Minerals Engineering
Aims and Objectives
The Department runs a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Mineral Engineering. The programme aims at producing graduates capable of designing and managing mineral treatment processes to produce valuable metallurgical products and also address the associated environmental issues. The main objectives are therefore to:
•Produce competent metallurgical engineers;
•Prepare and equip graduates to take up jobs in industry;
•Prepare candidates for higher degrees in Mineral Engineering and related fields.
Curriculum
In the mineral engineering programme, students take core courses in Principles of Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Chemistry, Comminution, Ore Handling and Machinery, Metallurgical Thermodynamics, Analytical Chemistry, Mineral Separation Processing, Principles of Material Science, Pyrometallurgy, Assaying, Hydrometallurgy, Process Instrumentation, Alluvial Mining and Processing, Process Control, Environmental Safety and Management, Ferrous Metallurgy, Hydrometallurgical Applications, Biohydrometallurgy, Heap Leach Technology, Electrometallurgy, and Metallurgical Plant Design and Control. These courses require a strong background in Chemistry, Physics, Probability and Statistics, Mathematical and Numerical analysis, Mineralogy and Petrology, Fluid mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer. In order to make the mineral engineer complete and versatile, he/she is taught courses such as Communication Skill, Literature in English, Law of Contract and Tort, and Entrepreneurial Skills.
Career Prospects
Mineral engineering graduates can pursue careers in mineral treatment plants, equipment manufacturing and sales, mineral commodity marketing, banking, teaching and research.
Outlook
The need for more sophisticated equipments, gadgets and cosmetics require that materials be supplied (or made available), thus there will be an ever increasing need for mineral engineers worldwide.
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YEAR ONE
SEMESTER ONE
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MR 151 MR 153 MR 155 MR 157 MR 159 MR 161 MR 167 |
Applied Electricity Linear Algebra and Trigonometry Engineering Drawing I Communication Skills I Introduction to Computing Physical and Structural Geology Basic Mechanics |
2 2 2 2 1 2 2 |
2 2 2 1 3 1 1 |
3 3 3 2 2 2 2 |
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Totals
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13 | 12 | 17 | |
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YEAR ONE
SEMESTER TWO
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MR 150 MR 152 MR 156 MR 158 MR 160 MR 162 MR 172 MR 174 |
Calculus Strength of Materials Engineering Drawing II Communication Skills II Mineralogy and Petrology Applied Electronics Mineral Chemistry Principles of Metallurgical Engineering |
2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 |
2 1 4 1 2 1 1 1 |
3 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 |
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Totals
|
15 | 13 | 19 | |
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YEAR TWO
SEMESTER ONE
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MR 251 MR 255 MR 259 MR 261 MR 271 MR 273 MR 275 MR 277 |
Literature in English I Mathematical Analysis Geology of Ghana Introduction to Mining Comminution Ore Handling and Transport Machinery Metallurgical Thermodynamics Analytical Chemistry |
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 |
1 1 1 0 2 1 2 2 |
1 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 |
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Totals
|
15 | 10 | 18 | |
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YEAR TWO
SEMESTER TWO
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MR 252 MR 264 MR 270* MR 272 MR 274 MR 276 MR 280 |
Literature in English II Fluid Mechanics Fieldtrip and Technical Report Writing I Mineral Separation Processes Material Science Pyrometallurgy Assaying |
1 2 0 2 2 2 2 |
1 2 4 2 2 2 2 |
1 3 1 3 3 3 3 |
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Totals
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11 | 15 | 17 | |
| * Fieldtrips maybe organised in either semester but the results shall be credited only at thesecond semester | ||||
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YEAR THREE
