In March 2017 the European Association of Mining Industries, Metal Ores & Industrial Minerals (EUROMINES) lists "stability in greater depths of mines" as one of the major technical challenges. Deep mining is typically mining more than 1000 meters below surface although there is no clear border for definition.
The continuing education program “Rock engineering for deep mines” addresses the shortage of rock engineering personnel in the European mining industry. It provides mining and civil engineering graduates and geologists working in industry with the knowledge and tools to solve rock pressure problems experienced by industry. It is tailored to the specific needs of working professionals: classes organized in blocked modules of one week with additional blended learning sessions and self-study periods will enable the participant to undergo two years of training without interrupting the career.
The program consists of twelve modules, of which eight are compulsory and the others are elective. This enables the participant to design the course to meet his/her specific needs. The course covers the following areas: geology, mechanical behavior of rock and rock masses, strength of materials, rock failures under static and dynamic stress situations, stress analysis and stress changes in the rock surrounding underground excavations, support of excavations, design of mine layouts, long term mine planning, measurements of rock deformation and rock stresses.
Partners
The „Advanced Rock Engineering for Deep Mines“ programme is a joint effort of the following universities:
Course content
The two-year programme consists of 12 modules, of which eight are compulsory and three are elective. A module consists of a one week-long lecture or training course with additional blended learning sessions and self-study periods.
Compulsory modules:
- Fundamentals of rock mechanics, 1 week, Silesian University of Technology
- Rock mechanical lab testing annd fracturing, 1 week, TU Bergakademie Freiberg
- Fieldwork and monitoring, 1 week, Geodata/ MU Leoben
- Ground support, 1 week, MU Leoben
- Numerical modelling, 1 week, TU Bergakademie Freiberg
- Rock engineering design in mines, 1 week, TU Bergakademie Freiberg/ MU Leoben
- Mining induced seismicity – rock bursts general, 1 week, Silesian University of Technology/ ZAMG
- Management of rock pressure risk, 1 week, MU Leoben/ Silesian University of Technology
Elective modules (participants select three modules):
- Management of rock burst problems in deep mines, 1 week, Silesian University of Technology/ ZAMG/ MU Leoben
- Rock engineering aspects in salt mining, 1 week, TU-BA Clausthal
- Rock engineering aspects in block caving, 1 week, SMI University of Queensland
- Backfill in deep mines, 1 week, Silesian University of Technology/ MU Leoben
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 programme combines classroom lectures, e-learning, computer-based learning, blended learning, group work, videos, excursions and self-study.
Lecturers
Lecturers are acknowledged experts in mining, mining engineering, rock mechanics and rock engineering from Montanuniversitaet Leoben, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Clausthal University of Technology, Silesian University of Technology and University of Pretoria with a strong industry background and experts from the industry.
Fees (additional details)
An organisational 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. Travel costs and accomodation have to be covered by the participants.
Location and dates
Registration
Please visit http://www.safedeepmining.eu/2018/11/20/application/ for further details on the registration process. In case of any questions or querries, please contact Ms. Birgit Knoll or Ms. Elisabeth Felser at sdm@unileoben.ac.at.
Deadline for the application is September 15, 2019!
For further details, please also visit http://www.safedeepmining.eu/.
