74868 - Mines and Quarries M

Learning outcomes

The course provides the main principles of mine planning, operation and environmental management, including basics of mineral resources, introduction to exploration activities and analysis of the italian legislation and the european strategy in the sector of raw materials. Some hints related to mineral characterization, excavation safety, blasting, processing, market assessment and environmental rehabilitation are also given, for the future deepening in the dedicated specialization path.

Course contents

The course aims to give an introduction to the topic of exploration and extraction of solid mineral raw materials. It will serve as a cultural basis to the students for the further insights (Dedicated specialization path: "Georesources").The course contents are applied at national and international level, but also, appropriately declined, to the local context.

Recommended knowledge:

Geology, Geotechnics, Topography, Cartography.

Contents:

• INTRODUCTION - The importance of the mining sector for raw materials. Mining prospects in Italy and Europe.
• MINERAL DEPOSITS - Classification of rocks and minerals. Definitions and determining factors. Distribution, abundance, and scarcity of elements. Classification of mineral deposits. Formation processes.
• MINERAL EXPLORATION - Exploration criteria and methods. Core sampling and measurement campaigns. Exercises using satellite imagery.
• ORE DEPOSIT MODELING - Distinction between resources and reserves. Grade tonnage curve. Free and constrained selection. Lasky's Law. Stripping ratio. Economic aspects.
• INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION - JORC and PERC codes. The UNFC classification of resources and reserves.
• SURFACE MINING - Excavation techniques and methods (open cast, open pit). Pit geometry and technical parameters. Design of the final pit: heuristic (floating cones) and rigorous techniques (graph method, dynamic programming).
• UNDERGROUND MINING - Selection criteria. Cave mining techniques (block caving, sublevel caving, long wall). Cut mining techniques (sublevel stoping, room and pillars, cut and fill). Design of rooms and pillars (Hardy-Agapito method).
• INTRODUCTION TO GEOMECHANICS - Distinction between rock and rock mass. Laboratory measurements on rock strength. Survey in the field. Analysis of discontinuities. Analysis of fractures (RQD). Characterization of rock masses (RMR, SMR, Q-Index, GSI).
• RESIDUE MANAGEMENT AND MINE CLOSURE - Piles and tailings design. Residue classification. Closure and post-closure phases. Environmental restoration. Monitoring.
• ITALIAN AND EUROPEAN LEGISLATION. Basic legislation. Administrative aspects for the different types of mineral raw materials. Authorizations and concessions. Management and accountability. Recent updates.
• INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECIALISTIC TOPICS - Ore body characterization. Drill and blast techniques. Mineral processing. Health and safety.
  
• MINING PROJECT - exploration and excavation, with elements of technical economical evaluation

Readings/Bibliography

• Gerbella G. Arte Mineraria. Terza Edizione. Hoepli, 1959.
• Park C.F., Mac Diarmid R.A. Giacimenti Minerari. Liguori Editore 1982
• Orche E. Manual de Geologia e Investigacion de Yacimentos Minerales. ETSI Minas, Madrd. 2001
  
• Ratan Raj T. Surface and underground excavations - Methods, Techniques and Equipment (Balkema Publishers, 2005)
• Hustrulid, W.A., Kucka M. Open Pit Mine Planning and Design - II Edition (CRC Press, 2006)
• Darling, P. SME MINING ENGINEERING HANDBOOK - III Edition (Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, 2011)
• Chagnes, A., Chernoburova O. Mining and Processing Residues: Future' s Source of Critical Raw Materials (Elsevier Book, 2023)
• Webportal of the mineral georesources of Italy
  

Teaching methods

The lessons will all be traditional and will be divided into a first part introducing the theoretical framework, followed by a practical exercise in the classroom.

The course will exploit seminars on specific topics, held by specialists and professionals in the sector.

At least one visit to an active open pit and/or underground mining site is planned.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of a written test and an oral assessment.

1. The written test will be composed by exercises to solve and questions to answer, aimed at verifying the general knowledge of the subject (duration: 1.5 hours).

2. For the oral assessment, students will be asked to present the developed essay, chosen among the available alternatives (indicative duration: half an hour).

The final grade will depend half on the result of the written test and half on the evaluation of the essay presentation.

Teaching tools

The exercises will make use of: Microsoft Office package, AutoCAD, GIS and other softwares. Moreover, videos of specific mining works will be presented and discussed.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Tinti