SEMESTER ONE
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MR 351 MR 361 MR 363 MR 371 MR 373 MR 375 MR 377 |
Computer Applications Probability and Statistics Numerical Analysis Hydrometallurgy Process Instrumentation Processing of Minerals found in Ghana Alluvial Mining and Processing |
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 |
3 1 1 2 2 2 1 |
2 2 2 3 3 3 2 |
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Totals
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13 | 12 | 17 | |
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YEAR THREE
SEMESTER TWO
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MR 352 MR 354 MR 356* MR 358 MR 374 MR 376 MR 380 |
Public Relations Ore Mineralogy & Microscopy Fieldtrip and Technical Report Writing II Heat Transfer Process Control Environmental Management and Safety Ferrous Metallurgy |
2 1 0 2 2 2 2 |
0 3 4 2 2 2 2 |
2 2 1 3 3 3 3 |
|
Totals
|
11 | 15 | 17 | |
| * Fieldtrips maybe organised in either semester but the results shall be credited only at thesecond semester | ||||
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YEAR FOUR
SEMESTER ONE
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MR 451 MR 453 MR 457 MR 459 MR 461 MR 471 MR 473 |
Economic Development and Planning Mineral Project Evaluation Law of Contract and Tort Operations Research Principles of Economics Hydrometallurgical Applications Heap Leaching Technology |
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 |
0 2 0 2 0 2 1 |
2 3 2 3 2 3 2 |
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Totals
|
14 | 7 | 17 | |
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YEAR FOUR
SEMESTER TWO
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MR 450 MR 452 MR 454 MR 456 MR 458 MR 472 MR 474 |
Project Work Colloquium/Seminar Business Entrepreneurship Mining Laws and Regulations Management Electrometallurgy Metallurgical Plant Design and Control |
0 1 2 2 2 2 2 |
1 2 4 0 1 0 2 2 |
4 2 2 2 2 3 3 |
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Totals
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11 | 21 | 18 | |
BSc DEGREE PROGRAMME IN MINERAL ENGINEERING
YEAR ONE SEMESTER ONE
MR 151 Applied Electricity (2, 2, 3)
Circuit laws. Circuit theorems. Electrostatics. Electromagnetics. Magnetic circuits. Inductance. Alternating voltage and current. Signal waveforms. Introduction to transformers, DC Machines, Induction Machines and Synchronous Machines.
MR 153 Linear Algebra and Trigonometry (2, 2, 3)
Complex numbers: De Moivre’s theorem and its application to: (i) summation of series, (ii) expansion of Sinn0 and Cosn0 in double angles, (iii) expansion of Sinn0 and Cosn0 in terms of Cos0 and Sin0. Vector algebra and its applications. Introduction to matrix algebra. Spherical trigonometry.
MR 155 Engineering Drawing I (2, 2, 3)
Lettering with inclined and vertical strokes. Word spacing and compositions. Construction of lines, angles, regular polygons and general loci. First and third angle orthogonal projections. Dimensioning, limits, fits and tolerance.
MR 157 Communication Skills I (2, 1, 2)
Introduction to communication: methods and systems of communication. Pre-writing skills: developing listening skills, note-taking and note-making, developing reading skills. Developing writing skills (I): Sentence level (the sentence as an ordered string of words, the simple sentence, basic sentence patterns, common grammatical errors.) Coordination and parallelism. Ambiguity. Conventions of usage.
MR 159 Introduction to Computing (1, 3, 2)
Introduction to PCs. Windows operating system. Internet usage. Word Processing using MS Word. Spreadsheet using MS Excel. Programming using Visual Basic Applications (VBA).
MR 161 Physical and Structural Geology (2, 1, 2)
Introduction to geology. Brief treatment of surface process. Mechanical properties of primary and secondary structural features. Introduction to maps.
MR 167 Basic Mechanics (2, 1, 2)
Introductory concepts of engineering mechanics involving basic principles in statics and dynamics with simple applications. Simple machines and conservation laws. Trusses
MR 150 Calculus (2, 2, 3)
Differentiation of algebraic and circular functions. Applications to maxima and minima. Partial differentiation. Integration including integration by parts. Ordinary differential equations. Laplace transforms. Beta and Gamma functions.
