Underground Mining

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of geoscience and open pit exploitaiton.

Teaching Methods

Classroom teaching with the following components:
Theorical: using audiovisual means to facilitate the understanding of concepts, models and methodologies. Students will participate in lectures, through its intervention or, occasionally, by presenting subjects within the discipline syllabus.
Practical: application of theoretical knowledge to practical cases, by solving problems.
Practices and Laboratory: Underground mining projects and other educational materials related to the discipline. Use of laboratory equipment and analysis of results.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to:

A) Understand the importance of national legislation on operations in the extractive industry.
B) Acquired knowledge to select sustainable exploitation mining methods in subterranean mines, taking into account the economic, environmental and health, hygiene and safety constraints.

C) Acquire knowledge to project and develop ventilation systems in underground environment and design and project  shaft extraction systems.

Skills to developed:

Instrumental: competence in analysis and synthesis, skills to solve problems.

Personal: competence in critical thinking and competence in working in interdisciplinary teams.

Systemic: competence in applying theoretical knowledge in practice, competence in planning and managing, concern for quality, competence in autonomous learning.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

 1. Introduction to  mining  exploitation in subterranean mines. Concepts of masses and minerals deposits. Legislation applied to the extractive industry.
2. The implementation and control of a underground mining project. Planning methods (preparation and tracing) and project schedule. Applicable mining, environmental and health and safety legislation.
3. Classification of mining exploitation methods and their application function of the characteristics of minerals deposits. Criteria for the selection and development of underground methods. Features of exploitation methods and its benefits and disadvantages (economic and environmental).
4. Basic Operations of mineral resources exploitation in subterranean mines: underground ventilation project  and mining system shaft  extraction.
5. Environmental impacts caused by underground mining and mitigating measures. Health and safety in underground mining industry.

Head Lecturer(s)

Fernando Pedro Ortega de Oliveira Figueiredo

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 10.0%
Report of a seminar or field trip: 10.0%
Exam: 80.0%

Bibliography

Brady, B.H. e Brown, E.T.(1985)-Rock Mechanics for Underground Mining, Allen & Unwin, Londres
Cortez, J. A. S.(1990)-Apontamentos de Exploração de Minas
Figueiredo, F. O (2014) Power Point slides presentations from de classroom lessons
Oliveira, A.G (1984) Apontamentos de Exploração de Minas. Secção Autonoma de Engª. Minas, FCT Universidade de Coimbra.
Langefors, U. e Kihlström, B.(1963)-The modern technique of rock blasting. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Nova Iorque.
Legislação Portuguesa, Decretos-Lei 90/90, 88/90, 340/07, 376/84 e 162/90, 168/90, 137/90, 324/95 e 544/90.
Hartman, H. L. (senior editor) (1992)-SME Mining Engineering Handbook, 2nd Edition, Vol. I e Vol. II. Engineering Fundamentals and International Case Studies, SME
Hartman, H L.e Mutmansky, J.M (2002) – Introductory Mining Engineering. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Hustrulid, W. A., Bullock, R. L. (2001)-Underground Mining Methods.
I.G.M. (1997) - Plano de Lavra. Ministério da Economia, Instituto Geológico e Mineiro, Lisboa.