Ore Reserve Estimation

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2025/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Ore Reserve Estimation

Unit ID:

ENGRG9402

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

(ENGRG4402)

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

(SCENV3120)

ASCED:

030303

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit qualifies participants to apply an advanced body of knowledge in the area of ore reserve estimation and equips them with highly developed skills for research and enquiry. Students enrolled in this unit will be able to apply the body of knowledge to a range of contexts within the mining industry enabling them to undertake professional or highly skilled work as a mining engineer and allow them to undertake further study.

Grade Scheme:

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

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component: No

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.	Identify and evaluate the targets for mineral exploration.

K2.	Evaluate and apply the principles and applications of geophysical and geochemical exploration techniques.

K3.	Identify and critically investigate appropriate ways to sample various types of mineral deposits.

K4.	Apply and select the methods of estimating the tonnage and grade of any mineral deposit.

K5.	Select and justify the appropriate methods to enable mining projects to be evaluated.

Skills:

S1.	Review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex ore reserve estimation problems.

S2.	Assess information to generate and assess ore bodies using classical and geostatistical methods.

S3.	Apply technical and creative skills using appropriate statistical and geostatistical tools.

S4.	Apply communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of disciplines within a mining project.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Apply knowledge and skills to make high level, independent judgements relating to ore reserve estimation and ore body evaluation in a range of technical or management functions in varied specialised contexts.

A2.	Plan, implement and evaluate short, medium and long term ore body resources and reserves.

A3.	Act responsibility and have accountability for personal outputs and all aspects of the work or function of others within the JORC and Valmin codes.

Unit Content:

Topics may include:
1.
Identification of target minerals for exploration.

2.
Exploration techniques.

3.
Sampling of mineral deposits.

4.
Methods of estimating and quantifying tonnage and grade.

5.
Grade control and reconciliation of mine production.

6.
Reporting of mineral resources and reserves.

7.
Financial evaluation of mining projects.

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3, S4, A1, A2, A3	Numerical and conceptual tasks.	Written assignments	50-70%
2.	K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3, S4, A1, A2, A3	Research based design project.	Written report and associated calculations	30-50%

Adopted Reference Style:

IEEE

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	Advanced
	1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
		1.4.2 Interprets and applies selected research literature to inform engineering application in at least one specialist domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
		1.5.5 Appreciates the issues associated with international engineering practice and global operating contexts.	Yes	Advanced
	1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.
		1.6.4 Appreciates the social, environmental and economic principles of sustainable engineering practice.	Yes	Advanced
2 Engineering Application Ability
	2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
		2.1.3 Competently addresses engineering problems involving uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors.	Yes	Advanced
	2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
		2.2.1 Proficiently identifies, selects and applies the materials, components, devices, systems, processes, resources, plant and equipment relevant to the engineering discipline.	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
3 Professional and Personal Attributes
	3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
		3.1.1 Demonstrates commitment to uphold the Engineers Australia - Code of Ethics, and established norms of professional conduct pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	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
	3.4 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