Surface Mine Planning and Mining Methods

Subject 400-687 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus only.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36
Total Time Commitment:

144 hours (including non-contact time).

2 X 1 hour lectures weekly.
1 X 1 hour practical weekly.
Prerequisites: 400-684 (ENGR0010) Mineral economics (can be taken concurrently).
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Students undertaking this subject will be expected to be competent in the use of Microsoft Excel or alternative spreadsheet software.

Coordinator

Prof Moshe Zukerman

Contact

Dr Priyan Mendis
http://eng-unimelb.custhelp.com
Subject Overview:

The primary objectives of the subject are to familiarise students with the way in which near-surface ore bodies are mined, how the required equipment is specified and selected, and how the productivity and costs can be estimated and optimised.

The criteria, tools and methods for mine design, based on the patterns of mineralisation and on the geotechnical factors, will be investigated. Concepts such as Block economic value and cut-off grade, Determination of final pit limits, Bench geometry, Cut-back design, Long and short term planning, and Production scheduling will be covered.

Mining methods for Open pit mining and Strip mining will be covered, involving mine development, pit layouts, mine operations, equipment selection, shovel-truck systems, productivity, cost factors, haul road design and construction, monitoring and control of operations, waste dump design, and eventual closure and restoration.

The subject will benefit students intending to move into general surface mine management, as well as those who will in the actual technical design and mining operations.
Objectives: On completion of this subject, the students should have developed the skills and knowledge to understand the fundamentals of surface mine planning, mining method selection, optimisation, scheduling and reporting.
Assessment: • Formally supervised written examination – 2 x 2 hours 20% each (end of semester).
• Specific Project (4,000 words limit) 40% (to commence at the middle of semester).
• Two assignments (1,000 words each) 20% (to be commenced in weeks 2 and 4).
Prescribed Texts: Bruce A. Kennedy – Surface Mining.
William Hustrulid – Blasting Principles for Open Pit Mining.
W. Hustrulid & M. Kuchta – Open Pit Mine Planning & Design.
W. Hustrulid,, M. McCarter & D. Van Zyl – Slope Stability in Surface Mining.
Recommended Texts: To be advised.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject, the students should have developed:

• analytical, critical and creative thinking, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning.
• sense of intellectual curiosity.
• ability to interpret data and research results.
• sense of intellectual integrity and ethics of scholarship.
• writing, problem-solving and communication skills.
• ability to learn in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies.
• capacity to confront unfamiliar problems.
• ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature.
• ability to develop models of practical applications and evaluate their performance by rigorous analytical means and by programming computer simulations.
• capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work.
Notes: Students will need access to a calculator or preferably a PC/laptop with spreadsheet software to conduct evaluation analyses.
Related Course(s): Master of Mining Engineering

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