Mining Engineering
The Mining Engineering Department runs both Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes.
Aims and Objectives
The Department runs a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering (BSc Mining Engineering). The programme aims at providing firm grounding in concepts of Mining Engineering disciplines and related courses to meet the requirements of industry. The main objectives are to:
- Train competent first degree graduates
- Prepare first degree graduates to take up jobs in industry
- Prepare candidates for higher degrees in mining and related programmes
After completing the programme, the Mining Engineer should be capable of applying science and technology to plan, design, develop, optimise, operate and manage mining and mineral projects anywhere in the world. He/she is trained to carry out professional duties using their knowledge of sound environmental technology with the conscious effort to maximise returns on investment.
Curriculum
Throughout the mining engineering programme, students take core courses in surface and underground mining, mine planning and design, mineral deposit and ore reserve modelling, mineral processing, mineral economics, principles of economics, mine management, rock mechanics, rock fragmentation, operations research, economic development and planning. These courses require a strong background in probability and statistics, mathematical analysis, technical drawing, physical and structural geology, physical and analytical chemistry and mineralogy and petrology, fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, land surveying, thermodynamics, Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In order to make the 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
Mining engineering graduates pursue careers in mining (surface and underground), mineral exploration, equipment manufacturing and sales, and mineral commodity markets. They find employment in mining companies, sales and service industries, banking and financial institutions, exploration companies, and water engineering companies. Since human population continues to increase with increasing complexity of taste and comfort, there need for more minerals in the phase of competition for capital, there will also be an ever increasing need for more Mining Engineers.
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YEAR ONE
SEMESTER ONE |
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MN 151 MN 153 MN 155 MN 157 MN 159 MN 161 MN 165 MN 167 |
Applied Electricity Linear Algebra & Trigonometry Engineering Drawing I Communication Skills I Introduction to Computing Physical and Structural Geology Elements of Mining Basic Mechanics |
2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 |
2 2 2 1 3 1 1 1 |
3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 |
|
Totals
|
15 | 13 | 19 | |
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YEAR ONE
SEMESTER TWO |
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| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MN 150 MN 152 MN 163 MN 156 MN 158 MN 160 MN 162 |
Calculus Strength of Materials Physical & Analytical Chemistry Engineering Drawing II Communication Skills II Mineralogy and Petrology Applied Electronics |
2 2 2 1 2 2 2 |
2 1 1 4 1 2 1 |
3 2 2 3 2 3 2 |
|
Totals
|
13 | 12 | 17 | |
|
YEAR TWO
SEMESTER ONE |
||||
| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MN 251 MN 255 MN 259 MN 263 MN 267 MN 269 MN 273 MN 275 MN 277 |
Literature in English I Mathematical Analysis Geology of Ghana Mine Machinery Thermodynamics Mineral Processing Mine Drainage Field Mapping Economic and Exploration Geology |
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 |
1 1 1 2 1 0 1 4 1 |
1 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 |
|
Totals
|
116 | 12 | 19 | |
|
YEAR TWO
SEMESTER TWO |
||||
| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MN 252 MN 254 MN 256 MN 258 MN 264 MN 270* MN 272 MN 274 |
Literature in English II Soil Mechanics Land Surveying Extractive Metallurgy Fluid Mechanics Field Trip & Technical Report Writing I Ground Fragmentation Alluvial & Ocean Mining |
1 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 |
1 4 4 1 2 4 4 2 |
1 3 3 2 3 1 3 3 |
|
Totals
|
13 | 22 | 19 | |
| * Fieldtrips maybe organised in either semester but the results shall be credited only at thesecond semester | ||||
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YEAR THREE
SEMESTER ONE |
||||
| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MN 351 MN 353 MN 357 MN 359 MN 361 MN 365 MN 377 MN 376 |
Computer Applications Mine Surveying Rock Mechanics Materials Handling Probability & Statistics Environment Management Underground Mine Development Survey Field Work |
1 1 1 2 2 2 2 0 |
3 2 4 2 1 2 2 5 |
2 2 2 3 2 3 3 1 |
|
Totals
|
11 | 21 | 18 | |
