Overview
This unit introduces students to the improved sustainability, safety and productivity achieved in mining through the use of new technologies. You will learn about different types of sensors used to collect data from mining equipment and how that data can be collected and analysed. You will investigate the development and optimisation of mine designs using technology developed for Australian mining operations. There will be a particular focus on data collection and analysis, blast design and truck and shovel operations. You will use online forums, tutorials and learning journals to demonstrate effective and professional levels of collaboration and communication.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student Evaluation
Overall unsatisfactory evaluation
Delivery of the unit and the unit material should be improved to get the students to a satisfactory level.
- Evaluate the impact of technology on sustainability, safety and productivity in Australian mining
- Investigate a data collection system for monitoring the performance of mining equipment
- Apply given parameters to develop a drill and blast pattern for a coal or metalliferous deposit in a surface mining operation
- Optimise truck and shovel operations in relation to surface mine layouts using appropriate software
- Collaborate and communicate with lecturers and peers through the use of forums, learning journals and online tutorials.
Learning Outcomes 1 and 2 have been specifically written to address the requirements of the Minerals Council of Australia. The Council has asked for the inclusion of content that covers sustainability, data collection and analysis and automation as part of a course that will develop learning pathways to the modern mining sector.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. (LO: 1N 3N 4N)
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. (LO: 2N 3N 4N)
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. (LO: 4N)
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 5N)
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 1N 2N 4N 5N)
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 5N)
Intermediate
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 1N 3I 4N)
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 3I 4N)
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2N 3N 4I)
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2N 3N 4I)
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 3I 4I)
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 1I 2N 3I)
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (LO: 2N 3N 4I)
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 1I 2N 3I 4N 5N)
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4I 5N)
Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||||
| 3 - Report - 40% | |||||
| 4 - Portfolio - 10% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Word processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word)
- Zoom capacity (web cam and microphone)
- Excel spreadsheet software
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
m.qureshi@cqu.edu.au
Week 1 Introduction to Mining
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Mining
Chapter
Reading in Week 1 Moodle Block
History of mining
Mining terminology
Advances in mining technology
Value of minerals production to Australia
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Course Introduction
Week 2 Safe, Productive and Sustainable Mining Methods
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Safe, Productive and Sustainable Mining Methods
Chapter
Reading in Week 2 Moodle Block
Stages of mining - development and exploitation
Changes in Safety
Changes in Productivity
Mine Sustainability
Cultural and Environmental Impacts
Health and Safety
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Mine Development
Week 3 Introduction to Blasting
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Blasting
Chapter
Reading in Week 3 Moodle Block
Types of explosives
Terminology
Hazards and controls
Detonation
Energy density
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Mining Methods
Week 4 Blast Design and Monitoring
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Blast Design and Monitoring
Chapter
Reading in Week 4 Moodle Block
Initiation design
Priming
Charging
Fragmentation optimisation
Blast Design
Environmental effects of blasting
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Mine Surveying
Assignment 1 Due: Week 4 Thursday (2 Apr 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 5 Truck and Shovel Operations
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Truck and Shovel Operations
Chapter
Reading in Week 5 Moodle Block
Trucks and Shovels
Maintenance
Fleet efficiency
Frameworks for modelling open-pit mining operations.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session Session - Mine Planning
Week 6 New Technologies
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
New Technologies
Chapter
Reading in Week 6 Moodle Block
GPS, Drones, LiDAR, Digital Photography
Equipment Sensors, Temp, Pressure, Vibration, GPS
Environmental Sensors, Dust, Gasses, Images
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Blast Design
Vacation Week - Non Teaching Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Vacation Week
Chapter
Vacation Week
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Week 7 Sensors to Generate Mine Data
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Sensors to Generate Mine Data
Chapter
Reading in Week 7 Moodle Block
Equipment Sensors, Temp, Pressure, Vibration, GPS
Environmental Sensors, Dust, Gasses
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session Session - Mine Ventilation
Week 8 Data Collection and Analysis
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Data Collection and Analysis
Chapter
Reading in Week 8 Moodle Block
Big data analytics
Artificial intelligence
Machine Learning algorithms
Modelling and prediction
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Mining and the Environment
Assignment 2 Due: Week 8 Thursday (7 May 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 9 Optimising Mining Operations
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Optimising Mining Operations
Chapter
Reading in Week 9 Moodle Block
Value Chain
Frameworks for modelling open-pit mining operations.
