Course content

The course is about exploitation of on shore mineral resources considering Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), gaining high importance due to increased demand for raw materials for sustainable development. The course consists of two main parts surface and underground mining methods, and covers their unit operations and necessary infrastructure. In addition to the main parts a brief information about rock material and mass properties used in method selection process will be covered.

During the semester there may be one or two day long technical trip to mine sites as long as the conditions allow.

Learning outcome

Upon completion of the course, students will have in-depth knowledge of mining methods for resource extraction and be able to evaluate and apply relevant geological and technical data for selecting mining methods and infrastructure, with consideration for sustainability goals.

Competence

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze and evaluate different mining methods based on deposit geometry, grade distribution, and rock mechanical properties.
• Integrate technical, economic, and sustainability considerations in the selection of mining methods and infrastructure.
• Apply and communicate knowledge of method selection using relevant software and databases.
• Reflect critically on mining method choices in light of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and societal needs.

Knowledge and Skills

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the principles of surface and underground mining method, including unit operations and equipment.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of various mining methods.
• Assess rock mechanical properties and their relevance to method selection.
• Interpret geological and technical data to propose appropriate mining methods and infrastructure.
• Plan and conduct evaluations using standard software tools for method selection.
• Participate in and reflect on observations from excursions to production sites.
• Present technical evaluations both orally and in writing, using appropriate sources and tools.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. Obligatory exercises. Obligatory excursion as long as the conditions allow (might be organized during weekends). Course evaluation using student meetings and questionnaires.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Excursion

Recommended previous knowledge

Good knowledge of mechanics and physics. One should also be motivated to learn universal basic technical terms in mining if not known previously.

Course materials

Written handouts. Lecture presentations (pdf).

Brady, BHG., Brown, ET. 2004. Rock mechanics for underground mining. 3rd ed. Chapman and Hall.

SME. Underground mining methods: Engineering fundamentals and international case studies, Editors: Hustrulid, WA., Bullock, RL. SME, Littleton, Colorado.

Cummings, AB. 1976. Mining engineering handbook, 2 vols, AIME-SME, New York.

Hartman, HL. 1987. Introductory mining engineering. A Wiley Interscience, New York.

SME. 1998. Techniques in underground mining. Editors: Gertsch, R., Bullock, RL. SME, Littleton, Colorado.Hoek, E., 2007. Practical rock engineering. Online available (see rocscience web page)

Credit reductions