Course coordinator
Associate Professor Italo Onederra
Please email to arrange consultation.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
This course covers the critical activity of drilling and blasting (D&B) in surface mining; addressing the importance of the engineering design and continuous improvement process. The course focuses on the impacts of drilling and blasting on downstream activities underpinned by a clear understanding of design principles; analysis; performance monitoring; process optimisation; safety; compliance and sustainability. These areas are supplemented by examining the role of current and emerging D&B technologies in the mining value chain.
The course consists of seven online modules, each focusing on key aspects of the drilling and blasting process, including foundational knowledge of rock blasting, design analysis and modelling techniques, and implementation practices. The modules covered are:
- The Mining Value Chain
- Rock blasting fundamentals
- Drilling, explosives and initiation systems
- Practical Blast Damage and Fragmentation Modelling
- Blast design and analysis
- Environmental impacts of blasting
- Design Implementation and operational considerations
The design and analysis module will be further supported by the application of the JKSIMBLAST (2DBench) software package. Details and access to the software will be provided to students at the start of the course. Students will also be encouraged to utilise the drill and blast design software tools available to them at their respective sites, if need be.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Background knowledge in surface mining systems.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The course is delivered in a hybrid mode, comprising:
- Self-paced online modules that include written materials, videos, formative activities, and quizzes.
- Face-to-face drop-in sessions, online, to support the learning process.
- A two-day face-to-face workshop to briefly review course content, but primarily serve as a platform for idea exchange, experience sharing, and general discussion.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills to evaluate drilling and blasting (D&B) practices in surface mining, identify vulnerabilities in design and implementation; and support the development of continuous improvement strategies. Through work integrated learning and project-based assessment, this course will cover important fundamentals and practical tools to support the implementation of leading D&B practices in surface mining operations.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Evaluate drilling and blasting techniques used to achieve specific objectives under various operational conditions.
LO2.
Quantify and differentiate surface blasting performance outcomes using standard industry metrics.
LO3.
Identify and select optimisation strategies that maximise the value of surface drilling and blasting practices.
LO4.
Implement standard industry D&B engineering design techniques.
LO5.
Apply best practice modelling techniques to evaluate and optimise drill and blast designs and performance outcomes.
LO6.
Contrast and select supporting D&B technologies, including drilling systems, explosives and accessories to achieve site specific objectives.
LO7.
Examine D&B design and implementation processes to enhance efficiency and performance.
LO8.
Implement quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols in surface drilling and blasting to aid successful execution and continuous improvement.
LO9.
Apply relevant regulatory frameworks and industry best practice to ensure compliance of surface drilling and blasting operations.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Project brief | 20% |
14/03/2025 4:00 pm |
| Portfolio | Progress update - slide pack | 15% |
28/03/2025 4:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Final report presentation
|
15% |
15/04/2025 - 16/04/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Final report | 50% |
24/04/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Project brief
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
14/03/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L07, L09
Task description
This component involves the review and selection of a D&B design under implementation or previously implemented at your operation. If you are not in an operational setting, a real case study will be made available. You will be required to submit a two-page project brief using the available fillable PDF template.
The project brief provides basic information of the design evaluation and improvement project that you will be conducting and includes the following:
- Introduction: Provide a brief description of the operation, mining method and current D&B activities
- Problem statement: Provide context on a selected design and specific performance issue that would benefit from a revision and evaluation. Consultation with your colleagues and supervisors is expected.
- Project Objectives: Outline the main objectives of this design evaluation and improvement project.
- Value proposition: Outline the potential benefits of this design evaluation project.
- Project scope and methodology: Outline the scope of the design evaluation and briefly describe the approach required to achieve the key objectives. Also describe the data collection requirements and any assumptions or limitations.
- Project risks: Briefly identify the risks to completing this project and any mitigation strategies that can be put in place.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
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 generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission will be via turn-it-in 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.
Progress update - slide pack
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
28/03/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
This component involves the reporting of progress via a brief slide pack (PowerPoint or PDF presentation) of no more than 10 slides covering the following elements:
- Background description of evaluation case
- Progress vs Plan
- Results to date
- Conclusions and Way forward
In this update you will highlighting the milestones reached so far and identify any challenges or hurdles encountered and strategies to address them. This assessment provides an opportunity to provide feedback and guidance prior to the completion and submission of the final report.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
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 generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission will be via 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 report presentation
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
15/04/2025 - 16/04/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
For this component you will be required to prepare a 10 minute presentation to be delivered during the workshop on campus. This final presentation will provide an opportunity to share experiences and generate discussion between the course participants.
This presentation should include the following:
- Introduction with a brief description of the project (i.e. details of D&B design evaluated)
- Description of methodology and assumptions
- Results of evaluation and design improvements
- Summary of an implementation plan including a description of a process map highlighting key sign off, QA/QC and performance evaluation processes required
- Conclusions and recommendations
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
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.
Submission guidelines
Presentation to be delivered during the workshop on campus.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Presentations are scheduled during on-campus workshop. There is no opportunity to complete this at a later date.
Final report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
24/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
A final report of no more than 10 pages (excluding coversheet, table of contents/figures and appendices) must be submitted and should include but is not limited to:
- A one-page executive summary
- Introduction with a brief description of the operation and D&B activities implemented.
- Description the selected D&B design evaluated
- Description of methodology and assumptions.
- Results of design evaluation and improvement recommendations
- Implementation plan
- Process map highlighting key QA/QC and performance evaluation processes
- Final conclusions and recommendations
- Relevant references and appendices
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
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 generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission will be via turn-it-in 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 and not to overlap with content delivery.
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.
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 |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
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.
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 learning resources will be made available online.
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 |
|---|---|---|
O-week (17 Feb - 23 Feb) |
Information technology session |
Online kick off meeting Online kick off meeting to discuss the course, assessment, expectations around engagement and how to access the different tools available (Blackboard, Ed discussion board and Blasting Software) |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 6 |
Not Timetabled |
Self paced online modules Students muct complete seven self paced online modules from Week1 until Week 6. The modules cover the following topics:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 6 |
General contact hours |
Online one hour drop-in Q&A sessions Q&A Drop-in online sessions to support the learning process. Please review Blackboard instance for final times and oneline links
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
On campus workshop Two-day design and blast workshop on campus. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, 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.