REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING HONOURS DEGREE IN MINING ENGINEERING (ENG08)

1.0 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To develop knowledge, skills and competences in the field of Mining Engineering relevant to various entrepreneurial and employment possibilities in Zimbabwe and other mining economies in the region, Africa and abroad. To prepare students for higher degree studies within the minerals field, and to be able to achieve top level environmental stewardship in sustainable exploitation of mineral resources.

2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry: ‘A’ Level subjects, Mathematics, Physics and any relevant science subject. Should have passed ‘O’ Level Mathematics and English.

Special Entry: A National Diploma in Mining from a recognized Institution.

Other (indicate)

Visiting School: ‘A’ Level subjects, Mathematics, Physics and any relevant science subject. Should have passed ‘O’ Mathematics and English. Plus employment within the minerals industry.

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study: Engineering principles, minerals beneficiation, surface and underground mining practices and strategies for different deposits, minerals legislation, engineering geology, geological processes and deposits, planning and design of mines, ventilation and environmental engineering of subsurface plus surface environments, geotechnical engineering, assessment of minerals projects and feasibility, mineral resources management practices, safe and professional ethics and practice.

Specialist Focus: Development, operation and technical assessment of minerals projects.

Orientation: Strong hands-on components, including laboratory and on-site activities. A special emphasis on efficient computer-aided methodologies.

Distinctive Features: The programme focuses on production of practically orientated engineers who are able to create wealth, achieve sustainable economic development and empowerment of society through application of sound theoretical foundations.

 

4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Employment and entrepreneurships in mining and minerals projects at all levels including top management and research. Opportunities for graduates with the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree in Mining Engineering exist in quarrying, tunneling and mining among many possible areas.  Mining engineering graduates find employment as tunneling engineers, explosives engineers, mine planning engineers, mining superintendents, mine managers, rock mechanic engineers, scheduling engineers, mine ventilation and refrigeration engineers, earth moving specialists, consultants, chief executive officers and investment analysts among many opportunities.  Some graduates engage in their own ventures.

Further Studies: Master’s and doctoral studies applied to the minerals industry.

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

All modules are core modules

Code Module Description Pre-Requisites     Credits

Level 1 Semester 1

HMETE 118 Chemistry for Engineering 12

HMINE119 Workshop Practice 12

HMINE117 Engineering Drawing and Design 12

HMTE111 Engineering Mathematics I 12

CSENG131 Communication Skills 6

HMETE112 Physics for Engineers 12

Level 1 Semester 2

HMINE126 Engineering Mechanics 12

HMINE127 Electrical Principles 12

HMINE128 Computer Science for Engineers 12

HMTE122   Engineering Mathematics II HMTE111 12

HMETE140 Materials Science 12

Level 2 Semester 1

HMINE214 Surface Mining Technology 14

HMINE215 Fundamentals of Geology 12

HMINE216 Computer applications in mining 12

HMTE221 Engineering Mathematics III HMTE122 12

GS201 Introduction to Gender Studies 12

ENT131 Entrepreneurship 12

Level 2 Semester 2

HMINE228 Mine Surveying and GIS 12

HMINE225 Underground Mining Technology 14

HMINE226 Mining Geology 12

HMINE227 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 12

HMTE222 Engineering Mathematics IV HMTE221 12

Level 3 Semester 1

HMINE316 Operations research 12

HMINE317 Rock & Soil Mechanics 15

HMINE318 Mining Machinery, Materials Handling and Services 15

HMINE319 Research Methods 12

HMINE331 Mine Environmental Management Health and Safety 12

HMINE332 Mine Ventilation Practice 15

Level 3 Semester 2: Work-Related Learning

HMINE 333 Work-Related Learning Report 25

HMINE 334 Academic Supervisor’s Report 25

HMINE 335 Employer’s Assessment Report 10

Level 4 Semester 1

HMINE413      Mineral Economics and Management 12

HMINE412 Mining Law 12

HMINE411 Mineral Beneficiation 12

HMINE414 Mineral Resources Evaluation 15

HMINE 415 Rock Engineering HMINE317 12

HMINE416 Professional Ethics, Practice and Engineering Management 12

 

Level 4 Semester 2

HMINE421 Mine Design and Planning 15

HMINE422 Small Scale Mining 12

HMINE423 Final Year Project 27

 

12.0 MODULE SYNOPSES

HMETE 118 Chemistry for Engineering

The module covers basic concepts of physical, organic, analytical and inorganic chemistry; experiments involving mole concept, stoichiometry, percent composition and empirical formula determination; synthesis, analysis, purification and separation techniques; reactions of functional groups in hydrocarbons and industry-relevant analytical techniques

HMINE119 Workshop Practice

Module covers bench fitting; measuring instruments; forging; wood-working; metal forming; foundry practice; safety and care

HMINE 117 Engineering Drawing and Design

This module shall equip students with skills of using instruments and computer software in technical engineering designs. The students shall learn how to accomplish the following components of technical engineering design work using software; line work, dimensioning and layout, lettering and tangency, conics, ortho-graphic, isometric and oblique projections, sectioning of components, cycloids, involutes, spirals, helices and drawings of simple machine parts.

