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Mining is an important part of the economy of many countries and companies. The market price of many minerals fluctuates both in the short term and the long term and market fluctuations can change a mining operation from being a profitable venture into a non-viable activity. In order to minimise the impact of such market changes, mines must be planned and designed for effective and efficient operation. Artificial intelligence (AI) and/or automation have been highly impactful in increasing safety and production and reducing mining and mineral processing costs. Professional and para-professional mining personnel therefore need to have an understanding of how mines are developed and how they can retain their viability. The purpose of this course is to provide a background to the major factors influencing the establishment of a mine and its continued existence.

Mines are dynamic engineering projects which are continually changing as the mining process is undertaken. In order to ensure continuous operation and viability, the development of a mine needs to be carefully planned. As mining progresses, and conditions change, design of various elements in the mining operation must occur. This course provides a background to how mines are planned and developed, and the major factors which will influence mine development. The course also focusses on the design of some of the major elements and processes of mining.

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. On completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Discuss the factors, stages and phases in mine exploration, prospecting, development and life of a mine.
2. Describe general issues in mine planning, mine safety, mine feasibility and stability, land acquisition, environmental protection, mining regulations, land rights, financial and social issues.
3. Design surface mining features such as open pit excavations, waste dumps, storage areas and haul roads, Planning and design of strip and open-pit coalmines, Develop short to mid-term plans for various aspects of a mine’s operation e.g. dragline operation, truck and shovel operations and, dig plans.
4. Design underground mining features such as benches, levels and stopes, draw-points, drifts, shafts, roadways, tunnels, escape ways and paste and backfill operations.
5. Utilise mine planning and design software.
6. Describe impacts, diversity, multidisciplinary and fundamental components of mining automation and artificial intelligence in the current and future mining industry.
7. Apply quality control and safety procedures commonly utilised in mining.
8. Explain current developments in mine planning including sequence and scheduling in mine planning and feasibility studies, coal mining and mine site rehabilitation.