The continuing education programme “Rock Engineering for Deep Mines” addresses the shortage of rock engineering personnel in the European mining industry. The emphasis of the education programme is on the application of rock engineering principles in the mining industry in order to make deep mining operations safer and more efficient. It provides the participants with the basic knowledge and skills required to address and solve practical rock engineering problems.
Partners
The „Advanced Rock Engineering for Deep Mines“ programme is a joint effort of the following universities:
Course content
The programme comprises of eight compulsory and four elective modules.
Compulsory modules:
- Fundamentals of rock mechanics, 1 week
- Rock mechanical lab testing, 1 week
- Numerical modelling, 1 week
- Field work and monitoring, 1 week
- Ground support, 1 week
- Rock engineering design in mines, 1 week
- Mining induced seismicity – rock bursts general, 1 week
- Management of rock pressure risk, 1 week
Elective modules:
- Management of rock burst problems in deep mines, 1 week
- Rock engineering aspects in salt mining, 1 week
- Rock engineering aspects in block caving, 1 week
- Backfill in deep mines, 1 week
The programme comprises eight compulsory and four elective modules, out of which the participants have to select three. The duration of the modules varies from one to two weeks. The 17-month-course will be held in five blocks, each consisting of two to three modules with a duration of three to four weeks.
Between these course blocks intervals of three months will allow the participants to return to their normal work. During these they are expected to complete mine-specific assignments.
The programme is to be completed with a project work paper.
At the end of this programme the successful participant is able to:
- identify existing and likely future rock pressure problems.
- analyse the problems in terms of the nature of the problem and suitable solutions.
- develop solutions to eliminate or recognise the rock pressure problem.
- train mining personnel to recognise hazardous rock fall situations and to take the appropriate support measures.
- select the correct support method and design of support system, or where required, develop and introduce new support systems.
- evaluate mine design from a rock pressure point of view and, where or when necessary, modify or replace it with more appropriate designs.
- evaluate the mining method from the rock pressure point of view and modify or change it where necessary.
- examine the mining sequence and change it where necessary.
- assist in the implementation of the proposed solution to the rock pressure problem.
- design and implement appropriate instrumentation- and monitoring systems.
- determine and quantify the nature and magnitude of the rock pressure problem.
- monitor the effectiveness of measures adopted to eliminate or minimise the rock pressure problem.
- review the rock pressure situation on an on-going basis.
Format
The course combines classroom lectures, practical assessments in underground mines and project work related to deep mining problems.
Lecturers
Lecturers are acknowledged experts in mining, mining engineering, rock mechanics and rock engineering from Montanuniversitaet Leoben with a strong industry background.
Fees (additional details)
The fee for the initial two-year course will be covered by EIT RawMaterials. An organization contribution of 1.000 Euros will be charged, covering costs of a comprehensive set of lecture notes, supervision of assignments, laboratory and field work, as well as refreshments during course work. The rates for subsequent courses will be marketoriented.
Location and dates
Registration
The application for the Rock Engieering for Deep Mines programme is a two-step process: first the “Rock Engineering for Deep Mines” applicants have to submit the necessary application documents. The documents are checked for their completeness and the committee reviews all received applications. Afterwards the pre-selected candidates will be invited for a short skype/phone interview in which their background, skills and knowledge, motivation and English proficiency is evaluated.
If the application is granted and the committee gives a positive advice, the applicant will be invited to register at Montanuniversitaet Leoben and can start the Rock Engineering for Deep Mines programme.
Please submit the complete application documents to:
Birgit Knoll at birgit.knoll@unileoben.ac.at
Deadline for the application is April 30, 2019!
For further details, please also visit http://www.safedeepmining.eu/.