|
YEAR THREE
SEMESTER TWO |
||||
| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MN 350 MN 352 MN 356* MN 372 MN 374 MN 376 MN 378 MN 380 MN 382 |
Mineral Resource Estimation Public Relations Fieldtrip and Technical Report Writing II Underground Mining Systems Surface Mining Systems Survey Field Work Mine Ventilation Petroleum Engineering Mine Electrification |
2 2 0 2 2 0 2 2 2 |
1 0 4 2 2 5 2 2 0 |
2 2 1 3 3 1 3 3 2 |
|
Totals
|
14 | 15 | 19 | |
| * Fieldtrips maybe organised in either semester but the results shall be credited only at thesecond semester | ||||
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YEAR FOUR
SEMESTER ONE |
||||
| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MN 451 MN 453 MN 455 MN 457 MN 459 MN 461 MN 471 |
Economic Development and Planning Mineral Project Evaluation Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Law of Contract and Tort Operations Research Principles of Economics Mine Planning and Design |
2 2 1 2 2 2 1 |
0 2 3 0 2 0 8 |
2 3 2 2 3 2 3 |
|
Totals
|
12 | 15 | 17 | |
|
YEAR FOUR
SEMESTER TWO |
||||
| Course No. | Subject | T | P | C |
| MN 450 MN 452 MN 454 MN 456 MN 458 MN 460 |
Project Work Colloquium/Seminar Business Entrepreneurship Mining Laws and Regulations Management Instrumentation and Control |
0 1 2 1 2 2 |
12 4 0 3 0 2 |
4 2 2 2 2 3 |
|
Totals
|
8 | 21 | 15 | |
COURSE OUTLINE FOR
BSc. DEGREE PROGRAMME IN MINING ENGINEERING
YEAR ONE SEMESTER ONE
MN 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.
MN 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 Sinnq and Cosnq in double angles, (iii) expansion of Sinnq and Cosnq in terms of Cosq and Sinq. Vector algebra and its applications. Introduction to matrix algebra. Spherical trigonometry.
MN 155 Engineering Drawing I (2, 2, 3)
Lettering with inclined and vertical strokes. Word spacing and compositions. General loci. Geometrical construction of regular polygons and their solids. Descriptive geometry. Isometric drawing. First and third angles orthographic/orthogonal projection.
MN 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.
MN 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).
MN 161 Physical and Structural Geology (2, 1, 2)
Physical Geology – Introduction to Geology and its branches. Internal structure of the earth, continental margins – shelf, slope, rise. Plate tectonics, earthquakes, surface geomorphology. Principles of stratigraphy, fossils, geological time scale, radiometric methods of age determination.
Structural Geology – Primary (sedimentary and igneous) structures. Secondary structures – foliation, folds, faults, joints, veins, lineations.
MN 165 Elements of Mining (2, 1, 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, including technology and equipment. Impact of mining on the environment.
MN 167 Basic Mechanics (2, 2, 3)
Introductory concepts of engineering mechanics involving basic principles in statics and dynamics with simple applications. Simple machines and conservation laws. Trusses.
YEAR ONE SEMESTER TWO
MN 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.
MN 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.
MN 154 Physical and Analytical Chemistry (2, 1, 2)
Bonding and periodicity, chemical thermodynamics and kinematics. Solutions, electrochemistry, introduction to metal extraction processes, steps in chemical analysis. Gravimetric and volumetric analysis. Spectrophotometric methods of analysis. Chromatography, Electroanalytical procedures.
MN 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.
MN 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).
MN 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.
MN 162 Applied Electronics (2,1, 2)
Physical principles of semiconductor devices. Transistors: feedback theorem, operational amplifier as an integrated circuit. Thyristors. Instrumentation.
YEAR TWO SEMESTER ONE
MN 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.
MN 255 Mathematical Analysis (2, 1, 2)
Rolle’s theorem. Mean value theorems. Taylor’s theorem. Convergence of series. Power series. Taylor’s series and Maclaurin’s series. Indeterminate forms. Differentiation, parametric differentiation with application to plane curve.
MN 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.
MN 263 Mine Machinery (2, 1, 2)
General description and classification of mine machinery. Drilling machines and accessories. Tunneling and boring machines. Hoist and hoisting systems including duty cycle. Compressors.
MN 267 Thermodynamics (2,2,3)
Fundamental concepts. Zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics. Application to simple compressible substances. Introduction to gas power cycles. Vapour power cycles and introduction to steam plant. Reciprocating expanders and compressors. Theory of mixtures. Introduction to reciprocating IC engines.
