, slope stability, excavation design and computer-based open pit mine design, development planning, blast design, equipment selection, production management, cost control, safety management, mine waste facilities and management, optimization and scheduling.

The module aims to advance your understanding of the basic surface mining principles taught in the Year One Mining Life-Cycle, by providing you with the technical mining engineering knowledge used in designing and operating safe and efficient surface mine operations. Open pit mining is the most frequent technique of mineral extraction and is used across the full spectrum of minerals and deposits types. 

Practical, hands-on activities using case histories and industry data will improve your key skills such as field data collection, computer-assisted mine design, geotechnical appraisal, production and cost forecasting, and safety management. The module also emphasizes how the mechanical properties of host rocks and ore influence excavation design, blasting, and mineral processing.

You will undertake a comprehensive mine design report which aims to simulate the design and planning process including blast designs, equipment selections, maintenance, and mine waste plans, among other parameters.

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

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Develop a robust surface mine design incorporating geotechnics, hydrogeology, production schedules, equipment selection and a closure plan.

2. Critically evaluate and explain the key components of a surface blast design

3. Evaluate factors controlling instability and reinforcement design of slopes.

4. Elucidate the factors controlling operations management, equipment matching and production schedules.

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge5

5. Integrate information from multiple data sources to design an effective mining operation.

6. Summarize the issues and technical requirements of managing mine wastes.

7. Explain how each aspect of surface mine design and operations must be optimized.

8. Describe how safety and risk management techniques are applied to surface mine operations



Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

9. Apply personal data-handling skills through critical evaluation of a design problem and produce, to a strict deadline, detailed recommendations/reasoned arguments for an appropriate solution.

10. Utilise a full range of computer-based learning resources as an autonomous learner.

The module will be delivered over a period of 24 weeks using online lectures, PowerPoint presentations, documents and reference material in pdf format, mp3 podcasts, videos, e-tivities, discussion boards; and through face to face teaching, fieldwork and group work as part of a residential course.

The module commences with a review of the engineering properties of rock and soil with an emphasis on ground control in surface mining applications for the safe design and operation of slopes. Data visualization is a key part of the module, using design-based software for enhanced learning and awareness of discontinuity-related failure of slopes.

Units include:

Unit 1: Safety Management

Unit 2: Ground Control and Slope Stability

Unit 3: Surface Excavation Design

Unit 4: Hydrogeology and Dewatering

Unit 5: Development and Planning

Unit 6: Production, Maintenance and Costs

Unit 7: Rock-breaking, Explosives, and Blast-design

All referral marks are capped at 50

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Online lectures, PowerPoint presentations, documents and reference material in pdf format, mp3 podcasts, videos, e-tivities, discussion boards; and links to the University of Exeter electronic library and its comprehensive resources.

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Web based and electronic resources: Module is largely delivered by a dedicated ELE website that also involves links to external corporate, professional, educational websites and YouTube.  

http://www.rockeng.utoronto.ca/roc/Hoek/Hoek.htm - Hoek’s Corner

SME Mining Engineering Handbook

Other Resources:

The site will have additional literature resources from external professional bodies, technical guides and manuals and use of company annual reports.

Reading list for this module: