Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology

CHEM 1105 covers topics of general chemistry including atomic structure, chemical formulas, stoichiometry, aqueous reactions and concentrations of solutions, acids and bases, periodic properties of the elements and basic concepts of chemical bonding. Laboratory exercises consist of qualitative and quantitative analysis and acid-base chemistry. The emphasis is on applications of chemical principles, chemical calculations and analysis, and the development of good laboratory skills.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Students learn how to write letters, memos, and routine email messages. They learn to write clear and concise sentences and paragraphs and to make documents easily accessible through headings, lists and white space. They learn how to avoid some common grammatical errors in their writing. They also learn to give an oral report based on library and online research on a new development in their technology. In addition, they learn how to prepare a resume and job application letter and fill out a job application form. Students also learn how to collaborate as part of a team to accomplish work related communication tasks.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course starts with a basic overview of personal computer hardware, how a PC works and how to get the most functionality out of a Windows based computer. Students will focus on the Windows operating system and become accomplished at using its graphical user interface (GUI) for desktop navigation and managing files. Discussions will also include the technical aspects of using Windows for networking and troubleshooting. Topics include: An introduction to PC hardware, functions of an operating system (OS), file and disk management, backing up and protecting data, troubleshooting, networking, security, virus protection and firewalls. Students will also gain experience in utilizing Excel to develop well formatted spreadsheets. Topics will include user interface elements, using formulae and built-in functions, editing and formatting, custom numeric and data formatting, working with tables and charts, sorting and filtering, pivot tables, slicers, pivot charts, and graphic objects.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers; equations and Relations including polynomial, conic, power, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and systems. Applications are stressed including graphical linear programming, exponential/logarithmic transformations, common and natural logarithms and logarithmic/semi-logarithmic graphs, radian measure and its applications. Solid geometry, formula creation, unit analysis, and math/computer models are important skills. Also taught are vectors and solution of triangles, with applications in forces, motions and navigation. The goal of this course is to develop skills at defining, solving and presenting mining and exploration industry related problems using the basic mathematical skills taught in this course.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Introduces students to the wide scope of the mining industry and prepares them for further courses in mining. The course covers the breadth of the industry from mineral exploration through to processing and marketing of mining products. The importance of environmental considerations and sustainable development are introduced. Students will learn the terminology used in the industry in preparation for further courses taught during the program. Except for online courses, a visit to an active mining operation will form part of the course curriculum.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Presents an overview of the processes and materials that form and shape the planet Earth. The theory of plate tectonics is introduced and used as the basis of understanding the fundamental geological processes that operate both on, and beneath the Earth's surface. The formation and characteristics of minerals and development of the geological time scale, and deformation in the Earth's crust are reviewed as are an introduction to the geology of mineral and energy deposits and the geology of North America. Laboratory work includes identification of minerals, examination of geological maps and structures, and study of geological processes.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Prepares students for success in the Mining and Mineral Exploration Program by outlining success strategies in learning, time-management, and exam preparation. It will also outline the responsibilities that students have to their class and the program. These responsibilities will be structured around the expectations of industry in a working environment and will include aspects such as attendance, participation, preparedness, punctuality, team work, respect, and quality of work.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Covers data analysis, linear and rotational kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, work, energy and power, stress and strain. The laboratory deals with the principles of measurement and the experimental method of acquiring knowledge.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Covers fundamental concepts and principles of surveying; datums, principle of differential leveling, bench mark and detail leveling, peg-test, grades, use of levels, theodolites and steel chains; linear measurements; angle measurements and reductions, directions, bearings, coordinate systems; gradients and cut and fill; field note keeping and reductions; care, maintenance and adjustment of equipment.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Continues from CHEM 1105 and covers topics of inorganic chemistry including solubility equilibria, buffer solutions, oxidation and reduction reactions, electrochemistry, physical and chemical properties of gases, liquids and solids, phase diagrams and intermolecular forces. Electrochemistry includes electrochemical cells, applications of electrolysis, electrometallurgy, and corrosion. Lab work covers a variety of topics including electrochemical cells, ion exchange, spectrophotometric analysis, water hardness and alkalinity indices.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CHEM 1105

This course covers the following topics: functions and graphs; limits and continuity, the Intermediate Value Theorem; differentiation rules for algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions and inverse trigonometric functions; applications of differentiation; Newton’s method; analytic geometry; anti-differentiation. Applications to the mining industry will be utilized. Problem-solving skills and solution presentation will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 1501

Examines the formation, characteristics and classification of minerals and rocks. The crystallographic, chemical and physical properties of minerals, and the important rock-forming and economic mineral groups are discussed. Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and their relationship to mineral deposits are reviewed. The processes of rock formation are illustrated through a review of the geological evolution of British Columbia and other parts of North America. Laboratory exercises focus on the field identification of minerals and rocks and the interpretation of geological maps.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MINE 1101

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

Provides an overview of key safety issues encountered in mineral exploration and mining work environments as well as the completion of WHMIS on-line course and Worksafe BC Occupational First Aid Level 1. Topics that will be discussed include the development of safe working habits, personal safety gear, work in remote camp settings, safe travel in the field, animal awareness, safe operation around aircraft, watercraft and heavy equipment, mine rescue, and hazards associated with mine gasses and fires.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The course presents an introduction to the functions and use of AutoCAD and AutoCAD 3D Civil for solving different mining problems. Mining design software for engineering, surveying, and reclamation will be introduced. AutoCAD serves as a graphic engine and drawing editor. Mine design software that can be considered as an extension of AutoCAD will be used to add commands and enhancements for earthmoving and engineering.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMP 1620

Covers behaviours of fluids, thermal properties of matter, waves, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, DC and AC circuits. The lab component is comprised of experiments to complement the lectures.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in PHYS 1147

Covers computations and adjustments of integrated traverses; triangulation; trigonometric leveling; horizontal curves; road and building layouts, drill pattern layouts; cut and fill, area and volume calculations; introduction to total stations; introduction to GPS theory and applications.
Prerequisite(s):

• SURV 1145

This is the first course of a two course series on the theory and practice of mineral processing. Minerals and ores are defined along with their formation and dispersion in earth's crust. Distinction is made between mineral processing and extractive metallurgy; methods by which metals are extracted from minerals are mentioned. Mass balancing methods, drawing and interpretation of mineral process flowsheets explained. Sampling techniques, particle size measurement methods, size distribution analysis, comminution theory, size reduction by crushing and grinding, industrial screening and factors affecting screen performance are introduced. Students will carry out laboratory work and produce reports in the above areas.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Presents a basic introduction to the relationship between applied loads and the resulting support reactions and internal forces developed in statically determinate members and structures. The course is delivered through lectures and problem solving sessions. Topics include classification of force systems, equilibrium equations, freebody diagrams, support conditions and reactions, truss analysis, load, shear force and bending moment diagrams for beams, and friction. This course lays the foundation for subsequent civil engineering courses taught to mining students.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 1501

Reviews the formation, characteristics and geometry of crustal deformation structures. The concepts of stress and strain and the mechanisms of deformation provide the background for a descriptive analysis of common deformation structures including joints, veins, faults, folds, planar and linear deformation fabrics and shear zones. The relationships between geological structures, mineral deposits and mining are examined throughout the course, as are the links between deformation and plate tectonics. Laboratory exercises focus on the visualization and graphical solution to three-dimensional structural problems and structural geology map problems. Some labs will involve analysis of structures in the field.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MINE 2101 and MATH 1501

Examines in detail the design, planning and operation of underground mines. Mining methods for different materials will be discussed with the emphasis on hard rock mining. The criteria for correct selection of underground mining methods will be presented in the context of orebody characteristics, required productivity and safety issues. Topics will include: general mine design, ground support requirements and techniques, sizes and types of underground openings, production planning, development and production cycles, mining equipment, mine ventilation and mine infrastructure.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MINE 1100

Provides an overview of the processes of formation and principle characteristics of major mineral deposits. Mineral deposit formation is discussed by considering the source, transportation and deposition of metals and minerals and the textures, forms and mineral alteration of common mineral deposits. This is followed by a survey of major mineral deposit types including precious and base metals, diamonds, coal and industrial minerals. Laboratory exercises will focus on the study of rock sample suites from mineral deposits in British Columbia and elsewhere in North America. Some labs will involve analysis of structures in the field.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MINE 2101

This course introduces the fundamentals of soil and rock mechanics, and the objectives and techniques of geotechnical data collection used for mining construction projects and operations. Concepts of stability of surface soil and rock slopes and underground rock excavations are presented in the context of in situ rock mass stress and rock mass structure. Support systems commonly utilized in underground and surface excavations are discussed with respect to their applications and safety requirements. Exercises will focus on geotechnical field mapping, graphical data presentation, core logging, soil classification methods, and rock strength testing. Soil and rock engineering properties will be introduced by laboratory tests during the lecture hours. Laboratory tests will include; soil classification methods, standard soil compaction and shear tests, uniaxial compressive (UCS) testing of rock cores and point load testing of rock specimens. A day-long mine site field trip for rock mapping and testing exercises will be conducted in the second part of the term.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 1501 and MINE 2105

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of exploration databases and spatial data management. GIS technology will be applied to the mapping, display, and analysis of mineral exploration data. Topics covered include fundamental concepts, definitions, organization of databases and GIS; data integration and conversion; spatial and non-spatial query, analysis, display and reporting. Quality assurance and quality control of exploration databases will be discussed. Labs will develop skills in the use of GIS and database software for managing and analyzing mineral exploration data.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMP 1620

SURV 3345 builds on the foundations of SURV 2145 and covers the technical aspects of surveying in a mining environment. This includes the electronic data collection of survey data using Total Stations and the subsequent survey computations.
Prerequisite(s):

• MINE 2109SURV 2145

Covers methods for the determination of a wide variety of elements in various sample types related to mining. Emphasis is placed on selection of the most suitable technique for the particular samples under investigation. Techniques include precious metals by fire assaying, geochemical analysis, classical wet assaying and analytical instrumentation. Modern sampling theories are used to explain the critical requirement and importance of a representative sample. Sample contamination avoidance strategy is discussed by understanding comminution techniques and cross contamination probability. Instruments used are electrochemical, UV-visible, atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission and mass spectrometry and X-ray (fluorescence and diffraction) methods.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 2205

Second course of a two course series on mineral processing. The focus of the course is on concentration/enrichment processes. Classification of minerals is discussed. Gravity concentration methods, dense media separation and flotation theory and practice along with dewatering processes explained.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CHSC 3314

In a workplace that varies from offices to tents to mountains to cities, graduates need to be able to present technical and economic facts regarding mining projects accurately and clearly, and work effectively with other professionals and teams. To ensure that students are acquiring these communication skills in a technical context that is relevant to mining and mineral exploration, this communication course is closely coordinated with the students’ major mining course. To develop their teamwork and interpersonal skills, students complete team profiling exercises, practice effective meeting strategies, participate in case-study simulations, and acquire the planning and editing skills for writing a composite team report. Students will also prepare a professional resume, an application letter, and a sample answer appropriate for a professional job interview.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 1135

This course is an adjunct to the Mineral Exploration & Mining Engineering Program’s final year Capstone Project course. As part of the capstone project, student groups are required to prepare a comprehensive feasibility report on a mining project and to present their findings to an industry audience based on the report. Student groups will receive coaching on organizing, writing, editing, and formatting their reports and practice consulting with professionals to complete a project. Effective teamwork and leadership and client communication will be developed. Presentation skills, developed in earlier courses, will be polished in readiness for the final project presentations.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 2451

Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, and graphical presentation of data using Excel. Concepts of probability, probability distributions (including binomial, normal, Poisson, log-normal and chi-square distributions). Inferential statistics, including sampling, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, and an introduction to statistical process control.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MATH 1501

This course provides an overview of environmental issues and practices that relate the mining industry. Topics include an historical overview of mining and the environment, an introduction to the principles and application of sustainability and the social license to operate, a review of the origin and control of acid rock drainage and a survey of environmental applications throughout the mining life cycle including baseline studies, the environmental assessment processes, environmental applications at operating mines, reclamation and closure.
Prerequisite(s):

• MINE 1100

This course introduces the fundamentals of cost estimation methodologies and economic evaluations for mining projects. Topics covered will include; types and levels of cost estimates, cost estimation techniques, the theory of time value of money, the use of cash flow projections for project analysis, financing options for mining projects and the marketing of mineral products. Techniques used in industry for estimating capital and operating costs will be explained and practiced through a series of cost estimation exercises including development of cost estimation spreadsheets and use of industry computer software. Exercises will be carried out in evaluation of actual project cash flows to analyze project economics and compare project financial criteria. The calculation of net smelter returns will be explained along with the content of typical smelter contracts. Topics taught in the course will be integrated into the level 4 mining project (see MINE 4110).
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MINE 3105

Reviews the mineral exploration industry and discusses common exploration techniques and the interpretation of exploration data. The business of exploration is outlined including the roles of different participants, ethics in exploration, the sources of exploration funding and the regulatory requirements of Canadian stock exchanges and securities commissions. The objectives and strategies employed in mining exploration are described including the design of sampling programs. Common exploration techniques and their applications are discussed including mapping, prospecting, remote sensing, geochemistry, geophysics and diamond drilling. Case studies and an exploration design project form an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MINE 3101 and 50% in MINE 3106

Introduction to prospecting, exploration and geological field techniques in a camp setting in southern British Columbia. The course focuses on developing field skills such as compass use, map reading, prospecting techniques, taking field notes, observations and sketches, sampling techniques (rock, soil, silt), establishing exploration grids, and conducting geochemical and geophysical surveys. Geological field skills include geological mapping and identification of minerals, rocks and alteration around selected mineral deposits. Course includes several half-day exercises and a multi-day exploration mapping project.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MINE 3101 and 50% in MINE 3106

Provides an overview of common computer applications used in the exploration and mining industry. Topics covered during the course include: resource estimates, block modeling techniques, 3D ore body modeling and 3D open-pit design. Industry standard mine design software is used throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on the theory and concepts behind mine design software and the utilisation of a specific software platform. The Gemcom Surpac TM computer mine design software is used during the course for hands on practice of mine modeling and design. The program provides mining solutions for: geology, engineering and operations. All applications operate in a 3D environment such that data can be viewed and edited in true three dimensions. Through a series of worked examples and term assignments, students will learn the basics of the program application. Exercises will include manipulating topographical and geological data, solids modeling of an ore body shape, mineral resource estimation using sectional and block modeling techniques, and open pit mine design.
Prerequisite(s):

• MINE 2109 and MINE 3109

​Students will complete a team project that involves preparing and presenting a technical report on a proposed mining project. This report will be centered around an actual mineral deposit/property and will integrate collected field and laboratory data with additional project information provided to the students. Topics to be studied may include aspects of: deposit geology, exploration methods, resource estimates, mine planning and design, mineral processing, site layout, environmental sustainability, project cost estimates and economics. Each team is responsible for the preparation of a succinct, well written, and technically accurate project report. Teams will also complete an oral presentation and discussion of their study results.
Prerequisite(s):

• MINE 3106 and MINE 3107