Course content

The course is about exploitation of on shore mineral resources considering Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), gaining high importance due to increased demand for raw materials for sustainable development. The course consists of two main parts surface and underground mining methods, and covers their unit operations and necessary infrastructure. In addition to the main parts a brief information about rock material and mass properties used in method selection process will be covered.

During the semester there may be one or two day long technical trip to mine sites as long as the conditions allow.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The students will have detailed knowledge about the factors affecting the selection of mining method. The students shall know the advantages and disadvantages of different mining methods. The student will learn the most important unit operations in different mining methods and the basics about the equipment being used.

Skills: Given the rock mechanical properties, the geometry of and the grade distribution of a deposit, the students are expected to be able to suggest the most appropriate mining method(s) and necessary infrastructure.

General competence: The student will improve critical thinking skill and be able to identify the preliminary mining method(s) under given mechanical and basic economical conditions / constrains. The student will gain knowledge and skills for method selection using standard software covered under the course.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. Obligatory exercises. Obligatory excursion as long as the conditions allow (might be organized during weekends). Course evaluation using student reference group. The course will be taught in English as international master's students may participate.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Excursion

Recommended previous knowledge

Good knowledge of mechanics and physics. One should also be motivated to learn universal basic technical terms in mining if not known previously.

Course materials

Written handouts. Lecture presentations (pdf).

Brady, BHG., Brown, ET. 2004. Rock mechanics for underground mining. 3rd ed. Chapman and Hall.

SME. Underground mining methods: Engineering fundamentals and international case studies, Editors: Hustrulid, WA., Bullock, RL. SME, Littleton, Colorado.

Cummings, AB. 1976. Mining engineering handbook, 2 vols, AIME-SME, New York.

Hartman, HL. 1987. Introductory mining engineering. A Wiley Interscience, New York.

SME. 1998. Techniques in underground mining. Editors: Gertsch, R., Bullock, RL. SME, Littleton, Colorado.Hoek, E., 2007. Practical rock engineering. Online available (see rocscience web page)

Credit reductions