Course coordinator
Dr Micah Nehring
Consultations Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm weekly or by appointment.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
This course will introduce the concepts of resource and reserve estimation in both coal and metalliferous deposits. This represents a critical component in the life cycle of a mine and provides the link between the processes of exploration geology and mine planning.
Integrated Orebody Knowledge lays the foundations for the mine planning process. It emphasises the importance of geological inputs in defining reliable resource and reserve estimates, which are used to develop mine plans, final mine designs and feasibility studies. The course applies various techniques to resource estimation including traditional and modern geostatistical methods. The topics covered in this course include rock types, mineral-rock relationships, geochemistry, earth processes, deposit types, rock fabrics and orientations, structural geology, exploration, carbonaceous systems, interpretation of drillhole data, sampling techniques and data collection, data compositing, principles of resource and reserve estimation, traditional estimation techniques, geostatistical estimation methods, block modelling andﾠthe Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes the students have a basic knowledge of statistics and a strong interest in the extraction of the earth's mineral resources to meet societal needs.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MINE3120
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Nick Cook
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the principles of geology, deposit types and resource and reserve estimation for metalliferous and coal deposits as the basis from which to commence the mine planning process.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Recognise the main types and structures of mineral deposits - Appreciate how the main types of mineral deposits were formed.
LO2.
Recognise the main types and structures of mineral deposits - Form exploration plans targeted at various mineral deposits.
LO3.
Recognise the main types and structures of mineral deposits - Understand the mining/processing system/s that are appropriate to the main types of mineral deposits.
LO4.
Create coal and metalliferous resource models - Understand the basic principles of collection and compositing of data from coal and metalliferous samples.
LO5.
Create coal and metalliferous resource models - Calculate estimated values for quality and grade metrics for both coal and metalliferous deposits, respectively, using traditional estimation techniques (e.g. inverse distance, polygon, and triangulation) as well as advanced geostatistical methods.
LO6.
Create coal and metalliferous resource models - Generate block models, grade-tonnage curves and resource estimates from an orebody model using standard software packages.
LO7.
Report resources/reserves using the JORC code - Appreciate the standardisation of resource and reserve reporting in Australian and international mining projects and explain the major requirements for upgrading resources to reserves.
LO8.
Appreciate the role of geology in mine planning - Understand the role and hierarchy of feasibility studies in the development of a mining project and recognise the influence that external factors such as the global economic environment can have on the development of a mining project.
LO9.
Communicate effectively with and as a team - Develop teamwork and written communications skills
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Take Home Activity Set (Individual)
|
20% |
9/09/2025 1:00 pm |
| Project |
Coal Estimation Project (Individual)
|
35% |
7/10/2025 1:00 pm |
| Project |
Metalliferous Estimation Project (Group)
|
45% |
30/10/2025 1:00 pm |
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
Take Home Activity Set (Individual)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
9/09/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L08
Task description
Take home activity set (individual) containing numerous short answer and calculation questions covering the Geoscience content (the first 5-6 weeks). This will be released 2 weeks prior to the due date.
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.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Please submit word/pdf document addressing each question via turn-it-in.
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.
Feedback is provided to students after this time.
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.
Coal Estimation Project (Individual)
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
7/10/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Estimation of a coal resource in keeping with JORC parameters. A detailed task sheet for this assignment will be issued at release.
Students will partake in a brief (5-10 min) individual online interview where they need to provide a 'client update' (executive summary style slide deck with Q&A) to demonstrate their understanding of the assessment independent of AI. This will be organised at a mutually suitable time shortly after submission.
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.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Hurdle requirements
Students' understanding will be assessed by a pass/fail hurdle. Students will partake in a brief (5-10 min) individual online interview where they need to provide a 'client update' (executive summary style slide deck with Q&A) to demonstrate their understanding of the assessment independent of AI. This will be organised at a mutually suitable time shortly after submission.Submission guidelines
Please submit individual report via turn-it-in.
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.
Feedback is provided to students after this time.
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.
Metalliferous Estimation Project (Group)
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
30/10/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Estimation of a mineral (metalliferous) resource in keeping with JORC parameters. A detailed task sheet for this assignment will be issued upon release.
This item will be peer reviewed upon completion. If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
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.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Please submit a single group report via turn-it-in.
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.
Feedback to given to students after this time.
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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass. Overall grade: 45.00-49.99% or a fail in the Coal Estimation Project hurdle. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. Overall grade 50.00-64.99% and passes the Coal Estimation Project hurdle. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. Overall grade 65.00-74.99% and passes the Coal Estimation Project hurdle. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. Overall grade 75.00-84.99% and passes the Coal Estimation Project hurdle. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite. Overall grade 85.00- 100% and passes the Coal Estimation Project hurdle. |
Additional course grading information
ﾠGrading Criteria
Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These are available on Blackboard in the assessment folder.
