Course coordinator
Associate Professor Italo Onederra
Please email Associate Professor Onderra to arrange a consultation.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 16/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
In the past, ore fragmentation, comminution, processing, and concentration were viewed as isolated activities, each optimised separately. Today, the approach has evolved significantly, with every process integrated into the overall recovery effort. This course introduces key concepts of the mineral extraction value chain, placing a strong emphasis on the initial comminution stage (i.e. drilling and blasting) and its influence on subsequent downstream activities. Additionally, the course will introduce practical tools and processes used to implement integrated optimisation strategies, such as “mine to mill' and value-based ore control.
In the past mineral extraction, comminution and mineral concentration processes were seen as unitary activities and were generally optimised in isolation. Nowadays the approach to continuous improvement has changed, with every process becoming an integral part of the overall recovery effort. At the centre of the optimisation process is drilling and blasting which is considered to be the most important stage of the comminution process because of its impact on overall mining and processing costs and in particular crushing and grinding performance. This course provides the foundation for understanding the key stages of the value chain focussing on skills to optimise mining extraction processes by the implementation of leadingﾠpractices in blast design, analysis and continuous improvement. The course will include the following aspects:
- An introduction to the key concepts and stagesﾠof the mining process value chain
- Design principles and analytical methods in blasting engineering
- Modelling techniques applied in design and continuous improvement processesﾠﾠ
- Design strategies that support mine process optimisationﾠ ﾠ ﾠ ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Some prior knowledge in open pit and underground mining methods and systems is recommended, as well as a basic understanding of conventional ore handling and downstream processing stages.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Mining Systems and Automation
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MINE3125
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to equip the student with knowledge and understanding of the impact of all stages of the rock fragmentation and comminution processes;ﾠ but in particular the leverage of the drilling and blasting on the overall value chain. The course will introduce concepts and practical tools to help design and implement integrated mine process optimisation strategies.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Examine the main concepts of the mining process value chain - Evaluate the different processes involved in ore fragmentation or size reduction for mineral liberation;
LO2.
Examine the main concepts of the mining process value chain - Examine the role of geotechnical as well as geometallurgical data on fragmentation outcomes and final recovery;
LO3.
Examine the main concepts of the mining process value chain - Research the way in which fragmentation is quantified, measured and reported at the different stages of comminution such as blasting, crushing and grinding;
LO4.
Examine the main concepts of the mining process value chain - Examine the socio-environmental impact of mine process optimisation and understand its relevance in a transition to a low carbon economy.
LO5.
Analyse design principles and analytical methods in blasting engineering - Examine the key components of blasting engineering design and continuous improvement process;
LO6.
Analyse design principles and analytical methods in blasting engineering - Classify commercial explosives and evaluate the impact of detonation performance on fragmentation outcomes;
LO7.
Analyse design principles and analytical methods in blasting engineering - Evaluate analytical and empirical models to estimate the extent of damage or fracturing from an explosive charge to support blast design techniques.
LO8.
Examine modelling techniques applied in design and continuous improvement processes - Evaluate empirical models to predict blasting outcomes from a set of design parameters, including fragmentation, movement, vibration and air blast overpressure;
LO9.
Examine modelling techniques applied in design and continuous improvement processes - Outline key input requirements for modelling downstream processes;
LO10.
Examine modelling techniques applied in design and continuous improvement processes - Rank design alternatives to achieve specific targets from both a technical and a socio-environmental impact perspective.
LO11.
Design strategies that support mine process optimisation - Construct and appraise mine to mill and ore control strategies and evaluate their outcomes. Leverage different perspectives to address this optimisation challenge and develop collaborative and integrative problem-solving skills
LO12.
Design strategies that support mine process optimisation - Evaluate blast movement data to implement ore control strategies that maximise recovery;
LO13.
Design strategies that support mine process optimisation - Examine and rank technology requirements as well as management processes to implement mine process optimisation strategies;
LO14.
Design strategies that support mine process optimisation - Identify the socio-environmental benefits of the optimisation strategy selected.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio, Quiz |
Completion of online module Quizzes and Portfolio of PBL Activities 1 to 5
|
5% |
6/09/2024 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Group Drilling and Blasting Design and Optimisation project
|
30% |
Progress update presentations 3/10/2024 12:00 pm Final written report 18/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Portfolio, Quiz |
Completion of online module Quizzes and Portfolio of PBL Activities 6 to 10
|
5% |
21/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
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
Completion of online module Quizzes and Portfolio of PBL Activities 1 to 5
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Portfolio, Quiz
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
6/09/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Evidence of completion of online module quizzes and submission of portfolio of on-campus PBL activities 1 to 5
Submission guidelines
Note that online module quizzes should automatically populate Blackboard after completion. Portfolio of activities 1 to 5 must be submitted through a link provided in Blackboard as a single PDF document on the due date.
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.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
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 Drilling and Blasting Design and Optimisation project
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Progress update presentations 3/10/2024 12:00 pm
Final written report 18/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11
Task description
Details of the group Drilling and Blasting Project will be provided in Week 3 of the course. The overall mark will consist of two components
- A brief presentation (progress report) worth 10% of the total mark
- A final written report worth 90% of the total mark
Note that a group peer review will need to be submitted to evaluate the contribution of each team member.
Submission guidelines
Progress presentations in PowerPoint or PDF format must be submitted via the link provided in Blackboard. The Final group report must be submitted via Turnitin through the available link.
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.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
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.