Minimising energy consumption
Mine layout
Mine planning
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Health and Safety
Week 10 Automated Mining Methods
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Automated Mining Methods
Chapter
Reading in Week 10 Moodle Block
Drilling and blasting
Ground support
Ore removal
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Introduction to Mineral Processing
Week 11 Introduction to Ventilation
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Ventilation
Chapter
Reading in Week 11 Moodle Block
Terminology
Mine ventilation
Heat and air cooling power
Dust and gases
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Metallurgical Processing
Week 12 Mine Ventilation Design
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Mine Ventilation Design
Chapter
Reading in Week 12 Moodle Block
The flow of air in ducts
Ventilation pressure and air power
Ventilation fans
Ventilation networks
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom Tutorial Session - Hydrometallurgical Processing
Assignment 3 Due: Week 12 Thursday (4 June 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Learning Portfolio Due: Week 12 Thursday (4 June 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
No module or topic for exam week. No exam.
Chapter
No reading required.
Events and Submissions/Topic
No exam.
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
This assessment will strengthen your understanding of the impact of technology on the social, environmental and economic aspects of Australian mining. Carefully review the material provided in Moodle and answer the questions in the assignment.
·Review the detailed assignment questions found in Moodle
·Review relevant literature, including textbooks and government websites, to understand the terminology, costs, processes and procedures associated with mining.
·Research recent scientific journal articles from the last three years
·Complete the assignment questions making effective use of the available resources
Submit the assignment electronically using Word, Excel and pdf documents, as required. Submit the assignment through the assessment link on Moodle.
Note: All submissions are processed using the similarity detection software Turnitin. CQU values academic integrity. Cite and reference reliable sources using the Harvard Referencing Style Guide.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage - AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative
technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and
spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expression, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical
problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
Week 4 Thursday (2 Apr 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit electronically via Moodle with your name, unit code and assignment number i.e. NAME_ENAR12014_Assignment 1
Week 6 Tuesday (14 Apr 2026)
Assignments will be returned with feedback within two weeks.
Use clear, coherent sentences.
Where appropriate, include clearly labelled diagrams.
Ensure photographs, pictures and diagrams are correctly labelled, introduced and referred to within the answer's text.
Correctly cite and reference sources of information using the Harvard referencing style guide. Include a list of references at the end of the assignment.
Use mining terminology correctly.
Refer to assignment-specific assessment criteria listed in Moodle for further details.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage - AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative
technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and
spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expression, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical
problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
- Evaluate the impact of technology on sustainability, safety and productivity in Australian mining
- Investigate a data collection system for monitoring the performance of mining equipment
2 Written Assessment
This assessment will strengthen the student's understanding of the technical aspects of blast design and truck and shovel operations.
- Carefully review the material provided in moodle and answer the questions detailed in the assignment.
- Review relevant literature, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and government websites, to understand equipment capabilities, processes and procedures associated with blasting and truck and shovel operations.
- Research recent scientific journal articles from the last three years
- Complete the assignment questions making effective use of the available resources
- Review the detailed assignment questions found in Moodle
Submit the assignment electronically in Word, Excel and pdf documents. Submit the work through the assessment link on Moodle.
Note: All submissions are processed using the similarity detection software Turnitin. CQU values academic integrity. Cite and reference reliable sources using the Harvard Referencing Style Guide.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage - AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative
technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and
spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expression, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical
problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
Week 8 Thursday (7 May 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit electronically via Moodle with your name, unit code and assignment number i.e. NAME_ENAR12014_Assignment_2
Week 10 Thursday (21 May 2026)
Assignments will be returned with feedback within two weeks.
Use clear, coherent sentences.
Where appropriate, include clearly labelled diagrams.
Ensure photographs, pictures and diagrams are correctly labelled, introduced and referred to within the answer's text.