Hurdle explanation
Students' understanding of the Coal Estimation Project will be assessed by a pass/fail hurdle. Students will partake in a brief (5-10 min) individual online interview where they need to provide a 'client update' (executive summary style slide deck with Q&A) to demonstrate their understanding of the assessment independent of AI.
Students who fail the hurdle, but otherwise receive 50% overall, will receive a grade of 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site, will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Peer Assessment:
Group performance is a key component of the assessment for this course. The sole measure of performance of team work is by peer review. Teams which are having problems with unproductive or non-cooperative members are encouraged to seek the intervention of the course coordinator as early as possible. Do not leave these problems until the last minute. A generic assessment tool will be used. The PEER REVIEW is required for all group assessments. These data will be used to provide feedback to, and receive feedback from, your group members regarding contributions to the project. Two factors are generated: an SPA factor (or equivalent) and an SAPA factor (or equivalent). The SPA factor will be used to adjust the group mark for the project into an individual mark.
Individual mark = Group mark x Individual’s SPA
For example, a student who receives an SPA factor of 0.9 for their project contributions, reflecting a lower than average team contribution as perceived by a combination of themselves and their peers, would receive an individual mark of 72% if their group project mark was 80%.
The second factor calculated is the SAPA factor. This is the ratio of a student’s own self assessment rating compared to the average rating of their contribution by their peers. It provides students with feedback about how the rest of the group perceives their contribution. For example, a SAPA factor greater than 1 means that a student has rated their own performance higher than they were rated by their peers. Conversely, a SAPA factor less than 1 means that a student has rated their own performance lower than they were rated by their peers.
Important:
The motivation for using a peer assessment is not only to make group work fairer and provide feedback on your performance but to encourage the development of your professional skills. These skills include giving and receiving both positive and negative feedback, conflict resolution, collaboration, the ability to assess both your work and the work of your peers and developing your professional judgement. If you successfully achieve these learning outcomes your group experience should be productive. Teams that contain students who do not adequately participate in group activities and or develop their teamwork skills typically have friction between group members.
Objections:
The initial SPA and SAPA factors will be preliminary and only become official after any protests are considered. Any students believing their peer assessments were unfair may lodge an objection. Any objection to your self and peer assessment ratings must be made in writing to the course coordinator. Each objection must be a maximum of 500 words and clearly outline why you believe your rating is unfair. Your protest will be discussed with the other members of your group. Objections must be lodged within 3 days from the date that the peer assessments / assignment results are released. An objection usually indicates that at least one member of a group has not achieved the teamwork learning objectives. Marks are only awarded for successfully achieving learning outcomes. The lodgment of an objection will be considered as a request for reassessment of the entire group. Hence if a student lodges an objection the marks for the entire group will be reassessed and released after the objection has been considered. In considering any objection the log books and or meeting minutes for a group will be reviewed.
The course coordinator reserves the final say in application of the SPA factor.
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
A number of selected readings may be posted on Blackboard from time to time. These readings are either extracts/chapters from books, conference papers or articles from journals.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Course introduction. Key aspects of mineral-rock relationships. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Applied Class |
Earth processes: understanding the planet. The concept of an ore deposit. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L08 |
Lecture |
The vast array of ore deposits - unifying concepts. Australian and some global examples. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L08 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Applied Class |
Rock fabrics and orientations: geometric relations play a crucial role in the mining process. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Lecture |
Structural geology and an introduction to the drilling rig. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Applied Class |
Exploration geology regional and 'near-mine' exploration; geophysics and remote sensing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Lecture |
Exploration geology. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Applied Class |
Carbonaceous systems: coal, oil and gas. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L08 |
Lecture |
Interpreting and displaying drill hole data. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L08 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Applied Class |
The mine planning process. Mineral resources - their distribution and strategic importance. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L07 |
Lecture |
JORC Learning outcomes: L07 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Applied Class |
Data Compositing. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Data Compositing. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Applied Class |
Traditional Estimation Methods. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Traditional Estimation Methods. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Applied Class |
Introduction to Geostatistics Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Applied Class |
Introduction to Geostatistics Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Applied Class |
Introduction to Geostatistics. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Introduction to Geostatistics Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Applied Class |
Ordinary Kriging Equations Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Ordinary Kriging Equations. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Applied Class |
Orebody Modelling Part 1. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Lecture |
Orebody Modelling. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Applied Class |
Orebody modelling - part 2. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Lecture |
Orebody modelling. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
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
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.