MNG 230 - Introduction to Mining Engineering
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
This course introduces students to the practice of mining engineering and the roles and responsibilities of mining engineers in contemporary society. The economic importance of mined commodities is described, and the life cycle of a mine from resource discovery to mine reclamation is examined. The selection of a mining method, the engineering-design parameters that define the mine, and the design and analysis of the unit operations are studied in detail. This course provides students with an understanding of the mining industry and the methods used to produce mineral products, and it provides a foundation for more advanced courses in mining systems design and analysis.
Objectives
When you successfully complete this course, you will be prepared to:
- characterize the minerals industry and describe the commonly mined minerals, their use, the mining regions where these minerals are extracted, and the life cycle of a mine;
- calculate resource estimates using deterministic techniques;
- demonstrate an understanding of the unit and auxiliary operations used in mining;
- design safe and efficient blast rounds that satisfy both regulatory constraints and production goals;
- demonstrate an understanding of the process to move from a viable resource to an active mining operation, and articulate the factors that affect decisions to conduct a feasibility study and to move forward with the development of the mining operation;
- select a mining method based on an understanding of the factors that affect this decision;
- describe in words and drawings the surface and underground mining methods, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each; and
- recommend specific actions to improve the sustainability of mining operations.
Required Materials
Prerequisites
None.
Expectations
On average, most students spend eight to ten hours per week working on course assignments. Your workload may be more or less depending on your study habits.
I have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. The Internet may still be a novel learning environment for you, but in one sense it is no different from a traditional college class: how much and how well you learn is ultimately up to you. You will succeed if you are diligent about keeping up with the class schedule and if you take advantage of opportunities to communicate with me as well as with your fellow students.
This class will meet virtually via Zoom once a week.
Major Assignments
This course will rely on a variety of methods to assess and evaluate student learning.
| Assignment Group | Percent of Total Course Grade |
|---|---|
| Homework Assignments | 30% |
| Skeleton Notes | 5% |
| Quizzes | 30% |
| MNG Software/Non-major alternative assignment(s) | 10% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
Course Schedule
| Week # | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | Introduction to the Mining Industry |
| 3 | Life Cycle of a Mine and Related Matters |
| 4 & 5 | Prospecting and Exploration Development |
| 6 & 7 | Unit & Auxilary Operations |
| 8 & 9 | Mining in Society |
| 9 & 10 | Explosives and Blasting |
| 11 & 12 | Surface Mining |
| 13 & 14 | Underground Mining |
| 15 | Contemporary Topics and Guest Lectures |
| 16 | Final Exam Week |