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Title of Programme
The title of the programme is Master’s Programme (Modular) in Mining Engineering.
11.2 Programme Objectives
The mineral industry in Ghana is growing very fast. In recent years several mining companies, both large and small scale, have been set up and a lot more have acquired prospecting licenses in this country.
The viability of this growing industry and the future of Ghana depends largely on the ability of Mining Engineers to:
• Plan, design and evolve satisfactory solutions to the complex issues associated with mining.
• Operate the mines profitably in the face of the ever-changing global economic and social problems.
• Ensure that the mines are operated in an environmentally friendly manner.
The Modular Master’s Programme in Mining Engineering is designed to produce highly qualified Mining Engineers capable of meeting the numerous challenges of the growing mineral industry in Ghana and elsewhere.
The programme aims at providing a firm grounding in basic and advanced concepts and modern methods of mining engineering as well as offering a selection of special courses related to developing areas of the subject, particularly those areas of importance to Ghana.
The programme is structured to offer the possibility of continuing education and therefore makes it possible for practicing engineers in the industry to update and upgrade their knowledge and skills in the various areas of specialisation while still on the job.
The main objectives of the programme are:
• To provide an avenue for practicing engineers in the mining and related industries to continue their education.
• To turn out competent postgraduates to meet the current demands of the mineral industry.
• To prepare competent postgraduates for various research institutions.
11.3 Entry Requirements
a) The entry requirements for the Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering are:
i. Applicants must have BSc First Class or Second Class (Upper Division) in Earth Sciences or Engineering from a recognised University.
ii. All other applicants who do not satisfy (i) above but have degrees in Engineering & Science may be eligible only after passing an interview.
iii. Holders of UMaT Diploma who hold senior positions in an appropriate industry and have at least 5 years professional experience with proven ability in their discipline are eligible for admission.
iv. Foreign applicants with proficiency in English language who satisfy the requirements of (i) or (ii) above are eligible for admission after careful consideration of transcripts and relevant references.
b) A student may be admitted to participate in any module on non-scoring basis. In this case, a student may participate in class discussions, do practical work, take examinations and generally enjoy the privileges of a class member. No credit is given either on completion of module or at a later time. Such a student shall be given the award of either a Certificate of Proficiency if he/she passes the examination or Certificate of Participation if he/she does not take examination or fails the examination.
11.4 Programme Requirements
The Department offers two Master’s Degree Programmes. These are:
i. MSc Mining Engineering Degree Programme
ii. MPhil Mining Engineering Degree Programme
a) Graduation Requirements
i. MSc Mining Engineering Degree
• A minimum of 42 credit hours is required for the award of MSc. Degree. This is made up of a minimum of seven (7) modules (at least 21 credit hours), Postgraduate Seminar (3 credit hours), Field trip & Report (3 credit hours) and Thesis (15 credit hours).
• Each module runs for a maximum of two weeks (10 working days) duration; examinations in any module shall be taken within a week after completion of the module.
• There shall be a minimum of forty (40) contact hours in each module (4 hr/day).
• A student may take a module on non-scoring basis. In this case no credit will be given either on completion of a module or at a later time.
ii. MPhil Mining Engineering Degree
• A student is required to audit four (4) core modules outlined in Section 11.5a. In addition, he/she may audit modules recommended by the Supervisor to facilitate the student’s research work. The candidate is also required to present at least one seminar.
• The successful defense of a thesis is required for the award of the MPhil Degree in Mining Engineering. The thesis should be an embodiment of independent research conducted by a student under the guidance of a Supervisor on a significant problem in a chosen area of Mining Engineering.
b) Programme Duration
• Full-time: A maximum of four (4) semesters for coursework and thesis
• Part-time: A maximum of six (6) semesters
c) Registration
• Full-time students will be required to register a minimum of three (3) modules per semester.
• Students should register modules they intend to participate in by the third week of every semester. Students may, however, pay module participation fee at the time the module is being offered.
• To be of good standing, a part-time student must enroll in at least three modules per annum.
11.5 Programme Structure
a) Core and Compulsory Modules
The MSc coursework comprises 4 core/compulsory modules namely:
• Operations Research (MN 503)
• Statistical Models (MN 509)
• Mine Economic & Financial Evaluation (MN 506)
• Environmental Management (MN 513)
In addition, a minimum of 3 other modules must be selected by the candidate in consultation with his/her supervisors. Introduction to Computer Applications is compulsory but a candidate may apply for exemption. Applicants without adequate mining background will be required to register for the module in “Introduction to Mining Engineering”.
