Mining & Minerals Engineering
 www.mining.vt.edu
University Exemplary Department
T. Novak, Head
Stonie Barker Professor: M. E. Karmis
Nicholas T. Camicia Professor: R. H. Yoon
Professors: G. T. Adel; G. Luttrell; T. Novak
Associate Professor: M. G. Karfakis
Assistant Professors: A. Nieto; E. Westman
Career Advisor: G. T. Adel
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Overview
- The Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering offers an engineering program containing aspects of mineral science, engineering, and technology that is professionally related to the minerals industry.
- The mission of the department is to produce high quality, rigorously trained mining and minerals engineers, whose background and education reflect the current level of technology and thought of the profession, and who can enter directly into engineering practice or, alternatively, graduate school for further study. Graduates of this program find domestic and international employment opportunities with hardrock, coal, industrial minerals, and construction aggregates producers, as well as with government agencies and equipment vendors.
- The educational objectives of the department are:
- to provide a which is progressive in conceptual and technical development;
- to expose students to laboratory courses which emphasize conducting experiments, understanding the principles involved in each experiment, and collecting, processing, and reporting data;
- to hone strong written and oral communication skills in all students;
- to familiarize students with professionalism and ethics, and the social, environmental, regulatory, and safety considerations of the engineering profession;
- to produce graduates with an appreciation for mining as a business;
- to foster within students an understanding of the practical aspects of mining through summer and/or co-op internships;
- to expose students to courses in the humanities and social sciences that enrich their educational experience; and
- to create an environment for the development of student leadership and organizational abilities
- The mining engineering curriculum utilizes the basic and engineering sciences to develop the different areas of activity of the mining engineer: mineral exploration, evaluation, development, extraction, mineral processing, conservation, protection of the environment, and mineral economics. Course work in these areas provides a unique background for engineering and management positions in industry and government, as well as for continuation of specialized graduate studies.
- Intrinsic to the curriculum is the development of a meaningful, major engineering design experience that builds upon the fundamental concepts of mathematics, basic sciences, the humanities and social sciences, engineering topics, and communication skills. This design experience is stressed within the major and grows with the development and progression of the student. Ethical, social, safety, economic, and environmental considerations are emphasized in the design experience throughout many courses, including the capstone senior design course. Finally, the major engineering design experience is a focal point of the mining and minerals engineering curriculum and it is consistent with the objectives and goals of the program.
- The program has an emphasis on the application of computers to mining and minerals processing operations. Furthermore, it exposes students to laboratory courses which focus on conducting experiments, understanding the principles involved in each experiment, and analyzing and interpreting experimental data.
- Information on the mission, goals, and curriculum of the program is continuously updated on the departmental website.
- The Cooperative Education Program, as well as opportunities for financial support in the form of scholarships, loans, awards, and summer employment, are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate programs are available leading to the M.S., M. Eng., and Ph.D.
- Students majoring in mining and minerals engineering who are residents of Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee may be eligible for the Academic Common Market, a program whereby residents of these states are eligible for Virginia in-state tuition. Those students falling into this category should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for information.
