Course coordinator
Dr Micah Nehring
Consultation will be during the fortnightly online check-ins. Other consultation can be arranged via email.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- 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 integrates technical mining knowledge relating geology, equipment capabilities, dig and dump designs, customer specifications, environmental requirements with project management theory to deliver robust short-term mine plans. This course focuses on minimising deviation to the targets set out in the long-term strategic planning and scheduling process.
This course provides practical skills in short-term mine planning, focusing on data-driven decision-making, orebody knowledge, mine design, operational safety, and asset performance management. Participants will engage with and integrate mine planning tools, optimize resources, and improve execution efficiency.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Background knowledge in mining systems.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course runs as a flexible online offering across the first 7 weeks of the semester with all course content available from the outset. Fortnightly online check-ins with course participants will take place across this 7-week period. Students unable to make these online check-ins should endeavor to catch-up with the Course Coordinator at a alternative time. In addition to this, an on-campus in-person workshop is scheduled for Week 8. Participants will present the outcomes of their project at the on-campus workshop with submission of the final report due shortly after.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to equip students to develop robust short/medium term mine plans that seek to execute on the targets set out in the strategic plan.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Undertake short term mine planning and scheduling within the broader mine planning process and mining value chain.
LO2.
Apply the objectives of short-term mine planning within the time horizons involved and general resource and sequencing constraints.
LO3.
Apply fundamental project management tools including, Gantt Charts, Network Diagrams and Critical Path Method (CPM) to develop short term mine plans and schedules.
LO4.
Apply and develop basic mathematical optimisation tools and programs to aid the mine planning decision making process.
LO5.
Apply Inventory Management theories as it applies to short-term mine planning and scheduling.
LO6.
Use higher level/strategic planning outputs as the basis from which to commence the short-term planning and scheduling process.
LO7.
Examine and incorporate ore geology/characteristics and its relation to producing a product type/blend to specification as well as the role of equipment deployment and its impact on bench design.
LO8.
Examine and incorporate short-term planning and scheduling aspects unique to waste materials (overburden) and the fundamentals of waste dump operations to ensure a sustainable post mine land use.
LO9.
Incorporate operational compliance (including Health & Safety and ESG) and reconciliation aspects as it applies to short-term mine planning and scheduling.
LO10.
Effectively communicate short-term mine plans and schedules to key stakeholders.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Project Brief | 20% |
11/08/2025 1:00 pm |
| Presentation | Progress Update Slide Pack | 15% |
29/08/2025 1:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Final Presentation
|
15% |
15/09/2025 9:00 am |
| Project | Final Report | 50% |
25/09/2025 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
Project Brief
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/08/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This component involves the review and selection of a blast block at your operation for the purpose of generating a short term mine plan and schedule. If you are not in an operational setting, a case study may be made available. You will be required to submit a three-four-page project brief that goes some way in collating the information and inputs required as the basis in the development of your short-term schedule/plan. Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
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.
Submission guidelines
Please submit via the Turn-It-In link 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.
Feedback will be provided to students after 14 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.
Progress Update Slide Pack
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
29/08/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
This component involves the reporting of progress via a brief slide pack (PowerPoint) of no more than 15 slides covering the following elements:
- Description of the development of your short-term scheduling project, including the provision of all information/assumptions your have used in arriving at your current plan.
- Results to date
- Preliminary conclusions and recommendations 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 detailed marking criteria.
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.
Submission guidelines
Please submit your slide pack to 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.
Feedback will be provided to students after 14 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 Presentation
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
15/09/2025 9:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
For this component you will be required to prepare a 15 minute presentation to be delivered during the on campus workshop. This final presentation will provide an opportunity to share experiences and generate discussion between the course participants.
This presentation should include the following:
- Introduction
- Description of the short-term planning and scheduling block (i.e. all key input details and assumptions)
- Final plan (how you arrived at your final plan, and its key characteristics)
- Evaluation of the riskiness of the plan
- Sensitivity analysis (changing one input variable)
- Items of particular importance to communication through to operations to enable them to make the best decision when/if the plan falls over
- Conclusions and recommendations
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
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.
