Course Overview
This course examines in detail aspects of design, planning, operation and equipment maintenance for surface mines. Rock fragmentation theory, drilling and blasting practices as applied to the surface mines will be discussed. Topics include: mining methods, mine planning and pit optimization, production scheduling, grade control and dilution, surface mining equipment, maintenance, road design, drilling and blasting design. Types of mining operations discussed include hard rock open pits, open cast coal mines and quarrying operations for industrial minerals. The concepts of cut-off grade and stripping ratio are discussed in details and practiced. Lerchs and Grossmann pit optimization algorithm is discussed and practiced. Surface mining equipment are introduced and compared. Production of mining equipment fleet will be discussed and related calculations are practiced. An introduction to equipment maintenance will be discussed. Basic concepts of road design such as layouts, different curves, stopping distance and regulations are discussed. Information will be presented on various types of commercial explosives and blasting agents and their safe handling. Methods of initiation and timing of blasts will be discussed along with means to monitor and reduce blast vibration and damage. A basic blasting design will be addressed.
Prerequisite(s)
- 50% in MINE 1100
Credits
4.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Select an appropriate surface mining method for a mineral deposit with given ore body characteristics and ground conditions [1,2,3,6,7,9,12].
- Calculate open pit cut-off grades, stripping ratios and economic pit limits [1,2,9,12].
- Understand and analyze the main categories of surface mining methods [1,3,12].Identify the unit operations in an open pit production cycle and select the equipment best suited for each operation based on pit configuration, production requirements and equipment productivities [1,2,3,4,5,8,11,12].
- Introduce the pit optimization concept. Determine optimum production rates for a surface mine and develop a mine production schedule [1,2,3,4,5,11,12].
- Calculate equipment productivities and correctly match types of open pit mining equipment [1,2,3,4,5,11,12].
- Understand the concept of equipment maintenance and its importance for the main equipment employed in the surface mining [1,2,3,12].
- Understand the importance of mine haul roads for the surface mining operation and be able to perform a simple road design [1,2,3,4,5,12].
- Understand the basics of drilling and blasting theory and the application of explosives to rock fragmentation in surface mining operations [1,2,3,12].
- Select the correct blasting agents and accessories to use in different surface mining applications [1,3,12].
- Calculate the various design factors for a surface blast pattern [1,2,3,4,5,8,9,11,12].
- Layout blast patterns for an open pit mine or quarry and apply correct timing to maximize fragmentation with minimal vibration and noise damage [1,3,8,9].
Effective as of Winter 2018
Related Programs
Surface Mining and Blasting (MINE 2105) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology
Diploma Full-time
- Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Full-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.