HMTE 111 Engineering Mathematics I

This module will cover calculus concepts as applied in engineering. Students will learn how to apply principles of calculus in functions of one/several variables, differentiation and integration, multiple Integrals, sequences and series and complex numbers.

CSENG 131 Communication Skills

Introduction to communication; pre-writing skills; writing skills; whole essay construction; scientific and technical writing; reflective, critical and evaluative thinking; teamwork skills

HMETE112 Physics for Engineers

The module covers fundamentals concepts of electrical and magnetic energy; Electrostatics and electric fields; Capacitance and Dielectrics; Magnetic circuits; Electromagnetism; Electromagnetic induction; Magnetic field; Electromagnetic induction, conservation of energy; lateral and volumetric expansion; laws of thermodynamics; ideal gas laws, equilibrium of forces; simple beams and trusses; shear force diagrams and bending moment diagrams; simple stress and strain.

HMINE 126 Engineering Mechanics

This module will introduce the mechanics of physics as applied in engineering. The module will initially cover the general principles of physics regarding the interaction of forces, their direction and magnitude. In addition, principles of work, energy and power together with their related components that include momentum and rigid body equilibrium will be introduced. Having laid the foundational principles, the module will then cover concepts in which the principles are applied and these include structural analysis, virtual work and hydraulics.  

 

HMINE 127 Electrical Principles

This module will equip students with knowledge regarding the use and application of electrical energy. The module will introduce concepts related to circuit elements, circuit theorems, electric and magnetic field strength and potential induction, reluctance, alternating current theory and transient current.

HMINE 128 Computer Science for Engineers

This module will introduce students to concepts of computer technology and practical use of computers. The students will learn at least one programming language and associated critical components of computing science that is computing hardware and software, communication, computer systems organization, number systems, legal and ethical considerations and security. The use of the Internet to develop research skills will also be covered.

HMTE 122 Engineering Mathematics II

This module will give students an in-depth understanding of the advanced principles of calculus covered in Engineering Mathematics I. Topics covered will include Ordinary Differential Equations, Fourier analysis, Laplace Transforms and Z Transforms

HMETE140 Materials Science

The module introduces the subject of materials science. The following areas are also covered: Structure of atoms; Crystal structures; Monocrystalline structures; Imperfections in Solids; Mechanical Properties; Failure Analysis; Corrosion.

HMINE 214 Surface Mining Technology

This module provides an overview of the surface mining methods by which minerals are extracted. This module deals with the theoretical principles and practical engineering methodologies associated with surface mining. Following completion of this module, a student should have acquired knowledge and skills necessary for selection and evaluation of surface mining methods and exhibit adept knowledge of surface and subsurface mining systems. Students will able to design pits. Students will be able to describe basic operations and production methods utilized in surface mining (open pit and strip) and determine factor of safety of pit walls and slopes. Students will be proficient in designing safe, effective and economical drill and blast patterns. Students will also be able to design safe, stable, effective and economical mine haulage systems. Students will learn how to identify the potential environmental hazards and risks associated with surface mining and how to prevent and mitigate mining risks.

HMINE 216 Computer applications in mining

This module will cover the fundamentals of information systems, software development, database design and networking as well as applications of these techniques to solve some real-world problems in mining. The module will also cover the applications of cutting-edge digital technologies in the mining industry.

HMINE 215 Fundamentals of Geology

This module will cover the basic fundamentals of mineralogy and petrology with emphasis on identification of rocks in hand specimen. Students will study the geological history of Zimbabwe. There will be laboratory-based practicals introducing identification of minerals and rocks, geophysical site investigations, and exercises based on case studies.

 

HMTE 211 Engineering Mathematics III

This module will introduce students to numerical methods for solving problems in science and engineering. The module will specifically teach students how to undertake computer arithmetic and round errors, solve linear algebraic equations, use numerical methods to find roots and interpolate polynomials and splines. Students will also be equipped with knowledge to understand numerical integration and differentiation, integration of ODEs, the use of Euler and Runge-Kutta methods.

GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies

Module covers gender sensitivity; gender inequalities; historical development of gender issues; gender analysis; gender issues in Zimbabwe; redressing gender imbalances; empowerment and strategies for gender responsive environment.

 

ENT 131 Entrepreneurship

Business development; marketing; human resources management pricing; government policies; taxation of business; case studies based on site visits; preparation of a business plan.

