Study information

Mine Automation - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEMine Automation CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM418 MODULE CONVENERDr Declan Vogt (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 10
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Mine Automation has begun to revolutionise the ways in which we operate a mining project. This module gives you the opportunity to investigate the various levels of mine automation currently utilised within the industry, along with its rationale. Furthermore, it will examine the current research position of those companies and institutions involved in developing mine automation with the ultimate goal of a ‘personless’ mine.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The purpose of this module is to develop the understanding of Mine Automation and realise the importance of its implication in a mining context. It is designed to engage you in the research that is on-going in these areas in a mining, academic and international context.

This module covers Specific Learning Outcomes in Engineering, which apply to accredited programmes at Bachelors/MEng/Masters level. These contribute to the educational requirements for CEng registration (as defined under the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence – UK-SPEC).

 

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. Understand the state of the art in Mine Automation as being utilised by the mining companies 

 

  1. Consider the selection of an appropriate Mine Automation method for a particular mining context 

  1. Gain a basic knowledge of computer programming and its application to robotics and automation 

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge 

  1. Appreciate Mine Automation within the various mining sectors of the modern technological world 

 

  1. Fully comprehend this rapidly advancing technological field and its social and economical implications 

 

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge 

  1. Concisely present written data to a tight deadline 

 

  1. Reveal an insight into the role, importance and application Mine Automation in the professional mining engineering environment 

  1. Understand the thinking behind software design 

 

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

Mining today and the future – Current challenges including: technical, economical, environment and safety. Deeper mining. Lower grade ore. Ventilation and cooling issues. Mechanised processes for improved safety and economical value. 

Automation – General introduction. Case studies from other industries. Challenges in mining – technological barriers, legislation, safety (interaction between humans and machines). 

Underlying technology – Telecommunications and IT, Navigation, Robotics, Surveying, Monitoring and control systems. 

 

Current technology: 

Open pit mining technology – GPS and precision navigation, mobile/wireless communications. Underground mining (hardrock) – transport/haulage, tracking and communication 

Mine planning and optimisation (open pit and u/g) 

 

Future technology:

Advanced navigation

Fully automated production and development Change management 

 

Robotics 

Will take 50% of the available lecture time. The content includes Python and an introduction to ROS, assessed through a practical project. 

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40 Guided Independent Study 110 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 40 Lectures with integrated tutorials
Guided independent study 110 Private Study

 

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
Questions asked of students in lectures     Feedback provided on the spot in lectures

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 50 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 50 2 hours 1, 2, 3 and 6 Examination Mark
Mine Automation Assignment 50 Delivery of code to drive a robot equivalent in effort to a report of 15 pages 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 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 assignment Additional Summative assignment Weighting as above August Ref/Def Period
Examination Additional Examination Weighting as above August Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above 1 piece of CW 50% and/or 1 Exam 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:

30th International Symposium of Automation and Robotics in Construction and Mining (ISARC 2013) Proceedings, ISBN: 978-1-926872-16-2

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/


Web based and Electronic Resources:

http://www.mineautomationafrica.com/Default.aspx

http://www.wmc-expo2013.org/

http://www.mineautomation.com.au/wa/

http://www2.sandvik.com/sandvik/0120/Internet/Global/S003715.nsf/LUSL/SLFrameForm14D46ACF97A3ECCAEC12577D20067E35F?OpenDocument

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

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 Tuesday 17th October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Mine automation, robotics

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