MN 269 Mineral Processing (2, 1, 2)
Comminution, classification, separation and concentration methods.
MN 273 Mine Drainage (2, 0, 2)
Sources and nature of mine waters. Estimation of water quantities. Methods of dewatering and drainage. Pumping systems. Equipment selection and economics of mine drainage.
MN 275 Field Mapping (1, 4, 2)
Introduction to geological maps. Geological field mapping of parts of Tarkwa area. Drawing of geological maps and sections. Stereonet plots. Presentation and defence of technical reports after the field work.
MN 277 Economic and Exploration Geology (2, 1, 2)
Classification and processes of formation of mineral deposits, surface and underground mapping methods. Use of geophysics and geochemistry in mineral exploration. Sampling, pitting, trenching and drilling techniques in mineral exploration.
YEAR TWO SEMESTER TWO
MN 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.
MN 254 Soil Mechanics (2, 4, 3)
Scope of soil mechanics. Index and engineering properties of soil. Phase relationships. Soil improvement and applications. Shear strength of soils. Bearing capacity of soils. Lateral earth pressure. Consolidation and settlement. Site investigation.
MN 256 Land Surveying (2, 4, 3)
Classification of surveys including chain and compass surveys. Levelling. Theodolite and applications which include theodolite structure and adjustment, traversing, tacheometry and tacheometric surveying. Optical Distance Measurement (ODM). Electromagnetic Distance Measurement (EDM). Astronomy: Introduction and definition of terms, derivation of the celestial triangle.
MN 258 Extractive Metallurgy (2, 1, 2)
Pyrometallurgy: calcinations and smelting. Hydrometallurgy: leaching and solvent extraction. Electrometallurgy: electrowinning and electrorefining.
MN 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.
MN 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.
MN 272 Ground Fragmentation (2, 4, 3)
Methods of ground fragmentation: Drilling and blasting. Types of explosives and their properties. Blasthole loading methods and blast initiation. Introduction to delay blasting. Underground and surface blast design. Environmental impact of blasting.
MN 274 Alluvial and Ocean Mining (2, 2, 3)
Characteristics of alluvial minerals. Types of alluvial deposits. Alluvial mining methods. Hydraulic transport. Ocean uses. Geographical and legal divisions of the ocean. Marine consolidated and unconsolidated deposits. Marine mining methods of consolidated and unconsolidated deposits.
YEAR THREE SEMESTER ONE
MN 351 Computer Applications (1, 3, 2)
Database management using MS Access. Digitising. Contouring, volume and tonnage calculation using Surfer. Introduction to general Mine Packages. General mine planning packages eg. Surpac, Datamine, etc.
MN 353 Mine Surveying (1, 2, 2)
Field Astronomy: measurement to celestial bodies. Underground Surveying: correlation of surface to underground workings, stope surveying and measurement, connection of levels, borehole surveying.
MN 357 Rock Mechanics (1, 4, 2)
Scope of rock mechanics. Physical and mechanical properties of rocks. Rock mass structure. Stereographic projection in rock mechanics. Rock mass classification. Underground excavations in massive rock. Room and pillar design. Excavation support systems. Rock slope stability.
MN 359 Materials Handling (2, 2, 3)
General introduction to materials handling. Haulage systems including belt conveyors, truck haulage and rail haulage. Excavators and loaders including shovels, FEL, LHD, tractor scrapers, slushers/scrapers, BWE/BCE, draglines and dozers. Equipment scheduling. Stockpiling.
MN 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.
MN 365 Environmental Management (2, 2, 3)
Mine atmosphere. Air parameters. Mine gases. Mine dust. Atmospheric air. Air pollution. Heat in mines. Mine climate. Thermal stress environment. Thermal indices. Mine fires. Water quality and water pollution. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Use of Instruments for measuring Air, Gases, Dust and Thermal Index.
MN 377 Underground Mine Development (2, 2, 3)
Introduction to mine development. Mine entries. Horizontal, inclined and vertical development workings and the determination of their optimum dimensions and locations. Shaft sinking and tunneling (drifting). Methods of excavation including boring methods. Supporting mine excavations: types of support and materials for supporting, etc.
MN 379 Survey Field Work (0, 5, 1)
Field training during the semester. Students are required to present technical reports.
YEAR THREE SEMESTER TWO
MN 350 Mineral Resource Estimation (2, 1, 2)
Mineral resource classification. Classical estimators. Variography. Error estimation. Ordinary Kriging.
