Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit covers the principles of designing, constructing and operating mine waste storage facilities; implementing best practice to ensure emissions are prevented; ensuring environmental compliance; case studies of failures of storage facilities; emerging technologies for reducing water and energy use; preparing a mine closure plan; and ensuring long-term geotechnical and environmental stability.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) communicate effectively by compiling and preparing design reports; (2) give presentations in limited time on a researched topic; (3) work in a team to prepare design reports; (4) discuss the potential for bias in presenting mining projects; (5) conduct detailed water balance of a tailings storage facility; (6) size and locate a stormwater diversion facility; (7) evaluate acid drainage potential for a waste rock dump; (8) prepare and cost a mine closure plan; (9) locate and size a tailings storage facility (TSF), taking cognisance of environmental, legal and heritage issues; and (10) compare various alternative strategies for tailings management.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class tests; (2) group assignments; and (3) a final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Andy Fourie
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Mining Engineering specialisation
or Environmental Engineering specialisation)
Incompatibility
MINE3406 Geotechnology of Mine Waste
Advisable prior study
(ENSC3009 Geomechanics
or GENG2009 Principles of Geomechanics) and (ENSC3011 Fundamentals of Mining Engineering
or MINE2001 Fundamentals of Mining Engineering)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.