MR 152 Strength of Materials (2, 1, 2)
Mechanical Properties of Materials, Simple Stresses, Temperature stresses, Shear Stresses, Torsional Shear Stresses, Beams; Shear Force and Bending Moments, Bending Stress in Beams. Complex Stresses: Two dimensional Stress, Mohr’s stress circle.
MR 156 Engineering Drawing II (1, 4, 3)
Using CAD Software to do the following: Sectional views and standard conventions of sectional views. Curves of intersection of various planes and solids. Development of various solids like cylinders and spheres. Assembly drawings from both exploded views and working drawing views.
MR 158 Communication Skills II (2, 1, 2)
Developing writing skills (II): Paragraph level (the controlling idea, the topic sentence, supporting sentences and developing the paragraph, transitional devices.) Developing writing skills (III): The whole essay (forms of discourse, inductive and deductive reasoning.) Developing writing skills (IV): Style (registers, diction, spelling and punctuation, editing).
MR 160 Mineralogy and Petrology (2, 2, 3)
Crystals description and classification. Chemical and physical properties of minerals. Brief treatment of mode of formation of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Identification of common minerals and rocks.
MR 162 Applied Electronics (2, 1, 2)
Physical Principles of semiconductor Devices; Transistors: Feedback Theorem: Operational Amplifier as an Integrated circuit; Thyristors; Instrumentation.
MR 172 Mineral Chemistry I (2, 1, 2)
Atomic theory, Bonding and Periodicity. Properties of gases, solids and liquids. Chemical equilibrium. Ionic equilibrium, Radioactivity.
MR 174 Principles of Metallurgical Engineering (2, 1, 2)
Introduction to Metallurgical Engineering, Comminution, Screening, Classification and Concentration. Calcination, Roasting and Smelting. Leaching and adsorption. Electro-winning and electro-refining.
MR 251 Literature in English I (1, 1, 1)
Introduction to Literary terms and devices. Specific texts: prose, drama, poetry. Vocabulary and language use. Literature as a reflection of contemporary way of life or society (the text as mirrors). Literature and morality (the text as examples). Literature as a form of entertainment. African Writers Series.
MR 255 Mathematical Analysis (2, 1, 2)
Rolle’s theorem, mean value theorems, Taylor’s theorem, convergence of series, power series Taylor’s and Maclaurin’s series, indeterminate forms, Differentiation. Parametric differentiation with application to plane curve.
MR 259 Geology of Ghana (2, 1, 2)
Regional geological setting and crustal rocks of West Africa. Geologic time scale and the stratigraphic succession of the lithologies in Ghana. Economic and mineral deposits associated with the various rock units.
MR 261 Introduction to Mining (2, 0, 2)
Basic introduction to underground and surface mining terminologies. Description of various operations in underground and surface mining: drilling, blasting, mucking, supporting, stoping, ventilation, benching, stripping, reclamation etc., including technology and equipment.
MR 271 Comminution (2, 2, 3)
General terminology and scope. Crushing, grinding, screening, classification, particle size analysis.
MR 273 Ore Handling and Transport Machinery (2, 1, 2)
Belt conveyors, Feeders e.g. chain, apron, screw, vibrating, belt. Pumps, fans. Ore transportation, ore storage, feeding, transport of slurries and solutions. Care and maintenance of machines.
MR 275 Metallurgical Thermodynamics (2, 2, 3)
Chemical Kinetics, chemical equilibrium, surface chemistry, aqueous metal solutions, melts and solutions, partition of solute between immiscible phases, solid state chemistry, redox reactions, electrochemistry.
MR 277 Analytical Chemistry (2, 2, 3)
Introduction to volumetric and gravimetric analysis. Spectrophotometric methods of analysis. Instrumentation methods of analysis. Electroanalytical methods. Chromatography.
MR 252 Literature in English II (1, 1, 1)
Reading and appreciation. Literary terms. Specific texts: prose, drama, poetry, Vocabulary and language use. Literature as a reflection of contemporary way of life or society (the text as mirrors). Literature and morality (the text as examples). Literature as a form of entertainment. Shakespearean and modern classics.
