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MIN407(W) - Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management
Fall Semester 2009
2009-10 Catalog Data: MIN 407 - Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management (3 + 0) credits. Principles
and practices of mine reclamation and waste disposal. Pre-mining assessment and plans. Design of settling
and tailings ponds and waste impoundments. Stream bed restoration and revegetation. (Prerequisite: Chem
106; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X, or permission of instructor.
Instructional Method: Lecture
Textbook:
None. References will be provided; course readings and notes will be maintained at
Rasmuson Library Electronic Reserves (Eres) or Reserve Desk. See References, attached
Instructor:
T.E. Wilson, Assistant Professor of Mining Engineering
Goals: This course is designed to provide senior and graduate level students in mining and geological
engineering, geology, and natural resources management, knowledge of the basic legal framework and
requirements for mine environmental management. Further objectives are water quality control, the design
surface and groundwater control structures (diversions, channels, ponds and groundwater containment),
erosion control, recontouring, revegetation, blasting damage control, air quality control (esp. with respect to
dust and engine exhaust), fish and wildlife protection, and closure of mining operations
Prerequisite by topic: Fluid Mechanics
Topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Legal history, current laws and monitoring
Baseline assessments and data requirements
Surface water catchment, runoff, peak flow, channelling, dam construction
Settling pond design; suspended solids and turbidity control
Water chemistry, EH - pH diagrams, acidity control, contaminant limits
Recontouring, revegetation and habitat restoration,
Wetlands, riparian forest and permafrost implications
Placer streambed diversion; blasting damage control
Dam and impoundment construction
Groundwater protection and monitoring wells
Dust control; air quality control
Closure, post-closure monitoring, bond release
Best Management Practices, ISO 14000
Case Study Reports
Field Trips (2): SMCRA (surface coal mine) and metal (open pit mine, and
gold recovery plant with cyanidation process)
Examinations (3 - two class periods plus exam period)
15.
NOTE: This course meets the University of Alaska Core Writing (W) Intensive Requirement. Written
submittals, graded primarily on the basis of content and organization, are key requirements. Core writingintensive requirements are:



Course participants will complete an upgraded writing example during the first week of the course to
establish general writing competence.
Participants will receive editorial comments from the instructor or faculty members on written drafts of
the case study and two trip reports, and will review and edit their work prior to final submittal.
Participants will meet individually with the instructor one or more times during the term to discuss
writing. Examinations will include at least one written narrative question.
Each class member will select and present an individual Case Study, or a Topic of special
interest that is relevant to Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management. The verbal
presentation (10-20 minutes long) will be followed by a written report (5-10 pages).
Grading: Exams (13%, 13%, 14%) 40%
Problems 15%
Reports and Class Presentations 45%, as follows:
Trip reports: 2 (3-5 pages), ea. 10%,
Case Study: One 5-10 page report, 15%;
Enviro. Summaries: 10%
Computer usage: word processor, spreadsheet, and custom (channel design)
software
Course Outcomes: This course contributes to the following educational outcomes (ABET) set forth by
the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering. The following table offers details by outcome.
Outcome
Role of Min 407
Outcome f: Understanding of professional and
ethical responsibility
Key concepts stressed in the course are
environmental compliance and public safety,
which are the engineer's responsibility.
This course is officially designated as a writing
intensive course of the University. As such,
correctness and clarity of expression in multiple
written submittals becomes a basis for grading.
Environmental consequences of mining and
processing minerals and fuels are directly
addressed. Application of appropriate
environmental and safety controls is a course
objective.
Environmental topics in resource development,
public attitude & response, and contemporary
legislative and legal issues are addressed each
week in the course
Wetlands management includes consideration
of continuous and discontinuous permafrost
Outcome g: Ability to communicate effectively
Outcome h: broad education necessary to
understand the impact of engineering solutions
in a global and societal context
Outcome j: knowledge of contemporary issues
Outcome m: knowledge of unique environABET Category Content:
Engineering Topics:
Prepared by:
T. E. Wilson
. mental Sept.
issues2009
in arctic and subarctic regions
Date:
3 credits, or 100%
Disability Services: I will work with the Office of Disabilities Services (203 WHIT, 474-7043) to provide
reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities.
Support Services : Contact the Advising Center for all available learning and support services. For lab
computer issues, contact Paul Brown (fnpkb@uaf.edu)
MIN 407 (W)
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