RSE3020 - Resource estimation - Monash University

Overview

The mineral inventory of a company is quantified through resource or reserve estimates with associated error levels that, in many cases, are unknown. The estimation procedure used by a geologist or engineer should incorporate efforts to minimise errors and assumptions at every level of decision. This unit focuses on resource … For more content click the Read More button below.

This unit focuses on resource and reserve estimation of mineral ores and hydrocarbon deposits, with particular focus on the influence of the in situ geological conditions. You will learn the basics of resource and reserve reporting with particular reference to applicable industry codes. Resource modelling will be taught through computer applications with special consideration of geostatistical techniques.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Requisites

Prerequisite

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Mohan Yellishetty

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Mohan Yellishetty

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Appreciate the difference in sampling methods applicable for various resource types.

Construct resource models from exploration datasets using industry standard software tools.

Apply different statistical and geostatistical tools and techniques for evaluating the grade and tonnage of mineral resources.

Assess the merits and drawbacks of various estimation methods relevant to deposit type and quantify the uncertainty and risk associated with different estimation techniques.

Generate resources and reserve reports using applicable industry codes.

Teaching approach

Problem-based learning

Active learning

Research activities

Assessment summary

Assessment: 50%

Final assessment: 50%

This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Report 1

2 - Mid-semester test or numerical exercises

3 - Report 2

4 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Practical activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Other unit costs

The following item is mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator

Availability in areas of study

Minor: Mining engineering