Completion of online module Quizzes and Portfolio of PBL Activities 6 to 10
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Portfolio, Quiz
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
21/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14
Task description
Evidence of completion of online module quizzes and submission of portfolio of on-campus PBL activities 6 to 10
Submission guidelines
Note that online module quizzes should automatically populate Blackboard after completion. Portfolio of activities 6 to 10 must be submitted through a link provided in Blackboard as a single PDF document on the due date.
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.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
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 exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14
Task description
Two-hour examination held during the end of semseter examination period. The examination will cover all material taught during the semester
The examination will be closed book. All necessary formulae will be provided.
Calculator: Students are only permitted to use Casio FX82 series or UQ approved (labelled) calculators in this examination. Information on UQ approved calculators can be found in section 6.2 of this course profile.
Hurdle requirements
A minimum achievement of 40% on 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 or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
| 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. Course grade description: Overall grade < 29.99% |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall grade 30.0 to 44.99%. |
| 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: 45-49.99% or less that 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. Overall grade 50-64.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. Note: A minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam is required to obtain a passing grade for the course. |
| 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 65-74.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. Note: A minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam is required to obtain a passing grade for the course. |
| 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- 84.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. Note: A minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam is required to obtain a passing grade for the course. |
| 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 - 100% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. Note: A minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam is required to obtain a passing grade for the course. |
Additional course grading information
A minimum achievement of 40% on the final exam is required to recieve a passing grade for the course.
ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Note that in any group project assignment aﾠ peer review will need to be submitted to evaluate the contribution of each team member. Details of this process will be provided by the course coordinator at the start of the course.
Students will not be given exemptions, or partial credit from any previous attempt to this course, for any piece of assessment. You must complete all of the learning activities and assessment items each time you take a course.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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
Selected readings as well as other supporting material (e.g. course outline, on-line notes, and supplementary materials) will be made available via Blackboard.
It should be noted that online modules are structured to be completed within 1 to 2 hours. To maximize learning, it is recommended to finish the quizzes within each module before participating in the corresponding Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions each week.
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Not Timetabled |
Course Introduction Online session covering overall course structure including online modules and face to face Problem Based Learning activities. This session also discusses assessment requirements and overall expectations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
The Mining Value Chain Complete the online module and quiz before the scheduled problem based learning activity. This module provides a brief description of theory of constraints and how it relates to mine process optimisation. This module also provides practical examples of the mining value chain and the impact of drill and blast on downstream activities. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity associated with the impact of blasting on downstream activities Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Rock blasting fundamentals Complete the online module and quiz before the PBL activity. This module covers an introduction to explosive rock interaction, breakage and explosive performance. It also concludes with a brief description of the different types of blasting activities implemented in the mining industry Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity - Discussion on blasting types, common features of cylindrical explosive charges and quantification of performance. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
The D&B tool kit Complete the online module and quiz before the PBL activity. This module covers the type of drilling, explosives and initiation systems used in mining activities Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity - Blasthole diameter and drilling rig selection. Estimate performance based on rock mass properties and explore explosive selection guidelines. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Practical blast damage and fragmentation modelling Complete the online module and quiz before the PBL activity. These modules describe damage and fragmentation models used in industry to support design and optimisation processes. Learning outcomes: L07, L08, L09, L10 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity - Application of practical blast damage and fragmentation models Learning outcomes: L07, L08, L09, L10 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Open pit blast design Complete the online module and quiz before the PBL activity. This module focuses on the blast design process as applied to open pit blasting with particular emphasis on metalliferous operations. Learning outcomes: L05, L08, L10, L14 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity - Open pit blast design exercise and application of the 2DBench software platform. Learning outcomes: L05, L08, L10, L14 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Underground development blasting Complete the online module and quiz before PBL activity. This module covers the design techniques used in horizontal development blasting Learning outcomes: L05, L07 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity - Underground development blast design activity Learning outcomes: L05, L07 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Underground production blasting Complete the online module and quiz before the PBL activity. This module focuses on a practical approach to design and implement underground production blasts. Learning outcomes: L05, L07 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity - Underground production blasting activity that involves the application of the 2DRing software Learning outcomes: L05, L07 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Environmental impacts of blasting with focus a on surface mining Complete the online module and quiz before the PBL activity. This module provides a brief description of the environmental impacts of blasting and how they can be managed. Learning outcomes: L10, L14 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity - Tools to manage the environmental impacts of blasting with particular focus on far field vibration, fumes and flyrock. Learning outcomes: L10, L14 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Introduction to Mineral Processing Complete the online module and Quiz before PBL activity. This module provides an introduction to mineral processing focussing on crushing and grinding circuits for metal extraction. Learning outcomes: L03, L09, L13 |
Workshop |
Group project progress update On campus progress update presentations and feedback prior to final submission of group project Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L07, L08, L10, L11 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Mine process optimisation strategies Complete the online module and quiz before the PBL activity. This module provides a description of the strategies that have been successfully implemented to optimise the mineral extraction process in open pit operations. Emphasis is placed on Mine to Mill and Ore control strategies Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14 |
Problem-based learning |
On campus PBL session On campus PBL activity - Application of Mine to Mill strategies including modelling and simulations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Design implementation and safety considerations Complete online module and Quiz. This module focuses on operational and design implementation processes, regulatory matters including standard operating procedures, safety and security. After the completion of the module the last PBL activity must be completed and added to the second portfolio of activities prior to submission. Learning outcomes: L13 |
Team Based Learning |
Group project work session Session provided to finalise final group project report prior to submission Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Workshop |
Summary of key concepts and revision of PBL activities Summary of key concepts, revision of online modules and PBL activities Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14 |
Additional learning activity information
Online modules are structured to be completed within 1 to 2 hours. To maximise learning, it is recommended to finish the quizzes within each module before participating in the corresponding Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions each week.
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.