Geologia Mineira

Objectives

During this Curricular Unit (CU) the student will acquire fundamental knowledge on the interaction between the disciplines of geology and mining engineering, embracing engineering geology, structural geology, the geotechnical field, and applied geochemistry and geophysics within the constraints of ongoing mining operations. At the end of this CU the student will have gained knowledge and skills needed to interact between the geological-engineering interface. The student will be able to i) ensure the operation safely, ii) maintain production and iii) control costs. The most fundamental and cost-effective skills are related to the student capacity for the acquisition, record and presentation of geological knowledge, during the ongoing mining operations. The student will be able to increase resource efficiency for sustainable development.

Syllabus

Mining geology as a specialised area of applied geological sciences as a support for mining operations and for evaluating mining projects in a real- time basis. Drilling techniques and drill holes logging. Geological and geomechanical monitoring. Sampling of mine stopes: most common techniques used for delineating ore bodies and for grade control for resources evaluation. Best chemical assay methods related with the type of ore to be exploited. Mapping techniques for ore types boundaries characterization. Geophysical techniques in the context of providing reliable information to assist with mine planning and operational decision making. Case studies of mining operations (problems and solutions). Elaboration of a Resource/Reserve Statement, to be presented for the Stock Exchange. International Reporting Codes for Resources and Reserves (as JORC Code- Australian; NI 43-101- Canadian; etc.). Procedures for implementing techniques for a Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC).

Prerequisites

Basic concepts of Mineralogy, Petrology, Applied Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics and Mineral Resources.

Cross Competence Component

Develop teamwork and communication skills through oral presentation (10%).

Laboratorial Component

Development of a project throughout the academic weeks assisted by commercial software (e.g. Promine, Deswik)

Programming And Computing Component

The software to be used will allow to create and visualize chip and channel sample locations directly in a mine model, log geological attributes, and retrieve analysis data from external data sources.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group's work. In any assessment, every students shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every students shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.