Study information

Design - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLEDesign CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM178 MODULE CONVENERProf Kip Jeffrey (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 0 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 10
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

The module focuses on pre-mining decision making; how mineral deposits are investigated to ensure that mining is technically possible, financially viable and that the most appropriate mining approach is used.

The main topics covered are deposit evaluation techniques, the stages of an evaluation programme leading towards reserve / resource declarations, a feasibility study, mine planning and construction.

It will examine different drilling and sampling techniques, and how information gained is used to create a geological model. Evaluation processes are outlined to explain how mineral resources and reserves are defined, and how these then form the basis of a mine plan. The module will conclude with a description of how mines are then built and commissioned.

Students must have completed CSMM177 before starting this module and will also use the knowledge, concepts and terminology of the mining lifecycle introduced in CSMM177 to help complete CSMM178.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module takes you  through the next stages of the mining life cycle. You will gain a good understanding of mineral evaluation as a process involving planning, drilling, sampling and data collection, ensuring the data is accurate; and the principles behind creating geological and resource models of an ore body that can be used for mine planning and also for attracting investment.

It will examine the range of pre-production decision making based on the evaluation data available with particular reference to the international reporting codes. It will develop an appreciation of the limitations of drilling data and the errors and subsequent production problems that can be associated with this.

 

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. compile drilling data and appreciate the problems of using large data sets, understanding resource classification, data collection and interpretation.

2. summarize the drilling, sampling and data analysis techniques used in mineral resource estimation.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3. organize large numerical data sets, understanding errors and problems associated with this.

4. describe the importance of evaluation data and how the mineral resource estimation process adds financial value to a mining project.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5. use Excel and visualization software - working on large data sets and being able to interrogate data.

6. sort, manipulate and present financial & technical data in a way that facilitates effective analysisand decision making.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

The material will be delivered over a period of 12 weeks using online lectures, PowerPoint, pdf’s, mp3 podcasts, videos, e-tivities, discussion boards and part of a residential course. The material will be arranged according to the mining life cycle view and emphasise the interconnections between each aspect. Building on the overview covered in CSMM177, this module will continue the mining life cycle coverage started in Units 2-5 of CSMM177.

The evaluation programme leads to the creation of geological and resource model that must comply with stock exchange and legal requirements and are used for raising finance and attracting investors. It is essential to understand how this process is undertaken and how any limitations in the process can affect the subsequent mine plan, selection of mining methods and mining operations. Some topics include:

  • Evaluation drilling programmes, types of drilling, sampling methods
  • Introduction to resource classification
  • Data interpretation
  • Resource estimation techniques
  • JORC Code
  • Overview of QA/QC and the geological model
  • Feasibility studies
  • Mining methods
  • Mine planning
  • Mine construction

Based on the knowledge acquired in modules CSMM177 and CSMM178, case studies and data sets will be used to assess the viability of a mining project.

Unit 1: Deposit Evaluation
Unit 2: Mining Methods and Mine Methods Selection
Unit 3: Mine Planning
Unit 4: Mine construction and pre-production decision making
 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 20 Guided Independent Study 130 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 20 Residentials, Group work, site visits, field trips, discussions, activities, presentations and assessments
Guided independent study 130 Using online resources with help and guidance from UoE staff. Includes e-tivities and discussion boards

 

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
Online e-tivities 3 hours (several short e-tivities) 1-6 Written
Discussion boards Variable 1-6 Written (on discussion board)

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Data evaluation exercise 25 1,500 Words 1-6 Written/Verbal
Report/project 75 4,500 Word 1-6 Written/Verbal

 

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
Data evaluation exercise Data evaluation exercise 1-6 Approximately 4-6 weeks after return of initial assignment
Report/project Report/project 1-6 Approximately 3 weeks after residential 2

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

All referral marks are capped at 50%.

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:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

A list of web resources and academic papers are available through ELE. In addition, the course site contains comprehensive online resources including 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:

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

JORC Code - http://www.jorc.org/

 

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:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Wellmer Economic Evaluations in Exploration Springer 2008
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSMM177
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 5th October 2020
KEY WORDS SEARCH Mining methods, evaluation, resource estimation, mine planning, mining professional

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