Course coordinator
Dr Micah Nehring
Wednesdays 9:00am-11:00am or by appointment in 47A-806A.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Theoretical principles and practical methodologies associated with mine planning. Mine Planning is an iterative process entailing elements of design, scheduling, evaluation, and the incorporation of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks and opportunities across the value chain. Aspects of long term strategic mine planning as well as short term tactical planning will be investigated. Some recognised industry software products are used.
This course integrates technical mining knowledge with modern financial evaluation techniques toﾠgenerate and value mine plans. It deepens understanding of the key levers of value creation as part of the integrated strategic mine planning process. The course includes a study of: mining economics, feasibility studies, mining method selection, process route selection, scale of operation, sequence & scheduling, cut-off grade policy, mathematical optimisation, financial technical modelling, sensitivity analysis and mine closure planning. This course focuses heavily on economic considerations as these ultimately determine if a mining project receives board approval and the finance to commence construction and development.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that you will be able to rapidly gain aﾠgood understanding of mining terms and descriptions if you don't already know them. You will ideally have been exposed to general surface and underground mining methods, have an understanding of mine development, operations and production and areﾠkeen to learn how toﾠplan a mineﾠfor the purpose of maximising stakeholder value.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MINE3122
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MINE3123
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course has been timed to avoid clashes with all other courses in this year level within the mining engineering discipline. If youﾠare enrolled in aﾠcourse that clashes with this courseﾠit is most likely a result ofﾠdeviating from theﾠprogram structure or taking additional courses from other year levels or courses outside of the mining engineering discipline. As this is a core compulsory course for mining engineers it is recommended that you attend this course and make alternative arrangements with coordinatorsﾠfrom otherﾠcourses.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop an understanding ofﾠthe principles and practical methodologies of mine planning and mine valuation.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
DEVELOP A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF MINE PLANNING - Identify and recognise the key levers for value creation as part of the strategic mine planning process.
LO2.
DEVELOP A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF MINE PLANNING - Use the key levers for value creation to optimise a mine plan within the technical constraints of a mining operation.
LO3.
DEVELOP A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF MINE PLANNING - Appreciate the iterative nature of mine planning.
LO4.
DEVELOP A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF MINE PLANNING - Analyses, evaluate and compare mine plans according to key criteria.
LO5.
DEVELOP A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF MINE PLANNING - Select the most appropriate mine plan and development strategy with justification.
LO6.
INCORPORATE OPTIMISATION PROCESSES - Understand and use pit optimisation algorithms including Lerch Grossman and Floating Cone.
LO7.
INCORPORATE OPTIMISATION PROCESSES - Understand the capabilities of Operations Research and Mathematical Modelling on solving complex optimisation problems.
LO8.
CREATE AND ANALYSE COMPLEX FINANCIAL MODELS - Understand the impacts of time value of money and discounting on mine plan valuation.
LO9.
CREATE AND ANALYSE COMPLEX FINANCIAL MODELS - Incorporate taxation, carry forward losses and depreciation into detailed financial modelling.
LO10.
KEY DIFFERENCES WITH MINING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES - Understand the role and impact of marginal, total and fixed costs on the mine planning process.
LO11.
KEY DIFFERENCES WITH MINING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES - Understand the impact of the exploitation of non-renewable resources on mining company value.
LO12.
KEY DIFFERENCES WITH MINING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES - Incorporate key changes into the mine plan in order to mitigate the effect to maximise value the latest technological innovations into the system where appropriate.
LO13.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION - Acquire team skills to develop a mining project.
LO14.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION - Obtain advanced written and oral communication skills.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Take home assignment | 20% |
31/03/2025 - 14/04/2025
Submission is due at 1:00pm. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Group Project (Pairs) | 20% |
28/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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 assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
31/03/2025 - 14/04/2025
Submission is due at 1:00pm.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L10, L11, L12, L13
Task description
This is a take home task to be completed individually over a 2-week period.
It will comprise of a series of short answer and calculation questions relating to material covered in weeks 1-7. The value of each question will be provided upon release of the item. Further details about this task will be provided closer to its release.
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.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
This is submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
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.
