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Course profile

Metal Production and Recycling (METL2201)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Chemical Engineering School

Introduction to physical and chemical processing of minerals and recycled materials to produce metals, alloys and metal compounds. Processing technologies used in minerals industry, their characteristics, how and why these processes are selected and factors affecting the choice of process route. Included are lessons on the economic, environmental, and social aspects of the metals industry.

The minerals industry provides the backbone to ᅠour modern industrialised society, providing the raw materials that we need to build our cities, and the devices we use to provide transport, communications and lifestyle. The processing of minerals and metals recycling is an activity of increasing importance. The industry offers a wide variety of career paths and opportunities for employment around the world.

This course provides an introduction to physical and chemical processing of minerals and recycled materials to produce metals and other valuable products, to recover energy and to minimise environmental impact.ᅠ Learn about:

  • the characteristics of the metals ᅠused to supply our society
  • the processing technologies used in the minerals industry, their characteristics, and how and why they are used
  • the challenges that lie ahead to maintain a sustainable supply of ᅠthese metals

The course is suitable for students undertaking programs inᅠ Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Earth and Physical Sciences, and can be counted as ᅠcredit in these programs.

It is mandatory for each student enrolled in this course to take safety induction beforeᅠ undertaking the lab practicals.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This is an introductory course to the discipline. It is assumed that students have completed University level chemistry and CHEE2001 to have the ability to conduct simple process mass and energy balances.

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

CHEE2001

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

MINE2201

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

ᅠThe weekly schedule of Learning Activities is listed in this Electronic Course profile.

Timetables as published on SI net are subject to change by administration.

Students should consult Blackboard for the METL2201 course for announcements and confirmation of times, activities and venues.

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ᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠ

Aims and outcomes

The aims of this course are to:

  • provide an introduction to the processing technologies used in the minerals and metal recycling industries, their characteristics, how and why they are used
  • provide an introduction to the underpinning fundamental processes (i.e. the physical, chemical and transport processes)
  • demonstrate the influence of raw materials and market needs on processes and products
  • illustrate the importance of an integrated "mine to metal" approach to process design and optimisation
  • gain an understanding of the challenges that lie ahead to maintain a sustainable supply of these materials

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand the principles of physical and chemical processes that allow selective separation of minerals from ores, and of elements from mineral concentrates, metals, and end of life devices (recycled materials)

LO2.

Understand and be able to analyse at a qualitative level the relationship between the fundamental processes, the process objectives and the final equipment design

LO3.

Make decisions on selection of processes route for a given ore deposit or source material with awareness of its economic, environmental and social impacts

LO4.

Demonstrate and use process flowsheets to describe the processes undertaken in mineral and material processing

LO5.

Perform as a team player and work effectively with others

LO6.

Deliver professional oral presentations and written technical reports

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Practical/ Demonstration Practical Report 1 3% Up to 3 marks for competently attempting all sections.

13/08/2024 2:00 pm

Hand in worksheet at the end of the optical microscope practical (individual or pairs).

Participation/ Student contribution Safety Inductions (individual)
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
Pass/Fail

20/08/2024 11:00 am

The online induction is to be completed before the Drop Weight Practical in Week 5.

Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Project Commodity Assignment - team oral presentation
  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
10% Group Presentation (All Group Members Speak)

24/10/2024 10:00 am

In class presentations (during scheduled lecture and tutorial sessions of week 13).

Examination Final Examination
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
55% Hurdle 45%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Practical/ Demonstration Practical Reports 2, 3, 4 and 5 32% 4X8% Practical Reports (Individual or Pairs)

Practical Report 2 - Drop Weight 10/09/2024 2:00 pm

Practical Report 3 - Hydrocyclone 1/10/2024 2:00 pm

Practical Report 4 - Leaching 15/10/2024 2:00 pm

Practical Report 5 - Solvent Extraction 22/10/2024 2:00 pm

Details of group members, activities, dates, locations and assessment criteria to be provided on blackboard. 

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Practical Report 1

Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
3% Up to 3 marks for competently attempting all sections.
Due date

13/08/2024 2:00 pm

Hand in worksheet at the end of the optical microscope practical (individual or pairs).

Task description

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Hand in to teaching staff at the end of the microscope practical.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

The 7 day extension period allows the teaching team to return corrected reports in a reasonable time.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

Safety Inductions (individual)

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
Pass/Fail
Due date

20/08/2024 11:00 am

The online induction is to be completed before the Drop Weight Practical in Week 5.

Learning outcomes
L02, L05

Task description

COMPLETION OF THE SAFETY INDUCTION IS COMPULSORY

YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND OR RECEIVE CREDIT FOR LABORATORY COMPONENT WITHOUT COMPLETION OF THIS INDUCTION

Occupational Health and Safety

Students should be familiar with University policy Laboratory Safety in Teaching Laboratories (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=427). Pertinent information is in the mandatory online module and assessment, UGRD01. UGRD01 can be found on Blackboard in the Training courses Tab > UQ Workplace Inductions and OHS Training > UG Lab Students. UGRD01 only needs to be completed once.

The Minimum PPE required across all School of Chemical Engineering undergraduate laboratories is, Safety spectacles or over glasses, lab coat, long trousers that cover the ankles and fully enclosed shoes.