Program of Study
| First Year |
| First Semester |
| CHEM 1074: General Chemistry for Engineers |
3 |
3 |
| CHEM 1084: General Chemistry Lab for Engineers |
3 |
1 |
| EF 1015 or EF 2984: Intro to Eng or Special Study - Eng. Exploration |
2 |
2 |
| ENGL 1105: Freshman English (Area 1) |
3 |
3 |
| MATH 1205: Calculus (Area 5) |
2 |
3 |
| MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra |
2 |
2 |
| Free Elective |
2 |
2 |
|
Credits
|
|
16 |
| Second Semester |
| EF 1016: Introduction to Engineering |
2 |
2 |
| ENGL 1106: Freshman English (Area 1) |
3 |
3 |
| MATH 1206: Calculus (Area 5) |
3 |
3 |
| MATH 1224: Vector Geometry |
2 |
2 |
| PHYS 2305: Foundations of Physics I (Area 4) |
6 |
4 |
| Free Elective |
3 |
3 |
|
Credits
|
|
17 |
| Second Year |
| First Semester |
| ESM 2104: Statics |
3 |
3 |
| MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus |
3 |
3 |
| GEOL 1004: Physical Geology (Area 4) |
3 |
3 |
| GEOL 1104: Physical Geology Lab (Area 4) |
3 |
1 |
| MINE 2504: Introduction to Mining Engineering |
3 |
3 |
| EF 2824: Civil Engineering Drawings and CAD |
1 |
1 |
| Core Area 2 Elective |
3 |
3 |
|
Credits
|
|
17 |
| Second Semester |
| ESM 2204: Mechanics of Deformable Bodies |
3 |
3 |
| ESM 2304: Dynamics of Particles & Rigid Bodies |
3 |
3 |
| MATH 2214: Intro. to Differential Equations |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 2514: Mining Surveying |
3 |
1 |
| MINE 2524: Elements of Mine Design |
3 |
3 |
| Core Area 6 Elective |
1 |
1 |
| Core Area 7 Elective |
3 |
3 |
|
Credits
|
|
17 |
| Third Year |
| First Semester |
| ESM 3024: Introduction to Fluid Mechanics |
4 |
3 |
| ME 3114: Engineering Thermodynamics |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 3504: Rock Mechanics and Ground Control |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 3514: Rock Mechanics Lab. (Area 1, WI) |
3 |
1 |
| MINE 3524: Excavation Engineering |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 3534: Mineral Processing |
2 |
2 |
|
Credits
|
|
15 |
| Second Semester |
GEOL 3104 or GEOL 3404: Elementary Geophysics or Elements of Structural Geology |
2 |
3 |
| GEOL 4604: Ore Deposits |
5 |
3 |
| MINE 3544: Mineral Processing Lab. (Area 1, WI) |
3 |
1 |
| MINE 3554: Resource Recovery |
2 |
2 |
| MINE 3564: Underground Mine Design |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 3574: Surface Mine and Quarry Design |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 3584: Ventilation Engineering |
5 |
3 |
|
Credits
|
|
18 |
| Fourth Year |
| First Semester |
| ECE 3054: Electrical Theory |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 4504: Materials Handling and Power Sys. |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 4514: Health, Safety and Risk Management |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 4524: Project Engr. and Mine Management |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 4535: Senior Design Project (Area 1, WI) |
3 |
1 |
| Core Area 3 Elective |
3 |
3 |
|
Credits
|
|
16 |
| Second Semester |
| GEOL 4614: Nonmetallic Mineral Deposits |
5 |
3 |
| MINE 4536: Senior Design Project (Area 1, WI) |
6 |
2 |
| MINE 4544: Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management |
3 |
3 |
| MINE 4554: Mining Engr. Leadership Seminar |
3 |
1 |
| Core Area 2 Elective |
3 |
3 |
| Core Area 3 Elective |
3 |
3 |
|
Credits
|
|
15 |
- Foreign Language Requirement: Students who did not complete 2 units of a foreign language in high school must earn 6 credit hours of a college level foreign language, such credits to be in addition to those normally required for graduation.
- Eligibility for Continued Enrollment: Upon having attempted 72 hours (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing, and credit by examination), "satisfactory progress" toward a B.S. will include the following minimum criteria:
- a grade point average of at least 2.0, and
passing grades in MINE 2504, MATH 2214 and MATH 2224.
- Area 7 Elective: If the Area 7 requirement is fulfilled with a course which double counts with another course on this checksheet, an additional three credit hour free elective must be completed.
Undergraduate Courses (MINE)
2504: INTRODUCTION TO MINING ENGINEERING
Introductory course covering the complete field of Mining
and Minerals Engineering with special emphasis on the
evolution of discrete mining systems, interaction of mining
with the environment and the inter-relationship of Mining
and Minerals Engineering with other disciplines.
(3H,3C)
I.
2514: MINING SURVEYING
Specialized principles of field surveying as applied to the
delineation of mineral deposits and the design and
monitoring of surface and underground mining operations.
Introduction to surveying instruments, field techniques,
computation procedures and mapping.
Pre: MATH 1224.
(3L,1C)
II.
2524: ELEMENTS OF MINE DESIGN
Basic concepts used in the modeling and design of mining
systems including basic statistical concepts, sampling,
geological and geostatistical modeling of ore bodies, ore
reserve estimation, and selection of basic mine development
methods.
