Post-graduate Training Program for Coal Geologists
OVERVIEW
The NSW Institute for Frontier Geoscience is a partnership of the University of Newcastle with the NSW Department of
Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services and Doyles Creek Mining.
The post-graduate training program in Coal Geology is collaboration between the NSW Institute for Frontier
Geoscience, the Coalfields Geology Council of NSW, and the NSW State Government, and aims to overcome the
shortfall in vital skills training.
In conjunction with the Discipline of Earth Sciences of the University of Newcastle, the NSW Institute for Frontier
Geoscience will provide training that will prepare geologists on the use and application of sophisticated ‘state-of-theart’ equipment, interpretation of data, and how to present within companies.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The program will consist of at least 12 training courses. These courses will be generally presented as 5-day intensive
modules at the University of Newcastle or within the Hunter Valley. Some courses, or part thereof, will be located
‘on-site’ at various mines, including Doyles Creek Training Mine in the Upper Hunter region. Each course will consist
of 40 contact hours as part of the 5-day intensive, followed by an assessable assignment designed to demonstrate the
capacity to generate and interpret geological data relevant to the course objectives.
Each training course is co-ordinated and presented by a collaboration of University academics and industry experts.
Entry requirement is a BSc degree or three (3) years experience as a Coal Geologist in the Industry.
A Certificate will be awarded for each course completed.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING COURSES FOR THE COAL INDUSTRY
FIRST COHORT – 2012
1.
Australian Coal Basins
Co-ordinator: Dr Judy Bailey
Course to be run 18-22 June, 2012 REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Objective: Outline the location and significant features of the Australian Coal Basins, to provide a geological background and
context for understanding Australian coal deposits.
2.
Coal Quality and Utilisation
Co-ordinator: Professor Colin Ward
Course to be run 25-29 June, 2012 REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Objective: Introduce principles of coal formation, sampling, analysis and utilisation as a basis for coal mine quality
management and marketing.
3.
Lithological, Geotechnical and Geophysical Logging
Co-ordinator: Dr Judy Bailey
Course to be run 26-30 November, 2012
Objective: Provide necessary skills in recording and interpreting lithological, geotechnical and geophysical data to allow
construction of accurate mine and resource models.
4.
Principles of Geological Information Management, Geological Modelling and Coal Resource Estimation
Co-ordinator: Mr Darren Hope
Course to be run 3-7 December, 2012
Objective: Provide a framework and appropriate skill set to interpret and manage data recovered from exploration, use data
to develop geological models and coal resource estimates for public reporting and statutory purposes.
Post-graduate Training Program for Coal Geologists
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING COURSES FOR THE COAL INDUSTRY
SECOND COHORT – 2013
5.
Geotechnical Aspects of Coal Mining and Hazard Awareness
Co-ordinator: Professor Steve Fityus / Mr John Simmons
Course to be run early February 2013
Objective: Provide an understanding and application of geotechnical principles relating to Geotechnical Hazards in
Underground and Open Cut Mining.
6.
Fundamentals of Coal Exploration
Co-ordinator: Mr John Edwards
Course to be run mid February 2013
Objective: Outline the available methods in exploration and exploration program design, and demonstrate the applicability
of each method.
7.
Principles of Groundwater Monitoring in Relation to Coal Mining
Co-ordinator: Dr Jürgen Schaeffer
Course to be run in March 2013
Objective: Provide necessary skills in recording and interpreting hydrogeological conditions from borehole and geophysical
data. Provide a framework and appropriate skill set to identify and manage groundwater issues associated with mining and
rehabilitation.
FUTURE COHORT
8.
Legislation and Exploration
Co-ordinator: TBA
Course to be run in late 2013
Objective: Introduce and demystify the legislation relating to exploration and mining.
9.
Coal Seam Gas
Co-ordinator: Dr Ray Williams
Course to be run in late 2013
Objective: Provide an understanding of the origins of coal seam gas, its composition, occurrence and measurement, and
introduce issues in coal seam gas water management.
10. Advanced Coal and Mineral Processing
Co-ordinator: Mr Bob Jackson
Course to be run in May 2013
Objective: The course provides an appreciation of the place of coal and minerals processing in the Australian economy.
Knowledge of how crushing and grinding of coal and ores liberates the valuable component. An understanding of the
scientific principles of size and density distribution of minerals and its application to size and density separation process. An
understanding of the design of coal/mineral processing plants.
Additional courses will be added to the program
Visit our website for more information on the NSW Institute for Frontier Geoscience Post-graduate
Training Program and how to register:
www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/nsw-institute-for-frontier-geoscience