Group Project (Pairs)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
28/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14
Task description
This project will consist of an activity requiring the use of the Whittle 4X Software Package.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
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.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
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.
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L14
Task description
This will be a comprehensive examination on all topics addressed in this course throughout the semester. Questions will assess your theoretical knowledge and the application of this on practical problem based questions that will require you to draw meaningful conclusions from calculations. The exam will contain five questions worth 25% each. Students must answer four out of five questions.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
A minimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for 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.
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 or less than 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 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.ﾠ And a minimum of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.. |
| 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.ﾠ And a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 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 orproblems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas.ﾠ And a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.. |
| 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.ﾠ And a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
Additional course grading information
A minimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students will not be given exemptions, or partial credit from any previous attempt of this course, for any piece of assessment. You must complete all of the learning activities and assessment items each time you take a course.
Project-based learning: This course utilises a project-based learning approach where groups ofﾠstudents work as teams to develop mine production schedules and investigate several options to maximise the NPV. This year the project is based on a planning and scheduling of a copper/gold open pit project.
- Each group will be responsible for completing the project during the twelve weeks of the Semester. The information provided on the project includes the location of the project, block model, geology, geotechnical and economic data.
- Students will use Whittle Four X to carry out the analysis required for the project. ﾠManagement of the groups, group dynamics and assessment are discussed in the Learning Guide. For details on the scope of the project and tasks you will be required to perform refer to the Project Learning Guide.
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 to the last minute. While in most cases the team’s peer review assessment will be used for calculating final grades, the course coordinator reserves the final assessment of peer review to him/her.
A generic peer assessment toolﾠ will be used. The PEER REVIEW is required for all group assessments.ﾠThese data will be used to provide feedback to, and receive feedback from, your group members regarding contributions to the project.
Based on a series of answers from each group memberﾠautomatically produces two weighting factors. The SPA or Self and Peer Assessment factor is a measure of how the group overall viewed the contribution of each member of the group. This 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 and 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.
Both factors for each student will be released to all group members.
The idea of using a peer assessment is not only to make group work fairer and provide feedback on your performance but also 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: Initially the released 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 yourself and peer assessment ratings must be made in writing to the lecturer in charge of the project. Each objection must be a maximum of 500 words (12 point times new roman) clearly outlining 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 data that the peer assessments 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 lodgement of an objection will be considered as a request for reassessment of the entire group.ﾠHence 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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
All Resources for this Course are available on Blackboard (http://www.elearning.uq.edu.au/)
- Learning Guide
- Reader (Notes)
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Examples with Solutions
- Worksheets
- Project Learning Guides
- Sample examination with solutions
Software Tools (Available in the computer labs)
- Whittle Four X Analyser
- Microsoft Excel Solver (or Lindo, CPLEX)
- Datamine
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 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction to Mine Planning & Sustainability. Introduction to financial concepts Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
ESG in Mining Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L13 |
Tutorial |
The circular economy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L10, L11, L12 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Mining Economics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L10, L11, L12 |
Tutorial |
Financial Concepts. Mining Economics. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L09, L10, L11 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Mining method selection Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L09, L10, L11 |
Tutorial |
Mining method selection Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Process route selection Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L09, L10, L11, L12 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Scale of Operation. Equivalent Grade. Basic Cut-off Grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Scale of Operation. Equivalent Grade. Basic Cut-off Grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Open Pit Sequencing & Scheduling Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
Tutorial |
Open Pit Sequencing & Scheduling Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Underground Mine Production Scheduling Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12 |
Tutorial |
Underground Mine Production Scheduling Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid semester break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Cutoff Grade Policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L08, L09, L10 |
Tutorial |
Cutoff Grade Policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L08, L09, L10 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Pit optimisation algorithms Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Financial modelling Learning outcomes: L08, L09 |
Tutorial |
Pit optimisation algorithms. Project. Learning outcomes: L08, L09 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Mine Closure Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L11, L12, L13 |
Tutorial |
Mine Closure. Project. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L11, L12, L13 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Course Review / Guest Lecturer Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14 |
Tutorial |
Course Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14 |
Additional learning activity information
The activities and schedule above should be viewed as a guide only. In cases where a guest presenter will be invited, the scheduling of this activity will be dependent on their availability.
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.