Underground Mining and Planning Methods

Subject ENGR90014 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 1 hour lecture + One 2 hour tutorial per week. Total 36 hours
Total Time Commitment:

144 hours (including non-contact time).
Prerequisites: 400-684 (ENGR00010) Mineral Economics.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:



For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit
website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Ian Johnston

Contact

Melbourne School of Engineering Office

Building 173, Grattan Street

The University of Melbourne

VIC 3010 Australia

General telephone enquiries

+ 61 3 8344 6703

+ 61 3 8344 6507

Facsimiles

+ 61 3 9349 2182

+ 61 3 8344 7707

Email eng-info@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The primary objectives of the subject are to familiarise students with the way in which ore bodies are mined using underground entry methods. This will include:

• Introduction to Underground Mining: Mining philosophy, Worldwide practices and Openpit versus Underground.
• Introduction to Mine Planning: Resource Development (Exploration => Reserves), Mine Planning Requirements, Scoping, Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies and Scheduling.
• Mining Method Selection: Selective Mining Methods, Open Stoping Mining Methods, Caving Mining Methods and Other Mining Methods.
• Underground Equipment Selection: Utilisation and Availability, Performance, Cost and Lead Times and Selection Criteria.
• Materials Handling: Ore and Waste Handling, LHDs and Track Bound Loaders, Trucking, Rail Haulage/Systems, Shafts, Conveyors, Materials Handling Optimisation and Materials Handling Simulation.

The subject will benefit students intending to move into general mine management, as well as those who will in the actual technical design and mining.

Objectives: On completion of this subject, the students should have developed the skills and knowledge to understand the fundamentals of underground mine planning, mining method selection and optimisation, and the ability to accept responsibility for the technical and financial safety of underground mining operations.
Assessment:

• Formally supervised written examination - 3 hours 30% (end of semester 2).
• Project assignment (3,000 words limit) 30% (commencing from the start of semester).
• 3 Homework assignments (1,500 words limit each) each of equal value, totalling 40%, commencing in Weeks 3, 6, and 9.

Prescribed Texts: H. Hartman & J. Mutmansky – Introductory Mining Engineeering Wiley, 2002.
C. Bise – Mining Engineering Analysis, SME 2003.
Recommended Texts: SME – Mining Engineering Handbook, 1992.
L.J Thomas, An Introduction to Mining, Hicks Smith, 1973.
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.
• Capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work.
Notes: Students will need access to PC/laptop and will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.
Related Course(s): Graduate Certificate in Engineering (Environmental Engineering)
Master of Mining Engineering
Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering

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