Pre: 2504, GEOS 2104.
(2H,3L,3C)
II.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
3074: HISTORY OF MINING
History and development of mining technology and law from
prehistoric to modern times. The importance of the mining
industry in society and its role in world development.
Junior standing required.
(3H,3C)
3094: ENERGY AND MINERALS IN SOCIETY
Trends in mineral consumption and the problems of meeting
today's demands; mineral pricing; political influences;
government regulation; the energy problem; alternative
energy sources. Junior standing required.
(3H,3C)
3504: ROCK MECHANICS AND GROUND CONTROL
Properties and behavior of geologic materials and masses and
their classifications and ratings. Design principles of
structures founded on and in rocks and basic aspects of
ground control.
Pre: 2504, GEOS 2104.
(3H,3C)
I.
3514: ROCK MECHANICS LABORATORY
Laboratory techniques used in the determination of
geologic materials properties and behavior. Determination
of rock index properties, strengths, failure criterion
and mechanical behavior.
Co: 3504.
(3L,1C)
I.
3524: EXCAVATION ENGINEERING
Rock fragmentation for excavation; drilling fragmentation,
rock drilling systems; blasting fragmentation, types and
properties of commercial explosives and accessories, system
of initiation, design of blasting rounds, applications in
mining and construction, structural damage criteria,
overbreak control, safe practice and regulations;
fragmentation by excavation machines; excavation system
selection and design.
Co: 3504.
(3H,3C)
I.
3534: MINERAL PROCESSING
Principles of processing ores to recover valuable minerals.
Basics of mineral processing including sampling theory,
material balancing, slurry calculations, grade-recovery
relationships, particle size analysis, process control.
Unit operations including crushing, grinding and size
separation. Applications to coal cleaning and crushed stone
production.
Pre: ESM2304, GEOS 2104.
(2H,2C)
I.
3544: MINERAL PROCESSING LABORATORY
Laboratory investigations of the unit operations and
principles of mineral processing including ore preparation
(size reduction, mineral liberation, and classification) and
mineral recovery (froth flotation, electrostatic separation,
magnetic separation, and solid-liquid separation).
Co: 3554.
(3L,1C)
II.
3554: RESOURCE RECOVERY
Pre: 3534, CHEM 1074.
(2H,2C)
3564: UNDERGROUND MINE DESIGN
Design fundamentals of mining systems and stope development
for tabular and massive underground mineral deposits.
Equipment selection and application, permitting, cost
analysis and production simulation.
Pre: 2524, 3524.
(3H,3C)
II.
3574: SURFACE MINE AND QUARRY DESIGN
Surface mining methods, and their selection; mine planning
and design; excavation, haulage and ancillary systems;
equipment selection and maintenance; impoundment and piles
design; mine closure/reclamation.
Pre: 2524, 3524.
(3H,3C)
II.
3584: VENTILATION ENGINEERING
Subsurface ventilation systems. Ventilation planning and design, laws of airflow, airway resistance. Ventilation surveys, network analysis, ventilation economics. Ventilation software. Fan types, impeller theory, fan laws and testing. Mine ventilation thermodynamics. Pre: 2504, ESM 3024, ME 3114. (2H,3L,3C) II.
4054: COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN MINING
Applications of computer programs to the
estimation of ore reserves, the scheduling and planning of
mine activities, the optimization of mine production, and
the design and selection of equipment and support systems.
(2H,2C)
4074: COAL PREPARATION
Unit operations of cleaning coals by physical and chemical
processes, coal analysis and characterization, flowsheet
design, evaluation of plant performance, process control,
and simulation of coal preparation plants.
(2H,3L,3C)
I.
4114: ECONOMICS OF MINERALS
Economic, technologic, and environmental aspects of mineral
location, production, processing, and utilization.
Junior standing required.
(2H,2C)
II.
4124: MINING LAW
Land ownership and mineral rights, withdrawals,
environmental laws, locatable and leasable minerals,
exploration permits, lease management, and mineral taxation.
(2H,2C)
4134: SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION
Design of engineering systems and methods to meet present
environmental laws and regulations for surface mined land.
