Mine Challenge Project - 2023 entry

This module presents the Apprentices with an opportunity to showcase the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have developed in the first year of the course to a particular industrial “mine challenge” whilst working as part of a project team. Apprentices will collect, analyse (using previously acquired data and/or data collected as part of the project), interpret and discuss mining, geology or related environmental data, and come up with potential solutions and/or definitive conclusions. This module develops the attributes that Apprentices need to become an effective and cooperative member of a group and hence making them valued employees and will take place throughout the third teaching block having been introduced at the first residential.

On successful completion of this module you should be familiar with these Knowledge and Skills as specified in the Mine Management Apprenticeship Standard  (ST1309):

K1: The mining life cycle including the key regulations, standards and guidance that influence the design, construction and operations and closure of mining operations.

K23: Communication techniques, including written, verbal, nonverbal and digital, and different types of interpersonal skills including questioning and listening.

K24: Different, inclusive leadership styles and models, how to develop diverse teams and support people using coaching and mentoring.

S13: Communicate with colleagues, stakeholders and other interested parties using a range of different methods and techniques, challenging, influencing, and negotiating where appropriate.

S17: Manage and lead others including conflict management.

S18: Plan and manage own time.

S19: Use evidence-based tools, qualitive and quantitative analysis techniques to demonstrate an ethical approach to problem solving and making decisions that improve the safety, operational and environmental performance of the underground operation.

B6: Commit to their own and support others’ professional development.

B7: Take responsibility for their own actions and challenge the behaviours and actions of others

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

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

This will be agreed with the academic supervisor and/or Module/Programme Lead and Industrial sponsor. The topic will be introduced at the first residential where there will be a range of skills development exercises and presentations. This will be followed by 5 days on site at the sponsors mine site and will be supervised through face to face sessions with academic supervisors. The Apprentices will continue to work on their project over the duration of the study block supported by a number of on line sessions with supervisors to review theory, progress and feedback. The module will conclude with a presentation by the Groups back to the management of the sponsoring mine site.

All passed components of the module will be rolled forward and will not be reassessed in the event of module failure.

Basic reading:

• Bowden,J Writing a report: how to prepare, write and present effective reports 8th How To Books Ltd 2008 ISBN 978- 1845282936 [[Library]

Web based and Electronic Resources:

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

Reading list for this module: