Course coordinator
Associate Professor Liguang Wang
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course integrates geology, mineral liberation and comminution (crushing and grinding) circuit design prior to mineral separation. It provides an important foundation to the study of mineral extraction techniques.
METL3219 is a 2 unit course designed to integrate geology, mineralogy, mineral liberation and comminution circuit design. The course deals with the processes responsible for the formation of ore deposits and the characteristic features of mineralised environments and will equip you with relevant skills to extract the maximum value from ore characterisation data commonly used in process design and diagnostics. It provides an important foundation to the study of mineral processing techniques and includes a solid core of learning materials and activities that provide the basis for skills development and articulation of these skills into practice. This course is compulsory for the Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Program.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes an understanding of chemistry gained through completion of the first year chemistry courses.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEE2010 to be completed prior to or concurrently with this course
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
METL2201 or MINE2201
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MINE3219 or MINE3209 or ERTH3502
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Liguang Wang
Professor Nick Cook
Dr Hangil Park
Tutor
Miss Britany Lu
Mr Samuel Martin
Mr Karlo Leandro Baladad
Miss Joy Maniaul
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please see latest timetable/room information on the website.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of the course are to:
(i) Develop an understanding of ore characteristics and how valuable minerals are liberated from ores for recovery through the process of rock breakage - comminution.
ﾠ (ii) Provide an understanding of the following key concepts:
ﾠ • The physical and chemical properties of minerals are determined by the bonding of species within these compounds and the respective crystal structures.
• The degree of liberation that must be achieved through ore breakage is a function of the subsequent separation processes that are to be employed.
• Rock and ore breakage characteristics are dependent on the comminution technology employed and the ore characteristics.
• The ore characteristics and degree of liberation required for separation can be predicted or assessed using quantitative process mineralogy techniques.
• Overall process optimization from orebody to product is achieved through assessment and appropriate integration of all operations in the overall process.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and explain the origins of orebodies and their occurrence, mineralogy and physical form and be able to recognize the major ore types and gangue minerals.
LO2.
Understand and interpret the relationships between ore properties, ore microstructure textures, mineral liberation and comminution.
LO3.
Undertake calculations related to analysis of comminution circuits with confidence and specify appropriate equipment for a given comminution requirement.
LO4.
Understand basic liberation theory, interpret liberation data and undertake methods for measurement of liberation.
LO5.
Communicate with geologists, mineralogists and metallurgists and have sufficient knowledge and vocabulary to access and interpret the ore geology, mineralogy and comminution literature at an intermediate level.
LO6.
Identify the social impact and sustainability issues surrounding the energy intensive comminution process.
LO7.
Improve teamwork skills through practice, reflection and feedback.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration | Safety Induction | Pass/Fail |
Prior to the start of the lab work. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Process analysis
|
20% Individual, written report |
24/04/2026 2:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Lab practicals
|
20% Two group submissions (2.5% each) & one Individual report (15%) |
26/05/2026 2:00 pm
In addition to the individual report (Weight 15%), group submissions (Weight 5%) are due at the end of your lab sessions. |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
|
60% Hurdle |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
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
Safety Induction
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
Prior to the start of the lab work.
- Learning outcomes
- L07
Task description
Students should be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety in the Laboratory Guideline:
https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=427
Pertinent information can be found on Blackboard in the Training courses Tab > NOT FOR STAFF OR HDR - UQ Workplace Inductions and Training > HSW - Undergraduate Laboratory Students. This only needs to be completed once throughout your undergraduate studies.
The PPE required includes safety spectacles or over glasses, lab coat, long trousers that cover the ankles, fully enclosed shoes, and a facemask approved through fit testing or respirator approved. More details on the facemask/respirator fit test will be given at the start of the semester.
Laboratory and practical specific information will also be given at the beginning of each practical. It is important you arrive on time, or you may not be allowed into the laboratory.
Completion of the safety induction session is compulsory. You will not be allowed to attend or receive credit for laboratory component without completion of this induction.
Submission guidelines
Safety form to be submitted to the Tutor, Lecturer or Course Coordinator at the end of the Safety Induction Session.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students will not be allowed to get access to the lab and progress to lab work without completing the induction first.
Process analysis
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20% Individual, written report
- Due date
24/04/2026 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
Students will be provided with a series of processing scenarios and associated data and are required to use the information provided to analyse data and interpret process performance. Students are required to submit the analysis of the process scenarios via Blackboard.
This is an individual assessment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Blackboard.
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.
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.
An extension request is not considered late until 24 hours after the assessment due date & time.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Lab practicals
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20% Two group submissions (2.5% each) & one Individual report (15%)
- Due date
26/05/2026 2:00 pm
In addition to the individual report (Weight 15%), group submissions (Weight 5%) are due at the end of your lab sessions.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L07
Task description
Students will work in small groups to perform laboratory rock breakage characterisation tests and comminution which are commonly used in industrial process design. Students are required to work with their group to produce a professional individual report that describes the outcomes of the laboratory-based testing.
The lab work mainly includes two sessions for each group:
• Bond Ball Mill test for characterising ores;
• Grinding.
Practical sessions will take place in teaching weeks 6, 7, 9 and 10. Group submission at the end of each lab prac session.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Blackboard.
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.
For group submissions, you can request an extension on behalf of your group for a group assessment task, provided that at least 50% of your group members also agree to the request.
1. Download and complete Extension of Group Assessment - Group Member Acknowledgement (DOCX, 40.8 KB)
2. Attach the form to your extension request.
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.
An extension request is not considered late until 24 hours after the assessment due date & time.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60% Hurdle
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This is an OPEN BOOK exam.
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
Students must achieve at least 45% of the marks allocated to the final exam to achieve a grade of 4 or higher.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 | Open book examination - any written or printed material is permitted; material may be annotated |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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: 0-24.99% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 25-44.99% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The aggregated total score is typically in the range 45-49.99% AND/OR the final exam grade is less than 45%. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The aggregated total score is typically in the range 50-64.99% AND final exam grade is greater than 45%. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The aggregated total score is typically in the range 65-74.99%. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The aggregated total score is typically in the range 75-84.99%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The aggregated total score is typically 85% and above. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Other Supplementary Assessment Information
The only available supplementary assessment is on the final exam.
Use of calculators
Only University approved and labelled calculators can be used in ﾠexams for this course. Please consult ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators ﾠfor 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
Wills' Minerals Processing Technology (8th edition), An Introduction to the Practical Aspects of Ore Treatment and Mineral recovery. Call Number TN500, W84 2015), ebook available through UQ Library.
Virtual Atlas of Opaque and Ore Minerals in their Associations (http://www.atlas-of-ore-minerals.com/)
Mineral Comminution Circuits. Their Operation and Optimisation. Napier-Munn, T J, Morrell, S, Morrison, R D and Kojovic, T, 1996. Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, University of Queensland, Australia. (TP156.S5 M54 2005)
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Lectures on process mineralogy and comminution A series of lectures covering the key course concepts and providing information that can be used in the tutorial and practical work. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial sessions Tutorial sessions will be used to put the concepts discussed in the lecture material into practice and develop skills in undertaking calculations and managing and interpreting data. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Practical |
Practical sessions Participants work in groups on a series of laboratory scale comminution tests. Prac session will be located at the UQ Experimental Mine, Indooroopilly. Learning outcomes: L03, L07 |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
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
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.