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12583 (v.2) WASM Surface Mining 531


 

Area:

WASM Mining Engineering Teaching Area

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

5.0

Lecture:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Practical:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Surface mining methods - open pit mining, mine development data, pit layouts, mine operations, equipment selection, shovel-truck systems, productivity, cost factors, haul road design and construction, grade control and stockpiles, monitoring and control of operations, heap leaching. Strip mining - resource estimates, stripping methods, mine development, equipment selection, dragline pit design, productivity and cost factors, multiple seam mining, reclamation. Alluvial mining - hydrualicking, dredging, applications and equipment selection, tailings disposal. Surface mine design techniques - block economic value and cut-off grade, determination of final pit limits, pit shell optimisation, bench geometry, cut-back design, long and short term planning, production scheduling, dump planning. Surface mining technology - in-pit crushing and conveying, trolley haulage, global positioning systems, drill monitoring, truck dispatching, mine water and its control - run off estimation, rainfall analysis, drainage design. Dewatering bore holes, sumps and pumping operations. Water recycling. Mine safety and regulations, environmental management. Field trip to mining operations.
 

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to - Understand the major subdivisions of surface mining. Understand the information required for developing a surface mine. Understand the process of mine planning and the concept of pit limits. Understand the unit operations in open pit, strip and alluvial mining systems. Appreciate the need for safety and the impact of surface mining on the environment. Understand the application of computers to solve mining problems.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

Unit References:

Woodcock J.T. and Hamilton J.K., (Eds.), (1993), Australasian Mining and Metallurgy, Monograph No. 19, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. WA Department of Minerals and Energy, Various publications available free of charge at the Department counters. Cost Estimation Handbook (1993), AusIMM, Victoria, Australia. A number of journals that are also quite specifically related to mining. For example - The AusIMM Bulletin, Australian Mining, Australian Journal of Mining, Australia's Mining Monthly, International Journal of Surface Mining, Environment and Reclamation.

Unit Texts:

Compulsory - Chanda E.K., (2003), Surface Mining 232/532 - Selected Reading, WASM Mining Engineering Program, Volume One and Two. Recommended - Kennedy B., (1990), Surface Mining, Littleton, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Hartman H.L., (Ed.), (1992), SME Mining Engineering Handbook, Vol. One and Two, Littleton, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Hustrulid W.A. and Kuchta M., (1995), Open Pit Mine Planning and Design, Vol. One, Fundamentals, 636p, Roterdam, Balkema. Caterpillar Performance Handbook, 1999 Edition. WA Government Mine Safety and Inspection Regulations, 1995.
 

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

The pass this unit you must - Submit a reasonable attempt at all of the 5 assignments. Write a report on a specified surface mine (15 pages A4). Obtain at least 50% on the final examination. Obtain an overall grade of at least 50%. The unit will be assessed as follows - Final Examination 50%, Mid Term Examination 10%, Mine Report 10%, Quizzes 5%, Assignments/Lab Reports 25%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Field of Education:

 30303 Mining Engineering

HECS Band (if applicable):

2  

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

 Informational  

Result Type:

 Grade/Mark


Availability

YearLocationPeriodInternalArea ExternalCentral External
2004Kalgoorlie CampusSemester 1YY 

Area
External
refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research.
Central
External
refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

 
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