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Unit Overview

Description

As the mining sector expands, so do the impacts of mining and refining processes. The environmental impacts of mining activities must be managed carefully to balance stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements with financial costs to the mining company. The overall aim of this course is to prepare students for careers in Environmental Management in mining contexts, either in consultant roles, in government agencies, or within industry. The unit first provides an introduction to the management of environmental impacts associated with mining and refining activities. Students will learn the basics of mining and refining processes, and how to identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts during mining and refining processes. The unit will involve working collaboratively to prepare an environmental impact assessment for a mine site and to critically assess environmental management plans. The unit will also cover approaches to manage uncertainties (technology, expenses, stakeholder expectations) when developing management plans. A range of Australian and international case studies are used to illustrate the core content of the course with real world examples.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify the potential sources of environmental impacts resulting from mining and refining processes; (2) evaluate the potential environmental impacts and risks and develop appropriate management strategies; (3) demonstrate an understanding of regulatory frameworks that mining operations must conform to; and (4) develop an environmental impact assessment.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) field report; (2) best practice presentation; and (3) environmental impact assessment. 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)
Dr Caroline Mather
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
one Unit(s) ENVT4421 Fundamentals of Environmental Management
Advisable prior study
ENVT4422 Research Methods in Environmental Science
Contact hours
1x 2hr lectures per week
1x 2hr workshop per week
1 x field trip (one day)
  • 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.