Field trips will be organised and all students will be required to participate in at least one of them. An essential requirement of the modules is that students devote the afternoons to tutorials, practicals or field trips.
b) Content of Modules
The modules to be run, credit hours and module numbers are as follows:
First Year First Semester Modules
*Preparatory Module ** Pre-requisite Module for non-Mining Engineers
First Year Second Semester Modules
Module No.: MN 261
Name of Module: Introduction to Mining Engineering
Credits: 2
DAY TOPIC
1. Mining Terminologies, Stages in the Life of a Mine
Exploration & Units Operations in Mining
2. Principal Development Openings
3. Open Pit Mining
4. Classification of Ore Reserves
5. Sequence of Extracting Ore Blocks or Panels
6. Shaft Sinking
7. Development, Raising and Factors that Affect Level Intervals
8. Explosives
9. Underground Mining Methods
10. Ventilation and Materials Handling
Module No.: MN 351
Name of Module: Introduction to Computer Applications
Credits: 2
DAY TOPIC
1. Introduction to the PC
2. Basic Hardware Components of the PC
3. Operating System Software DOS
4. Operating System Software (DOSshell, Windows, File
Managers and Utilities)
5. Word Processing
6. Database
7. Data Processing
8. Graphics
9. Software Installation and Interfacing
10. Summary
First Year First Semester
Module No.: MN 501
Name of Module: Mine Mechanisation
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Introduction
2. Drilling Machines-Percussive Drills and Rotary Drills
3. Boring Machines, Raise Borers and Tunnel Borers
4. Boring Machines-Tunnel Borers and Blindhole Borers
5. Excavators - Front End Loaders (FEL)
6. Load-Haul-Dump Machines
7. Haulage Trucks
8. Stationary Mine Machinery Pumps and Compressors
9. Hoists
10. Maintenance of Mine Machinery
Module No.: MN 503
Name of Module: Operations Research
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Nature of Operations Research in Mining
2. Linear, the Simplex Algorithm for Integer and Goal Programming
3. Transportation and Assignment Problems
4. Decision Analysis
5. Markov Analysis
6. Simulation
7. Queuing Models
8. Inventory Control Models
9. Production Scheduling Methods - CPM
10. Dynamic Programming
Module No.: MN 505
Name of Module: Applied Rock Mechanics
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Basic Concepts in Rock and Soil Mechanics
2. Rock and Soil Tests for Design Analysis in-situ and
Laboratory Testing of Rocks and Soils
3. Geotechnical Mapping and Rock Mass Classification
4. Stereograhic Projection Methods in Rock Mechanics
5. Groundwater, Seepage and De-watering Analysis
6. Stability of Soil and Rock Slopes
7. Design of Underground Excavating and Pillars
8. Foundation Design for Surface Structures
9. Dam Foundations and Leach Pads
10. Site Investigation for Surface Structures
Module No.: MN 509
Name of Module: Statistical Models
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Basic Statistical Procedures I
2. Basic Statistical Procedures II
3. Regression and the Linear Models I
4. Regression and the Linear Models II
5. Application to Multiple Regression I
6. Application to Multiple Regression II
7. Application to Multiple Regression III
8. Statistical Inference and Statistical Modelling I
9. Statistical Inference and Statistical Modelling II
10. Use of Transformation; Correlation and its Relationship with Regression
Module No.: MN 511
Name of Module: Explosives and Rock Fragmentation
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Drilling; Fragmentation Principles and Blasting Theory
2. Explosives; Criteria for Selecting Explosives
3. General Consideration of Geology and Rock Properties on Blast Design and Blast Results
4. Surface Design Bench Blast
5. Underground Blast Design Tunneling, Stoping, etc.
6. Charge Loading, Blast Initiation and Delay Blasting
7. Environmental Effects of Blasting
8. Specialised Blasting Techniques
9. Blasting Economics and Benefits
10. Blast Performance Assessment
Module No.: MN 513
Name of Module: Environmental Management
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Environmental Impact of Mining (an Overview).
