This course covers explosive and non-explosive methods breakage of rock including: drill and blast; mechanical rock breakage; and, systems of rock excavation.

On completion of the course, the student should be capable of demonstrating an understanding of:

The objectives of rock drilling and fragmentation.
The concept of mine-to-mill.
The physics of rock breakage in drill and blast system and also in mechanical rock cutting.
The various methods, issues and the design principles associated with explosive and non-explosive breakage of rock.
Principles for designing cutterheads for mining and civil excavations.
Selecting appropriate explosives for given ground conditions and for a specific application and will be able to design a good blast within blasting and mining legislation.

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