HMINE 228 Mine Surveying and GIS

This module covers the role played by surveyors in mining operations. It lays out surveying requirements in the mining industry, both in surface and underground operations. At the end of the module, students will have a basic understanding of the role played by a surveyor in mineral exploration. Students will acquire knowledge of the ethical and environmental concerns in mining and the surveyor’s role in monitoring these. Students will demonstrate a sound knowledge of the survey methods normally used to establish and control the development of underground mines. Students will acquire computer skills by using software to model mine workings. Geographical Information Systems software will be introduced and combined with surveying measurements captured by the student. This gives context to the connection between Surveying and GIS and opens the student to the myriad applications offered by intelligent use of geospatial data. Students will learn to be critical of the quality, precision and accuracy of data and how it is applied to a range of low and high precision tasks.

HMINE 225 Underground Mining Technology

This module will outline the principles of designing underground mining. Students will learn major underground mining methods and their related equipment, supporting infrastructure, key performance drivers, and constraints. Students will learn how to apply appropriate underground mining methods to orebodies to specific types of deposits. The student will be able to evaluate different mining methods with respect to productivity, safety, efficiency, risks, and sustainability.

HMINE 226 Mining Geology

Building on Fundamentals of Geology, this module covers the theory and practice of: ore deposit geology, mineral exploration (including geophysics) and hydrogeology. The module winds up by introducing students to the mining engineering and metallurgical concepts. Practical aspects are covered via laboratory work, mine visits and fieldwork.

HMINE 227 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

This module examines the role of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in engineering. It develops an understanding of the basic properties of fluids, fluid statics, and simple analysis of fluid motion, the laws of thermodynamics, and the application of control volume techniques to engineering problems.

HMTE 222 Engineering Mathematics IV

The module will mainly cover statistical concepts as applied in engineering. Students will learn concepts related to correlation and regression analysis. They will learn all the components of regression which include residuals and transformations, outliers, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients and they should be able to predict and estimate trends using knowledge acquired. In addition, the module will cover statistical analysis and validation concepts that include t and F-tests and Analysis of variance (ANOVA).

HMINE 316 Operations research

This module shall cover quantitative methods such as linear programming, allocation models, transportation models, network analysis applied to planning of mines and processing plants, including critical path, cost-time schedule in construction and shaft sinking, decision theory, queuing theory and simulation applied to ore transportation and traffic problems, dynamic programming to optimise mining operations. The student will also learn the fundamental of project management.

HMINE 318 Mining Machinery, Materials Handling and Services

This module will expose students to ancillary functions for mineral production particularly in the arena of mining asset planning, acquisition, operating, renewal and disposal. In this module, students familiarise with mining equipment and services employed in the entire mining cycle. Students are expected to appreciate available technologies and as well apply digital skills in developing innovative asset and mining service management technologies.

HMINE 317 Rock & Soil Mechanics

This module equips students with an understanding of the engineering properties of rocks, geological and engineering rock classifications, rock failure theories, in-situ stresses in rock, and the fundamental concepts and principles of rock and soil mechanics. The students learn to solve real world problems by applying rock mechanics principles in the design of foundations, slopes and underground openings in various rock formations.

HMINE 319 Research Methods

This module will prepare students for work-related learning to enable understanding and appreciation of the importance of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary partnerships in research and innovation; Appreciation of the different tools, software packages, methods and approaches in data analysis and be able to draw conclusion; and Capacitation of skills to implement context-specific ‘hands-on’ research activities under targeted conditions (e.g. archival, field, laboratory, industrial, civil and commercial conditions). Students will also learn Information Packaging and Scholarly/Academic Writing skills that include the ability to express their opinions logically and convincingly in acceptable scholarly and professional language. Students will also acquire skills to edit and proof-read their work and that of others.

HMINE 331 Mine Environmental Management Health and Safety

In this module, students will learn the impact of mining on the external environment. Students will learn how to carry out Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and come up with an Environmental Management Program (EMP) for mining projects. Students will also learn the legislative instruments related to the disposal of liquid, solid and gaseous wastes, surface restoration and protection. In addition, the module will also teach students how to deal with specific hazards of the internal mine environment that include rock falls, rock bursts and outbursts, explosives, mine fires and toxic gases, machinery and transportation accidents. Students should then be able to come up with risk management strategies in line with mining laws of health and safety.

HMINE 332 Mine Ventilation Practice

In this module, students will acquire knowledge on the designing of mine ventilation systems; understanding of mine air quality control, mine gases, dust and radiation: sources, detection, suppression, physiological effects and permissible limits. Students will be exposed to mine air conditioning principles including principles of thermodynamics, heat and moisture, sources, psychrometry and physiological reactions to climatic conditions. The module also covers mine ventilation: airflow network, circuit laws and natural ventilation. Finally the module is integrated with application of computer programs to ventilation systems such as Ventsim and VUMA3D.