2. Air Quality/Pollution.
3. Air Quality Modeling.
4. Water Quality/ Pollution
5. Water Quality Modeling
6. Noise
7. Environmental Aspects of Ground Vibrations and Airblasts
8. Environmental Impact Assessment Methodologies
9. Environmental Impact Assessment Practices.
10. Ghana’s Environmental Policy.
First Year Second Semester
Module No.: MN 502
Name of Module: Mineral Resource Evaluation
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Introduction to Ore Resource Evaluation
2. Theory of Regionalized Variables
3. Statistical Theory and Applications
4. Quantifying the Criteria of Estimation
5. Variography, Practical Production and Modeling of Semi-Variograms
6. ID Regularization of Variograms; Extension Variance
and Estimation Variance
7. Practical-Application of Extension Theory to BlockResource Evaluation; Global Resource Estimation and Estimation Variance I
8. Global Resource Estimation and Estimation Variance II, Optimal Estimation and Kriging I
9. Optimal Estimation and Kriging II, Volume-Variance and Grade-Tonnage Relationship I
10. Volume-Variance and Grade-Tonnage Relationship II: Case Studies
Module No.: MN 504
Name of Module: Mineral Economics
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Basic Ideas in Economics
2. Theory of Price Determination
3. Competitive Markets
4. Theory of International Trade
5. National Income
6. Money and Monetary Policy
7. Public Finance
8. Investment Criteria
9. Estimating the Cost of Development and Operations of a Mine
10. Mineral Marketing and Mechanisms
Module No.: MN 506
Name of Module: Mine Economic and Financial Evaluation
Credits: 3
D AY TOPIC
1. Nature of and Requirements for Mining Projects, Course Objectives and Expected Outcomes
2. Time Value of Money and Economic Equivalence
3. Estimation of Revenue and Costs
4. Investment Allowances, Mine Taxation and Royalties
5. Financing Alternatives
6. Cash Flow Models and Analysis
7. Investment Decision Methods and Criteria
8. Sensitivity and Risk Analysis
9. Mine Feasibility Study
10. Case Studies
Module No.: MN 508
Name of Module: Surface Mine Planning and Design
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Scope of Surface Mine Planning and Design
2. Definition of Surface Mine Planning and Design Parameters
3. Ultimate Pit Definition and Mining Systems;
Equipment/Production Scheduling
4. Opening-up of a Surface Mine; Environmental
Requirements of Surface Mining Planning and Design
5. Aspects of Computing to Mine Planning and Design
6. Aspects of Ore Reserve Modeling and Simulation of
Mineral Extraction Systems I
7. Aspects of Ore Reserve Modeling and Simulation of Mineral Extraction Systems II
8. Computer-Aided Design Software Packages for Surface Mining Scheduling and Evaluation I
9. Computer-Aided Design Software Packages for Surface Mining Scheduling and Evaluation II
10. Computer-Aided Design Software Packages for Surface Mining Scheduling and Evaluation III
Module No.: MN 510
Name of Module: Materials Handling
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Introduction to Aspects of Materials Handling in Mines
2. Materials and their Characteristics
3. Materials Handling Equipment
4. Haulage of Bulk Materials
5. Combined Haulage Systems
6. Transfer and Loading Stations Hoisting
7. Hydraulic Transport
8. Haulage Organisation I
9. Haulage Organisation II
Module No.: MN 512
Name of Module: Environmental Engineering in Mining
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Airflow through Subsurface Environments
2. Subsurface Ventilation Network
3. Subsurface Ventilation Simulation
4. Subsurface Climate Simulation
5. Human Thermoregulation Modelling
6. Thermal Stress Environments
7. Mine Waste Management
8. Environmental Management of Tailings
9. Rehabilitation of Mine Sites
10. Environmental Issues in Small Scale Mining
Module No.: MN 514
Name of Module: Underground Mine Planning and Design
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Scope of Underground Mine Design and Planning
2. Design Strategies. Long and Short Term Planning
3. Equipment Selection and Production Scheduling
4. Surface Facilities and Primary Development Layout
5. Design Consideration for Naturally Supported Mining Systems
6. Design Consideration for Artificially Supported Mining Systems
7. Design Considerations for Caving Mining Systems
8. Computer-Aided Underground Mine Design and Planning I
9. Computer-Aided Underground Mine Design and Planning II
10. Case Studies
Module No.: MN 516
Name of Module : Mine Management
Credits: 3
DAY TOPIC
1. Strategic Planning, Objective Setting Strategies & Policies
2. Management by Objectives, Exception and Delegation, Decision Making Processes
3. Principles of Organising, Organisational Structural Design and Analysis
4. Financial Statement Analysis
5. Staffing - How to Select an Employee for the Job
6. Matching the Job with Employee Education, Training and Development
7. Effective Motivational Leadership
8. How to Settle Disputes, Handling of Complaints and Grievances. How to Maintain Effective Discipline
9. Direct and Indirect Control Techniques
10. Planning and Controlling Production and Operations Management
Second Year First and Second Semesters
Module No: MN 515
Name of Module: Postgraduate Seminar
Credits: 3
Students will be required to make at least one presentation on the progress and research underway in their areas of specialisation. This will be assessed by a Departmental Panel. Postgraduate students are required to attend the seminar(s).
Module No: MN 518
Name of Module: Field Trip and Report
Credits: 3
Field trips will be organised and students are required to participate in at least one of them. They are required to submit a written report(s) and make an oral presentation on it/them.
Module No: MN 500
Name of Module: Thesis
Credits: 15
An independent research work under the guidance of a Supervisor(s) on a topic in the student's area of specialisation. A thesis embodying the results of the research will be presented to the Department and defended orally. A panel will assess the thesis.
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Mining Master's Programme