MN 352 Public 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.
MN 356 Field Trip & Technical Report Writing II (0, 4, 1)
Fieldtrip to areas of interest. Students will be expected to present reports upon which they will be assessed for their credits.
MN 372 Underground Mining Systems (2, 2, 3)
Stoping methods(classification and selection). Support systems. Equipment selection. Selective mining. Unit operations. Ore transfers. Ore dilution and losses.
MN 374 Surface Mining Systems (2, 2, 3)
Types of open pit working faces and cuts. Open-pit nomenclature. Ultimate pit limit techniques (BESR, Moving Cone and Lesch-Grossman). Stripping ratios. Unit operations: excavation, loading and transportation. Waste dump and tailings dam design. Environmental impact of surface mining. Land reclamation.
MN 378 Mine Ventilation (2, 2, 3)
Theoretical aspects of fluid flow. Loss of airflow. Pressure quantity survey. Loss of air distribution. Network analysis. Natural ventilation. Ventilation of mines by fans. Mine ventilation systems. Auxiliary ventilation systems. Booster ventilation systems.
Practicals: Airflow through ductings. Fan characteristics. Mine rescue apparatus and usage.
MN 380 Petroleum Engineering (2, 2, 3)
History of oil well drilling. Drilling techniques: conventional and unconventional drilling methods. Rotary drilling (drill rig, drilling operations and drilling fluids). Directional drilling. Storage of hydrocarbons. Offshore petroleum resources. Exploration platforms. Offshore exploration drilling and well operations.
MN 382 Mine Electrification (2, 0, 2)
Distribution of power. Electric winders. Conveyors. Signalling and communication systems.
YEAR FOUR SEMESTER ONE
MN 451 Economic Development and Planning (2, 0, 2)
Introduction to economic development and planning. Economic development: Theories, strategies, problems and policies. Economic planning: Principles, techniques, strategies. Third world and economic development and planning. The role of external finance (‘Foreign Aid’) in development and planning of the Ghanaian economy.
MN 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 Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Pay Back Period (PBP), Wealth Growth Rate (WGR) etc. Elements of cashflows: revenue, capital and operating cost, taxation and royalties, depreciation. Sensitivity and risk analyses. Cost of capital. Replacement and leverage analyses. Mine Feasibility Studies.
MN 455 Geographical Information Systems (1, 3, 2)
Need for GIS, application fields. Data input and output. Data quality and management. GIS analysis functions and implementation.
MN 457 Law of Contract and Tort (2, 0, 2)
Law and legal system. Contract and conditions for valid contracts. Contracts and business organisations. Abrogation of contracts.
MN 459 Operations Research (2, 2, 3)
Application of the following operations research techniques in solving relevant problems: Linear and integer programming. Assignment and transportation problems. Decision analysis. Project scheduling methods: CPM, PERT. Simulation techniques. Application of appropriate computer software.
MN 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.
MN 471 Mine Planning and Design (1, 8, 3)
General Mine Planning and design principles. Surface mine planning and design. Underground mine planning and design. Siting of surface facilities. Student Course Work.
YEAR FOUR SEMESTER TWO
MN 450 Project Work (0, 12, 4)
The project should be relevant to the mining industry and it is recommended that data and current information from an industrial source should be used.
MN 452 Colloquium/Seminar (1, 4, 2)
The seminar on an approved subject in the form of oral presentation on scientific topic by students.
MN 454 Business Entrepreneurship (2, 0, 2)
The basis, scope and challenges of entrepreneurship. Starting a new venture and developing the business. Financing the new venture. Managing the new venture. Special issues (legal, political, technical and social). Intrapreneurship. International entrepreneurship.
MN 456 Mining Laws and Regulations (1, 3, 2)
Minerals and Mining Laws. Small Scale Mining Laws. Mining, Safety and Health Regulation. Explosives Regulations. Environmental Laws/Regulations.
MN 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, productivity improvement, time and conflict management within the mining environment. Analysis of financial statements.
MN 460 Instrumentation and Control (2, 2, 3)
General Introduction to the science of measurement. Introduction to strain gauges. Advanced strain gauge system. General discussion on open and closed loops. Translation elements and block diagrams. Types of systems response. The theory and practice of control technology. General comments on other types of controllers.