Level 3 Semester 2: Work-Related Learning (Minimum 6 months)

HMINE 333 -Work-Related Learning Report

This module provides students an opportunity to carry out a project during the work-related learning period. Students will record and maintain a logbook of daily activities done for at least eight months. They are required to submit a comprehensive industrial attachment report. A work-related learning research project supported by appropriate engineering drawings, and design charts or process charts is required. Students will be visited at their workplace at least twice by their lecturers

HMINE 334 Academic Supervisor’s Report

This module provides an assessment done by the Academic supervisor during the period of work-related learning. The report comprises the tasks performed and the assessment or marks allocated. This will also be an overall view of the performance of the student during the whole period of attachment. This gives an overview from the Academic supervisor regarding the performance and conduct of the student

HMINE 335 Employer’s Assessment Report

This module provides an assessment done by the industrial supervisor during the period of work-related learning. The report comprises of the tasks performed and the assessment or marks allocated. This will also be an overall view of the performance of the student during the whole period of attachment. This gives an overview from the industrial supervisor regarding the performance and conduct of the student

 

HMINE 413 Mineral Economics and Management

In this module, students will learn the Basic Economic Concepts. They will learn how to appraise mining projects. They will acquire skills on how to reject or accept a mining investment project. Students will learn how to interpret financial reports and the fundamentals of mine management processes.

HMINE 412 Mining Law

This module equips students with the knowledge of laws and regulations that govern mining in Zimbabwe. Students are expected to appreciate and critique existing laws. Subsequent to appreciation of existing laws, students must be able to apply those laws in the acquisition and preservation of mining rights as well as the management of mining operations. The module further enables students to participate in mining policy formulation and policy advocacy. Students are also expected to develop skills in mining contract drafting and contract negotiation.

HMINE 411 Mineral Beneficiation

This module will cover the principles of crushing and grinding, screening, classification and flotation, sedimentation, thickening and filtration, gravity and magnetic separation, leaching, cementation, precipitation by gas, iron exchange techniques, solvent extraction, unit operations in ore dressing and hydrometallurgy.

HMINE 414 Mineral Resources Evaluation

This module covers a range of basic technical skills relating to the estimation of the grade and quantity of raw materials available for exploitation prior to mineral development and extraction. The module comprises four modules arranged in a continuous and linear body of essential technical knowledge, including: The sampling of mineral deposits; Statistical valuation of ore reserves; Geostatistical methods in mineral evaluation; and Geostatistical applications.  Upon completion of the module the student should be able to: Analyse the compilation and implementation of a sampling protocol in order to identify points of weakness and suggest appropriate improvements; To statistically describe a set of ‘real mine’ data with the relevant population parameters and their levels of confidence; To identify normal, lognormal and three-parameter lognormal distributions; To compile cut-off grades and grade/tonnage curves for normal and lognormal distributions; To establish the relationships between spatially correlated variables in two dimensions by applying inverse distance and semi-variogram methods; To apply geostatistical estimation techniques to simple, two-dimensional ore bodies using the methods of Ordinary Kriging and verify the result using cross validation techniques, and to describe the variations amongst kriging techniques; To apply Mineral Resources and Reserves Reporting Codes to mineral resource and ore reserve classification; and To identify the influence and impact that cut-off grades will have on grade control.

HMINE415 Rock Engineering

The course focus on the ability to apply rock engineering design principles within a creative framework in which there is need to make necessary assumptions. The course further augments concepts introduced in Rock and Soil Mechanics and aids students in understanding different considerations (both, theoretical and application) made in the rock engineering design process.

HMINE 416 Professional Ethics, Practice and Engineering Management

Professionalism; professional ethics and social responsibility; Professional practices, partnerships and client relationships; National and International associations and societies in the industry; Continuous Professional Development; Professional practice legislation; Engineering Management in Enterprises; Project Management; Capital Project Economics; Breakeven Point; Structure Responsibility Charts; Modern Trends- Intranet; Virtual Teams; Strategic Partnering; ASP’s; Quality Assurance and Management; Operational research.

Level 4 Semester 2

HMINE421 Mine Design and Planning

This module will focus on the design, planning, and scheduling of the exploitation of mineral deposits.  The major goal is to explore ways in which mineral resources can be exploited optimally, that is in line with value maximisation or cost reduction objectives as enshrined in different minerals industry strategies.

HMINE422 Small Scale Mining

Definitions and scope; Global distribution; Target minerals; Traditional technologies and practices; Environmental issues; Legal aspects; Innovative mining and mineral technologies for the sector; Case studies; Small scale mining as a business; Entrepreneurial opportunities in small scale mining; Best practices in small-scale mining.

HMINE 423 Final Year Project

To fulfil the requirements of the final year project, students are required to identify a problem in a mining environment and solve it using engineering designing skills.