Ensure formulae and workings are shown in sufficient detail to clearly explain how the answer was derived.
Answers should show correct units of measure, e.g. (m, MN, m2, tonnes, m3, oC, etc.).
Correctly cite and reference sources of information. Include a list of references at the end of the assignment.
Use mining terminology correctly.
Refer to assignment-specific assessment criteria listed in Moodle for further details.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage - AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative
technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and
spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expression, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical
problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
- Apply given parameters to develop a drill and blast pattern for a coal or metalliferous deposit in a surface mining operation
3 Report
This assessment will strengthen student understanding of the technical aspects of sensors, data collection and analysis, automated mining methods, ventilation and mine optimisation. Carefully review the material provided in Moodle and answer the questions in the assignment.
- Review relevant literature, including textbooks, online material and government websites, to understand critical factors to be measured and addressed when improving mine productivity, safety and sustainability.
- Research recent and relevant scientific journal articles from the last three years.
- Complete the assignment questions making effective use of the available resources.
Submit the assignment electronically using Word, Excel and pdf documents. Submit the work through the assessment link on Moodle.
Note: All submissions are processed using the similarity detection software Turnitin. CQU values academic integrity. Cite and reference reliable sources using the Harvard Referencing Style Guide.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage - AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative
technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and
spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expression, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical
problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
Week 12 Thursday (4 June 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit electronically via Moodle with your name, unit code and assignment number i.e. NAME_ENAR12014_Assignment_3
Vacation/Exam Week Thursday (18 June 2026)
Assignments will be returned with feedback within two weeks.
Use clear, coherent sentences.
Where appropriate, include clearly labelled diagrams.
Ensure photographs, pictures and diagrams are correctly labelled, introduced and referred to within the answer's text.
Ensure formulae and workings are shown in sufficient detail to clearly explain how the answer was derived.
Answers should show correct units of measure, e.g. (m, MN, m2, tonnes, m3, oC, etc.).
Correctly cite and reference sources of information. Include a list of references at the end of the assignment.
Use mining terminology correctly.
Refer to assignment-specific assessment criteria listed in Moodle for further details.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage - AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative
technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and
spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expression, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical
problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
- Optimise truck and shovel operations in relation to surface mine layouts using appropriate software
4 Portfolio
The "Learning Portfolio" provides an opportunity to reflect on learning. The Learning Portfolio records any work and reading that is relevant to the learning outcomes detailed in the course profile. Record and demonstrate evidence of all of the learning outcomes detailed for this unit, particularly teamwork, cultural sensitivity and ethical values. The Learning Portfolio provides an opportunity to discuss learning experiences online. It is also a record of websites, texts and journal articles that may be useful for future reference.
There are three sections to the Learning Portfolio:
1. Study Diary
2. Learning Reflections
3. Interactions
This assessment does not require a high-quality presentation. It just needs to demonstrate evidence of work undertaken towards weekly completion of the unit.
Guidelines on AI Tool Usage - AI Assessment Scale: No AI
This assessment must be completed without the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or other generative
technologies, even if completed outside a controlled environment. However, students may use basic grammar and
spelling aids (e.g., Grammarly) to refine written expression, provided these tools do not assist with solving the numerical
problems or generating content.
Please ensure your submission reflects your own understanding and problem-solving process.
Week 12 Thursday (4 June 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
An updated version of your learning portfolio will be submitted electronically via Moodle with assignment 1 in week 3, assignment 2 in week 7 and assignment 3 in Review/Exam week. Include your name, unit code and assignment number i.e. NAME_ENAR12014_Learning_Portfolio_AssignmentNumber
Vacation/Exam Week Thursday (18 June 2026)
Learning Portfolio feedback will be returned within two weeks of submission.
The learning portfolio will contain,
a) regular weekly updates from week 1 to week 12,
b) evidence of research and reading beyond the course material,
c) mapping of course and learning material to the learning outcomes,
d) evidence of interactions with academic staff, peers, or work colleagues related to this unit.
An updated version of the learning portfolio will be submitted with each assignment.
- Collaborate and communicate with lecturers and peers through the use of forums, learning journals and online tutorials.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
