The course provides an understanding of the various rock breakage technologies used in mining and tunnelling excavations and the various systems for access, development and operations. The course covers: Rock drilling techniques (percussive, rotary and hydraulic), drilling equipment & drill pattern design for headings, stopes and benches in surface and underground mining operations; Types of explosives and their properties; Theories of rock fragmentation by blasting; Various initiation systems; Blasting accessories and their applications; Blast design in underground and surface operations; Blasting hazards and precautionary methods; Design to control blast-induced ground vibrations and airblasts; Special blasting techniques including presplitting, smooth wall blasting, trenching, cast blasting and paddock blasting; Environmental considerations, handling and storage of explosives; Principles of rock cutting; Performance of picks and free rolling cutters; Cutter tool interaction; Design of cutting arrays for machine mining and tunnelling; Cutting tool materials and effect of tool metallurgy on wear and fracture resistance; Methods of assessing rock cuttability; Site investigation and site preparation; Tunnelling methods; Conventional and mechanical excavation systems including drilling and blasting, roadheader, tunnel boring machines, pipe-jacking; Excavation in difficult ground; Shaft sinking methods (both vertical and inclined shafts), conventional and mechanical boring.

On completion of the course the student should have an understanding of the various methods, issues and design principles associated with the main forms of rock breakage (drill & blast and machine mining) and the application of these processes to mining and tunnelling.

Note: Site visits and industry lectures are a requirement of this course and may involve additional personal expense.