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Department of Mining & Geological Engineering
University of Alaska Fairbanks
MIN 401: Mine Site Field Trips, One (1) Credit, Technical Elective, Spring Semester
2008-09 Catalog Description: Field Trips to active surface and underground mines to gain
knowledge of modern mining systems, and for technical interaction with mine engineers and
operators. Includes a post-trip written analysis of each mine operation to confirm
understanding of mining engineering principles (0.5+0+3).
Prerequisites: MIN 202, 301, 302 and 370
Textbook: None; references will be provided
Personal Protective (Safety) Equipment: Students will be responsible for providing their
own protective clothing, safety headgear and footwear, and eye-protection, unless
arrangements have been made with the host sites.
Instructor: Terril (Ted) Wilson, P.E., Ph.D.
Phone: 907-474-5928
Office: 319 Duckering Bldg.
Office hours: Wed, Fri. 2 – 3 PM
Course Objectives: To familiarize students with a variety of mining methods, planning
criteria and procedures, and operating techniques. To increase each participant’s
understanding of mining techniques and mine engineering in a way that he or she can apply
such knowledge to a new mine design or improvement in an existing design or operation.
Contribution to Professional Component: Mining Engineering, 1 Credit – Mine visits provide
working examples of mine design criteria, mine operating conditions, and system & equipment
requirements, with particular attention to factors associated with safety and productivity.
Geological conditions and economic constraints in mine design and operation are emphasized.
The trips are normally made in conjunction with student attendance at a technical conference
(mining & geological engineering), and may be outside Alaska
Topics/Content: The essence of the course is technical visits to mines having a variety of
surface and underground mining methods, geological conditions and operating conditions.
Normally, three (3) mines are scheduled per course offering. Geological conditions and types of
mines will vary, depending on the technical conference venue. Focal topics of each mine visit
include geological conditions, rock mechanics and rock excavation, transportation of rock
materials (ore & waste), processing & beneficiation of ores, mine plant design, power
distribution & utilization, ventilation and control of dust and noxious gases, systems integration
& optimization, environmental management, and safety. Each visit is from 3 ½ to 6 hours onsite, plus travel time to and from the site.
Instructional Materials: to be provided. Materials will be specific to each operation visited
Pre-trip meetings:
306 and/or 316 Duckering Bldg.
A minimum of three hours of briefing will be provided ahead of time, and a written checklist for
each mine will be issued, listing geological, operational and production features to be noted.
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Deliverables: Each student will compile and submit, for each mine visited, a concise summary
report of the operation. Students are encouraged to note and evaluate (based on prior instruction
and personal work experience) items not covered on the checklist. Students may work
cooperatively on reports, but reports are to be submitted individually. Trip reports are to be
submitted not later than 3 weeks after the last visit has been completed. A late penalty of 40
percent for each report will apply. Though not expressly required in the course, students will be
encouraged to report their observations verbally in an appropriate university forum (e.g. seminar)
or to a local technical organization.
Grading: Pass / Fail. A passing grade will require submittal of all deliverables, at a mean
quality score of 80 percent or better.
Notes:
1. Instructor will work with the Office of Disabilities Services (203 WHIT, 4747042) to provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities.
2. Late “deliverables” (exceptions for medical emergencies) will be discounted by
40 percent. Trip attendance is mandatory. Late submittals will be accepted only
in the case of medical reasons or official university travel.
3. Student Support Services available:
The University has may student support programs. Course participants may contact
any of the following:
UAOnline, a resource for transcripts, accounts and other personal
information: http:// uaonline.alaska.edu
The UAF Writing Center, 801 Gruening Bldg., 474 5314
http://www.alaska.edu/english/studentresources/writing/
The UAF Speaking Center, 512 Gruening Bldg., 474-5470
http://www.uaf.edu/speak
Outcomes (Ref. ABET accreditation):
Outcome
Outcome 7. Ability to communicate
effectively in written, oral, and graphical
Form
MIN 401 contribution
Students will analyze and compile a written
summary report for each of three mining
operations observed. An additional oral
presentation is encouraged.
Outcome 8. Broad education
Visits to mines of various types in
different locations will illustrate a variety of
technical and economic issues.
Outcome 10. Knowledge of Contemporary Visits to mines in different locations will
issues
reveal a variety of economic, social and
regulatory issues.
Estimated ABET Category Content:
Engineering, 1 Credit
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Student Support Services
The University has many student support programs. If you need assistance please contact
any of the following service programs or departments.
UAOnline
http://uaonline.alaska.edu/
Your resource for transcripts, accounts, and other personal information.
Math Hot Line
Contact UAF's toll-free Math Hotline for problem solving and math help. Call
866-823-6284 (1-866-UAF-MATH) during regular fall and spring semesters.
Writing Center
http://www.alaska.edu/english/studentresources/writing/
The Writing Center is a student-staffed, student-oriented service of the English
Department.
801 Gruening Bldg., P.O. Box 755720
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-5720
Phone: (907) 474-5314
Fax: 1-800-478-5246
The UAF Writing Center and Computer Lab offers free writing tutoring to any
student in any subject via telephone and fax or over the Internet. Students can call
907-474-5314 for information on how to fax a paper and have it tutored over the
telephone, or engage in an interactive Internet session. Both services are free.
Problem: you are having problems with Blackboard
You will need to contact the Blackboard administrator, at:
http://classes.uaf.edu/ Office of Information Technology Help Desk 474.6564 or 1.800.478.4667
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