Laboratory and practical specific information is given at beginning of each practical. It is important you arrive on time or you may not be allowed into the laboratory. For most practicals, a preliminary risk assessment is to be completed prior to the laboratory session and a completed risk assessment is required as a component of the practical report.

Hurdle requirements

Pass/Fail (Complete School Safety Induction and Participate in the Safety Briefing at the Beginning of the Practicals)

Submission guidelines

Online Blackboard Training

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Online induction must be completed prior to the drop weight practical. If you arrive late to a practical, present yourself to the teaching staff to go over safety before joining in the practical exercise.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Completion of online safety induction is a prerequisite to carrying out the practicals (Drop Weight, Hydrocyclone, Leaching and Solvent Extraction). Also, there will be a mandatory safety briefing / discussion at the beginning of every practical. If you arrive late to a practical, present yourself to the teaching staff to go over safety before joining in the practical exercise.

Commodity Assignment - team oral presentation

  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
Mode
Oral
Category
Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Project
Weight
10% Group Presentation (All Group Members Speak)
Due date

24/10/2024 10:00 am

In class presentations (during scheduled lecture and tutorial sessions of week 13).

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

The members of your team are working on an assignment to identify the process options and technologies used for the production of a selected metal.

You and your team have been asked to make an oral presentation of your findings.

Oral presentation (10%)

Students are to design and present their material in a professional manner, as if the audience was the board of a company. The software platform to be used is PowerPoint. Make sure you submit your presentation slide deck 24 hours prior to the scheduled presentation time. Each team member will present one part of the report. Each team will be given total 20 minutes for oral presentations. 15 minutes will be used for the presentation itself and 5 minutes for the questions. The team will be warned by the session chair at 5 and then 1 minute before the presentation is to be finished.

Practicing before the presentation is recommended for each team to ensure their timing is correct and to improve the standard of the presentation. Presentations must not be in the form of reading the materials from a written text.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Alternative time for presentation or partial presentation can be arranged in the case of a valid reason for absence.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

Final Examination

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
55% Hurdle 45%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Invigilated closed book exam. No written materials permitted.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

A minimum of 45% is required for the final examination to pass the course

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Practical Reports 2, 3, 4 and 5

Mode
Written
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
32% 4X8% Practical Reports (Individual or Pairs)
Due date

Practical Report 2 - Drop Weight 10/09/2024 2:00 pm

Practical Report 3 - Hydrocyclone 1/10/2024 2:00 pm

Practical Report 4 - Leaching 15/10/2024 2:00 pm

Practical Report 5 - Solvent Extraction 22/10/2024 2:00 pm

Details of group members, activities, dates, locations and assessment criteria to be provided on blackboard. 

Task description

Details of group members, activities, dates, locations and assessment criteria to be provided on blackboard. 

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Submit via Blackboard Turnitin

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

The 7 day extension period allows the teaching team to return corrected reports in a reasonable time.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Overall mark typically 1-19%.

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Much of the information provided is inaccurate and irrelevant. Overall mark typically 20-44%.

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Some knowledge of the course is evident but the student only demonstrates a limited understanding of the underlying concepts and the information provided is largely inaccurate or irrelevant. Overall mark typically 45-49% and or overall mark 50% or greater and less than 45% on the final exam.

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and at least a partial understanding of the underlying concepts. Has some correct and some incorrect information. Overall mark typically 50-64% and greater than 45% on the final exam.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a sound understanding of the key concepts. There are only minor factual inaccuracies. Overall mark typically 65-74% and greater than 45% on the final exam.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Key concepts are understood. There are only very minor factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. Overall mark typically 75-84% and greater than 45% on the final exam.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Key concepts are understood. There is evidence of critical analysis and an ability to synthesise information from different aspects of the course. There are no factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. Overall mark typically 85-100% and greater than 45% on the final exam.

Additional course grading information

Students are required to obtain a minimum of 45% on the Final examination andᅠ 45% on the other non-examination assessable tasks in order to pass this course.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Use of calculators Unless specified elsewhere in the Course Profile, ONLY University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all exams for this course. Please consult my.UQ ᅠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators for information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

All lecture and tutorial material as well as instructions for practicals and the group project will be placed on the blackboard site for the course.

Additional reading material and course resources will also be posted on Blackboard.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 12
(22 Jul - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Lectures (Mondays)

Course Lecture Series, content presented and discussed.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Tutorials (Thursdays)

Solve problems individually or working with small teams with support of the teaching team.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 11
(29 Jul - 13 Oct)

Practical

Practicals (Tuesdays)

Hands on activities to understand feed properties and metallurgical unit operations.

Sub-activity: Activities include: Virtual microscope exercise (not graded), Optimal microscope practical (3% submission on the day), Drop Weight practical (8% report), Hydrocyclone practical (8% report).

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Seminar

Student Presentations

Student Presentations on Commodities, Economics, Group Project. Note group presentations will be scheduled during lecture or tutorial timeslots.

Sub-activity: Practice student presentations will be carried out during the tutorial timeslots in weeks 2 and 5.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L06

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:

  • Safety Induction for Practicals

Course guidelines

Safety Induction for Practicals

Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.

Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.

In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.