MR 264 Fluid Mechanics (2, 2, 3)
Properties of fluids: statics and kinematics of fluids. Euler’s equation, Bernoulli’s equation and applications. Dynamics of fluid flow. Turbulent and laminar flow. Flow in pipes. Friction and other losses. Open channel flow. Navier-Stokes Equation: Simple solutions. Dimensionless analysis.
MR 270 Fieldtrip & Technical Report Writing I (0, 4, 1)
Fieldtrips to areas of interest. Students will be expected to present reports upon which they will be assessed for their credits.
MR 272 Mineral Separation Processing (2, 2, 3)
Separation and concentration methods e.g. gravity, magnetic, electrostatic separation and flotation. Dewatering.
MR 274 Principles of Material Science (2, 2, 3)
Materials and properties, the crystalline state, structural disorder, phase equilibrium, shaping of materials (metal forming processes), iron and steel, mention briefly non ferrous metals, thermosetting and thermoplastic materials, behaviour of materials in service (fatigue, creep, corrosion)
MR 276 Pyrometallurgy (2, 2, 3)
Drying, calcination, roasting, fuels and combustion, agglomeration, retorting, smelting, refining, slag, fluxes, refractories. Unit process application to the extraction of gold, copper, lead. Cement production.
MR 280 Assaying (2, 2, 3)
Definition and scope. Sampling and sampling methods, sample dividing techniques. Metallurgical testing; bottle roll, column leach tests acid digestion and fire assaying. Instrumental methods of analysis. Metallurgical accounting.
MR 351 Computer Applications (1, 3, 2)
Application to mineral processing units. Computer-aided-design packages for mineral processing, metallurgical accounting and plant control.
MR 361 Probability and Statistics (2, 1, 2)
Introduction to probability. Random variables and functions of random variables. Regression analysis and correlation. Methods of estimation. Confidence intervals. Test of hypothesis. Principles of Reliability.
MR 363 Numerical Analysis (2,1,2)
Finite and divided differences. Interpolation, Newton-Gregory forward difference interpolation formula, numerical integration. Direct and interactive methods of solving systems of linear equations. The Simpson’s rule. Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations.
MR 371 Hydrometallurgy (2, 2, 3)
Introduction, leaching, choice of leaching reagent, unit processes in leaching. Metallurgical phase diagrams. Solution purification and concentration e.g. solvent extraction, ion exchange, adsorption, precipitation techniques.
MR 373 Process Instrumentation (2, 2, 3)
Definition. Flow, temperature, pressure, level, composition, measurement and devices.
MR 375 Processing of Minerals found in Ghana (2, 2, 3)
Flow sheet development, application of Mineral Processing principles to the processing of local minerals like kaolin, gold, diamond, manganese ore, salt and bauxite.
MR 377 Alluvial Mining and Processing (2, 1, 2)
Alluvial deposits. Alluvial mining methods and equipment. Alluvial ore processing with special reference to gold and diamonds.
MR 352Public Relations (2, 0, 2)
Meaning, nature and scope of Public Relations (PR) as exhibited by its definition and distinction from other forms of communication. Planning PR programmes. The role PR plays in organisations and as to whether to set up a PR department or depend on the services of a PR consultant. Media and Press Relations. Case studies.
MR 354 Ore Mineralogy and Microscopy (1, 3, 2)
Reflected light microscopy. Polished section preparation. The qualitative and quantitative methods for the identification/determination of optical, structural and morphological properties of ore minerals. Roles of ore mineralogy in ore beneficiation and ore dressing. Ore paragenetic associations in mineral evaluation.
MR 356 Fieldtrip and Technical Report Writing II (0, 4, 1)
Field trips to areas of interest. Students will be expected to present reports upon which they will be assessed for their credits.
MR 358 Heat Transfer (2, 2, 3)
Conduction; steady and unsteady state. Convection; laminar and turbulent flow over plate and in tubes. Radiation; ideal and non ideal bodies, gases. Introduction to mass transfer.
