The current and official versions of the course specifications are available on the web at .
Please consult the web for updates that may occur during the year.
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the methods by which minerals are extracted from the earth, and the common methods used to concentrate the extracted materials prior to final metal production. Mining processes include the digging of open pits, shafts, tunnels and stopes. The main method of breaking rock is by drilling and blasting, and all extracted material needs to be hauled to other areas, so the topics of drilling and blasting and haulage receive detailed coverage. Mining involves much more than the technical operations, hence the course also includes an introduction to topics such as the economics of mining and mine safety.
