Advanced Mine Planning Course Outline (MSc Mining Engineering)
Instructor: Paul Matshona
Course Overview
This course covers advanced principles and practical methodologies in
mine planning, design, scheduling, optimisation, financial evaluation, risk
assessment, sustainability, tailings dam management, and stockpiling,
focusing on both surface and underground mining projects.
1. Introduction to Mine Planning
Holistic mine planning process
Overview of mining methods (surface and underground)
2. Resource and Reserve Estimation
Resource block models
Reporting standards and classification systems
3. Mine Design and Optimisation
Open pit and underground mine design principles
Ultimate pit optimisation and sequencing
Cut-off grade theory
Mine planning software tools
4. Mine Scheduling and Project Evaluation
Short-term and long-term scheduling
Financial modelling and economic evaluation
Cost estimation and project financing
5. Technical Services and Geotechnical Design
Geotechnical considerations in mine planning
Ventilation design
Equipment selection and production scheduling
6. Stockpiling
Role and objectives of stockpiling in mine operations
Types of stockpiles (ore, waste, ROM, product)
Stockpile design, construction, and management
Grade control and blending strategies
Mathematical modelling and optimisation of stockpiling in long-term
planning
Stockpile volume and tonnage estimation (surveying and software
methods)
Environmental and operational considerations
Case studies on stockpile management and its impact on production
continuity and plant feed quality
7. Tailings Dam Management
Fundamentals of tailings storage and management
Dam construction, stability, and monitoring
Water management and environmental/social considerations
Closure planning and regulatory frameworks
8. Risk Assessment and Sustainability
Project risk management
Environmental, social, and legal considerations
Mine closure planning and sustainable development
9. Case Studies and Applications
Metalliferous mine planning case studies
Integration of technical, economic, and environmental aspects
10. Communication and Teamwork
Preparation and presentation of feasibility studies
Team-based mine planning projects
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:
Design optimal mine layouts and schedules
Evaluate projects financially and economically
Manage stockpiles and tailings facilities responsibly
Assess risks and sustainability in mine planning
Communicate technical findings effectively
REFRENCES
Primary Textbooks
1. Hustrulid, W.A., Kuchta, M., & Martin, R.K. (2013). Open Pit Mine
Planning and Design, Two Volume Set & CD-ROM Pack (3rd Edition).
CRC Press.
2. Darling, P. (Ed.). (2011). SME Mining Engineering Handbook (3rd
Edition). Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME).
3. SME Mining Reference Handbook (2nd Edition).
4. Kennedy, B. A. (1992). Surface Mining (2nd ed.). Wiley-Interscience.
ISBN: 978-0471547037
5. Hustrulid, W. A., & Bullock, R. L. (2001). Underground Mining
Methods: Engineering Fundamentals and International Case Studies.
Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME). ISBN: 978-
0873351977
6. Runge, I. C. (1998). Mining Economics and Strategy. Society for
Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME). ISBN: 978-0873350987
7. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME). (2019). Mine
Planning and Equipment Selection 2019 (Conference Proceedings).
ISBN: 978-0873353926
Research Papers
ASSIGNMENTS
Assignment 1 – Due Monday 14 May 2025
Assignment 2- Due Friday 16 May 2025
