Mineral Economics

Subject ENGR90010 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, 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: 36 hours (Lectures: 2 hours per week, Tutorials: 1 hour per week)
Total Time Commitment:

144 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Students undertaking this subject will be expected to be competent in the use of Microsoft Excel or alternative spreadsheet software
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

Prof Ian Johnston

ianwj@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: The primary objectives of the subject are to familiarise students with the way in which economically important minerals are formed and identified, and the broad economic environment in which the mining industry operates, and to provide a framework to assist in the financial evaluation and optimisation of a mineral project. This subject covers the time value of money, discounted cash flows, financial statements, project evaluation, capital and operating cost estimation, cut-off grade theory, Monte Carlo simulation, valuation and capital investment decision making. It will benefit students wishing to continue academic studies as well as resource sector professionals seeking to broaden their skills to move into senior management roles
Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • have developed the skills and knowledge to understand the theoretical fundamentals of mineral economics and be able to apply them to practical mining applications
  • have a solid understanding of current project evaluation and optimisation techniques
  • be able to undertake discounted cash flow analysis and assess alternative investment options
Assessment:
  • One 2 hour examination, end of semester (50%
  • One 1 hour class test, mid semester (20%)
  • One 2000 word project, due end of semester (30%)
Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the examination component in order to pass the subject
Prescribed Texts:

Principals of Corporate Finance (R Brealey & S. Myers), McGraw Hill, 2000
Recommended Texts:
  • The Mining Valuation Handbook (V. Rudenno), Wrightbooks, Victoria 1999
  • The Economic Definition of Ore (K. F. Lane), Mining Journal Books Limited, London 1997
  • Cost Estimation Handbook for the Australian Mining Industry, Monograph 20 AusIMM, 1993
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • 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 analysis
Related Course(s): Master of Mining Engineering
Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering

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