UWA Handbook 2027

Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on strategic planning, operating, and controlling mine sites to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. It covers the entire mine lifecycle, from exploration to closure, with a focus on risk management, operational structure, systems and process. The key focus of the unit is to understand how mines and mining companies are managed and run (with a focus on the AusIMM best practice mine management handbook) and broader economic issues.

Key topics that are discussed and exercised in this unit include:

(1) Safety and Regulatory Compliance

(2) Operational Management

(3) Strategic Planning

(4) Site systems

(5) Leadership

(6) Economic Principles

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 1	UWA (Perth)	On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the fundamental theory and skills of mining management leadership and mine company systems and processes; (2) develop and apply leadership skills for the compliance of mining governance and the effective management of mining economics; (3) apply the “Mining Act and Mines Safety and Health Act” to the mineral industry and particularly in surface and underground mining operations; (4) apply the basic economic principles underpinning the analysis of the optimal extraction of non-renewable resources; (5) explain the basic Pareto model of efficient resource allocation and the way that this underpins economic thinking in analysing natural resource and environmental problems; (6) evaluate the role that markets can play in allocating environmental resources and why policies such as transferable entitlements are now favoured in many areas.; (7) critique the role that cost benefit analysis and the valuation of environmental benefits and costs plays in policy decisions.; and (8) evaluate the natural resource management problem and match the appropriate theory to the problem in the design of appropriate policy solutions..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) individual assignment portfolio; (2) in-class quizzes; 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)

Richard Butcher

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Mining Engineering specialisation)

and Successful completion of

( MINE4401 Underground Mining
and MINE4503 Surface Mining

)
or
Enrolment in

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree and a WAM of at least 50

and Successful completion of

( MINE3401 Underground Mining
and MINE3503 Surface Mining

)

Contact hours

Lectures: 3 hours per week
Practicals: 3 hours per week