Surface Mining Operations and Equipment

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Surface Mining Operations and Equipment

Unit ID:

ENGIN3503

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

(ENGIN2502 for undergraduate Students only)

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

(ENMIN3070 and ENMIN5018)

ASCED:

030303

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit introduces students to different surface mining systems (e.g. open pit mining and strip mining), surface mining operation processes (e.g. drilling, blasting, loading, hauling and land reclamation), equipment and their selection and matching, and surface mining design, plan and optimisation.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the unit the students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge:

K1.	Understand in specific terms what surface mine development is

K2.	Identify the various mining systems used in surface operations

K3.	Describe the operation and application of the equipment used in surface mining

K4.	Understand land reclamation and land management and why this is an important consideration in the mining industry

Skills:

S1.	Select appropriate systems for the various types of mineral deposits in varying conditions

S2.	Select the number required and the size of appropriate equipment

S3.	Design a surface mining operation to meet given conditions

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Analyse surface mining systems and operations

A2.	Select equipment used in surface mining operations

A3.	Design surface mining operations, e.g. drilling, blasting, loading, hauling (including haul road), and land reclamation

Unit Content:

•Surface Mining Systems: Open pit mining, Strip mining, and Miscellaneous surface mining systems
•Surface Mining Equipment: Cyclic methods - shovels, hydraulic excavators, wheeled loaders, trucks, draglines, scrapers, etc. Continuous methods - bucket wheel excavators, continuous surface miners
•Basic estimating and costing
•Surface mining design, plan and optimisation

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1-4, S1-3, A1-3	Tutorial problems	Solutions of selected problems	20 - 30%
2.	K1-4, S1-3, A1-3	Practical exercises	Report	20 - 30%
3.	K1-4, S1-3, A1-3	Examination of some or all of the unit materials	Test(s)	40 - 60%

Adopted Reference Style:

Other (IEEE: Refer to the library website for more information)

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency

Engineers Australia - Stage 1 (Professional): 2017 accreditation & AQF

Attribute			Assessed	Level
1 Knowledge and Skill Base
	1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
		1.1.1 Engages with the engineering discipline at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of complex problems and broader aspects of engineering practice.	Yes	Advanced
	1.2 Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
		1.2.1 Develops and fluently applies relevant investigation analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
		1.3.1 Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Specialist
	1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
		1.5.1 Identifies and understands the interactions between engineering systems and people in the social, cultural, environmental, commercial, legal and political contexts in which they operate, including both the positive role of engineering in sustainable development and the potentially adverse impacts of engineering activity in the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		1.5.2 Is aware of the founding principles of human factors relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.
		1.6.1 Applies systematic principles of engineering design relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
2 Engineering Application Ability
	2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
		2.1.1 Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.5 Conceptualises alternative engineering approaches and evaluates potential outcomes against appropriate criteria to justify an optimal solution choice.	Yes	Advanced
	2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
		2.3.1 Proficiently applies technical knowledge and open ended problem solving skills as well as appropriate tools and resources to design components, elements, systems, plant, facilities and/or processes to satisfy user requirements.	Yes	Advanced
		2.3.2 Addresses broad contextual constraints such as social, cultural, environmental, commercial, legal political and human factors, as well as health, safety and sustainability imperatives as an integral part of the design process.	Yes	Specialist
3 Professional and Personal Attributes
	3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
		3.2.2 Prepares high quality engineering documents such as progress and project reports, reports of investigations and feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, design records, drawings, technical descriptions and presentations pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
		3.3.1 Applies creative approaches to identify and develop alternative concepts, solutions and procedures, appropriately challenges engineering practices from technical and non-technical viewpoints; identifies new technological opportunities.	Yes	Advanced
	3.4 Professional use and management of information.
		3.4.1 Is proficient in locating and utilising information - including accessing, systematically searching, analysing, evaluating and referencing relevant published works and data; is proficient in the use of indexes, bibliographic databases and other search facilities.	Yes	Advanced
	3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
		3.5.4 Manages time and processes effectively, prioritises competing demands to achieve personal, career and organisational goals and objectives.	Yes	Intermediate