Hurdle requirements
Each presentation will be followed by a Q&A component with a pass/fail hurdle. Students' understanding will be assessed by their responses which must demonstrate their knowledge of the content independent of AI.Submission guidelines
Presentations will take place during the on-campus in-person workshop scheduled for Monday 15th September. External course participants may be present to provide feedback and commentary.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Discretionary extensions are not available for this task.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions are limited to 14 days to ensure students can receive feedback with sufficient time to incorporate into their final submission. Students who are unable to present at the scheduled date and time should apply for an extension, with evidence that supports this. As this is a timed-assessment, Student Access Plans (SAPs) are not suitable supporting documentation.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Presentation sessions are scheduled during the workshop with multiple markers.
Final Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
25/09/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
A final report of no more than 12 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
- Description of the short-term planning and scheduling block (i.e. all key input details and assumptions)
- Final plan (how you arrived at your final plan, and its key characteristics)
- Evaluation of the riskiness of the plan
- Sensitivity analysis (changing one input variable)
- Items of particular importance to communication through to operations to enable them to make the best decision when/if the plan falls over
- Final conclusions and recommendations
- Relevant references and appendices
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
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.
Submission guidelines
Please submit via the Turn-It-In link 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.
Feedback will be provided to students after 14 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.
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. Course grade description: Achieves the required course grade and student passes the Final Presentation hurdle. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Achieves the required course grade and student passes the Final Presentation hurdle. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Achieves the required course grade and student passes the Final Presentation hurdle. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Achieves the required course grade and student passes the Final Presentation hurdle. |
Additional course grading information
Hurdle explanation
Each Final Presentation will be followed by a Q&A component with a pass/fail hurdle. Students' understanding will be assessed by their responses which must demonstrate their knowledge of the content 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.
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 the course Blackboard page (http://www.elearning.uq.edu.au/).
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Module 1: Foundations of short term mine planning and scheduling The first module of this course (Module 1: Foundations of short term mine planning and scheduling) introduces the key components of the short-term planning and scheduling process and its role within the broader mine planning process and mining value chain. The objective of short-term scheduling, the time horizons involved, and general resource and sequencing constraints are discussed. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Module 2: Gantt Charts and Critical Path Module 2 introduces Gantt Charts. Gantt Charts are a very common way of communicating plans and schedules - not just in mining but across a range of industries. This is followed by a section on Critical Paths. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L06, L10 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Module 3: Mathematical Optimisation The focus of this module is to further enhance a mine planner's decision-making capability by introducing mathematical optimisation concepts which often form the basis for many of the computerised planning tools that are commercially available today. It is important to understand how these tools work and the fundamental algorithms behind them to aid the mine planning process. Learning outcomes: L04, L06 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Module 4: Inventory Management Inventory Management is perhaps a topic more associated with industrial processes. However, across the mining production cycle there are numerous activities where an inventory/buffer/float should be maintained. This Module seeks to answer the questions..... What is the cost of risk and potential upside of applying lean production theory to a real-life mine? Is it feasible to apply lean production theory to a real-life mine? Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L10 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Module 5: Ore Geology/Characteristics and Equipment Deployment Modules 5 and 6 step through some of the fundamental elements to consider when bringing new blocks into production within a surface mining operation. Module 5 details the important inputs from strategic mine planning, the ore geology/characteristics and its relation to producing a product type/blend to specification as well as the role of equipment deployment and its impact on bench design. Learning outcomes: L06, L07, L10 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Module 6: Waste Management and Dumping Operations While ore materials get most of the attention when planning and scheduling a mining operation (over the short and long term), in most cases stripping ratios in excess of 5:1, mean far greater amounts of waste materials (overburden) are actually moved in surface mining operations. While the movement of waste materials generally represents a cost to the operation, it is important that this aspect is carefully planned to ensure long term risks are minimised and post mining land use opportunities are maximised. Module 6 (Integrated Short-Term Mine Planning and Scheduling - Part B) carries on from Module 5 by focussing on the short-term planning and scheduling aspects unique to waste materials (overburden) and the fundamentals of waste dump operations. This carries on from a discussion around the role that waste dumps have in ensuring a sustainable post mine land use era. Learning outcomes: L06, L08, L10 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Module 7: Compliance and Reconciliation Now that a short term mine plan and schedule has been developed, it is important that it is compliant with not only previously generated longer term mine plans but also with a host of other legislation (health and safety) as well as meeting community expectations around ESG/sustainability aspects. A reconciliation process whereby a plan is compared to the actual results should also be conducted. The results of this reconciliation process should also feedback into the mine planning process and provide the mechanism by which previous input assumptions are adjusted. Learning outcomes: L09, L10 |
Additional learning activity information
All modules have a formative quiz at the end to enable participants to test their understanding.
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.