MR 374 Process Control (2, 2, 3)
Mathematical models, linear, open and close loops. Types of controllers. Automation
MR 376Environmental Management and Safety (2, 2, 3)
The process plant. Air pollution, dust, furnace gases, chemicals, noise. Cyanide; cyanide handling, poisoning and safety. General safety on a processing plant, Tag-system and House keeping. First aid. Water quality and pollution,. Thermal stress. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Fire control.
MR 380 Ferrous Metallurgy (2, 2, 3)
Application of thermodynamics, Fuel technology in iron and steel making.
MR 451 Economic Development and Planning (2, 0, 2)
Theories and concepts of Development; Foreign Aid, grants and investment. Techniques of Economic Development planning; Third world and economic Development Planning (Case Studies); Planning periods in Ghana.
MR 453 Mineral Project Evaluation (2, 2, 3)
Financial and economic analysis of mineral projects. Interest rates. Time value of money. Evaluation criteria for mine project selection: Net Present Valve (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Pay Back Period (PBP), Wealth Growth Rate (WGR) etc. Elements of cash flows; revenue, capital and operating cost, taxation and royalties, depreciation, sensitivity and risk analysis. Cost of capital. Replacement and leverage analysis. Mine feasibility studies.
MR 457 Law of Contract and Tort (2, 0, 2)
Law and the legal system. Contract and conditions for valid contracts. Contracts and business organisations. Abrogation of contracts.
MR 459 Operations Research (2, 2, 3)
Application of the following operations research techniques in solving relevant problems problems; linear integral and goal programming. Assignment and transportation problems. Decision analysis. Inventory and control methods. Queuing theory. Project scheduling method. CPM/PERT. Simulation techniques. Application of appropriate computer software.
MR 461 Principles of Economics (2, 0, 2)
Introduction to microeconomics. Demand and supply and price theory. Elasticities. Economies of scale. Optimal input combinations and cost functions. Perfect competition, monopoly, imperfect competition (monopolistic competition, oligopoly, cartel, etc). Business organization and securities. Introduction to Macroeconomics. Functions of government. Measurement of national output and income. Money and banking, unemployment and inflation.
MR 471 Hydrometallurgical Applications (2, 2, 3)
Application of hydrometallurgy concepts to the extraction of gold, copper, aluminum and manganese.
MR 473 Heap Leaching Technology (2, 1, 2)
Column leach tests, pad design and construction, ore preparation, Heap construction. Solution management.
MR 450 Project Work (0,12, 4)
Selected project work supervised by an academic staff.
MR 452 Colloquium/Seminar (1, 4, 2)
Student will prepare a paper on a selected topic and present it in seminar under supervision.
MR 454 Business Entrepreneurship (2, 0, 2)
Forms of Business organisation; Management of business enterprises; Budget preparation process. Management of working capital; investment in assets.
MR 456 Mining laws and Regulations (1, 3, 2)
Minerals and Mining Law 1986. PNDCL 153 Small Scale Mining Law, 1989. Mining Regulations 1970, LI 665 and Explosive Regulation 1970, LI 666, Land Reclamation Regulation and Protection of Environment, Mining practices, Safety, Protection for labour and machinery.
MR 458 Management (2, 0, 2)
The role and functions of management, including planning, organising, staffing, leading and controlling with emphasis on supervision and leadership, communication and motivational techniques, training and development within the mining environment
MR 472 Electrometallurgy (2, 2, 3)
Introduction. Electrochemistry, Electrowinning, electrorefining and electroplating. Electro-winning and electrorefining of metals from aqueous solution and fused salts electrolytes. Application to the extraction of aluminium, manganese, copper and gold.
MR 474 Metallurgical Plant Design and Control (2, 2, 3)
Plant location, Process selection, Flowsheets, Plant management. Unit operational design, eg. Mill, tank, thickener, conveyor design. Tailings disposal. Plant control, e.g. control of crushing, grinding, leaching and adsorption circuits, etc.