(2H,2C)
4144: MARKETING AND TRANSPORTATION OF COAL
Markets, grade specifications, reserve requirements, contracts, schedules, and transportation of minerals to markets. Pre: 3554. (2H,2C)
4154: INTERMEDIATE ROCK MECHANICS
Theory and application of field instrumentation, simulation laws, and modeling in rock mechanics; dynamic response of rock; theory of rock bursts; stability of rock slopes, computer techniques of modeling, and monitoring. Pre: 3054. (3H,3C)
4164 (MSE 4164): PRINCIPLES OF MATERIALS CORROSION
Introduction to the scientific principles of materials
corrosion and corrosion protection. Topics include:
thermodynamics of materials corrosion, including potential-
PH (Pourbaix) diagrams, kinetics of corrosion reactions and
mixed potential theory, types of corrosion (uniform,
galvanic, crevice, pitting, fatigue, stress corrosion
cracking, intergranular, and hydrogen embrittlement),
material/environmental factors that promote or prevent the
various types of corrosion, and methods and techniques of
corrosion testing. Co: 4034 or ME 3105 or ME 3114.
Pre: CHEM 1036.
(3H,3C)
I.
4174: COAL TECHNOLOGY
A broad-based background in coal technology, including
origin of coal, classification, physical and chemical
properties, beneficiation, combustion, carbonization, and
chemical conversion.
Pre: CHEM 1036, MATH 2214.
(3H,3C)
4184: GROUND CONTROL
Design of structures in rock, support analysis and design,
strata control in bedded formations, mass deformation
and subsidence concepts, slope stabilization and
monitoring.
(3H,3C)
4504: MATERIALS HANDLING AND POWER SYSTEMS
Principles of materials handling, fluid power and electrical power systems for surface and underground mining operations. Engineering analysis and design of secondary haulage operations (belt conveyors, hoists, trucks, railways), fluid power systems (hydraulics, pumps, piping networks, compressors, pneumatic equipment), electrical systems (electrical machinery, distribution networks, controls), and other ancillary systems required to support mining operations. Assessment of equipment reliability and development of preventive maintenance programs. Pre: ESM3024, ECE 3054. (3H,3C) II.
4514: HEALTH, SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Study of risk analysis; mine legislation; mine gases, their occurrence, and physiological effects; methane emissions; dust classification, monitoring, and control; heat and humidity; psychrometry; physiological effects; climatic simulation; radiation monitoring and control; equipment hazards, noise; illumination; personal health and safety; fires and explosions; disaster management. Pre: 3584. (3H,3C) I.
4524: PROJECT ENGINEERING AND MINE MANAGEMENT
Introduction to theory and practice of project engineering
and management. Estimation of capital and operating
expenditures. Cash flow development, worth evaluation,
comparison of alternatives, taxation/depreciation and
optimization. Principles of financial management,
accounting and resource utilization. Topical seminars by
industrial representatives.
Pre: 3564, 3574.
(3H,3C)
I.
4535-4536: SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT
Investigation of a significant design problem in mining
engineering under the supervision of a staff member.
Periodic progress reports and submission of a comprehensive
final design project including detailed drawings,
engineering calculations, economic feasibility, and
environmental impacts.
Co: 4524.
4535: (3L,1C) 4536: (6L,2C)
4535: I;4536: II.
4544: MINE RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Statutory and regulatory controls on the mining environment. Air, water and land pollutants, standards, monitoring systems, and prevention and control techniques. Unique environmental issues, Surface Mine Conservation and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), endangered species, environmental impact statements, permitting, environmental audits and torts. Pre: 3564, 3574. (3H,3C) II.
4554: MINING ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
Invited speakers, short-courses and workshops on subjects
related to leadership issues in mining and minerals
engineering. Technology and design; mining finances and
marketing; management and business concerns; labor relations
and leadership; team building, motivation, and
communications; problem solving and performance
measurements; environmental issues; permitting and
regulatory requirements. Senior standing required.
(3L,1C)
II.
4604: MINERAL PROCESSING SIMULATION AND CONTROL
Principles of processing minerals and coal including
analysis of flowsheets and unit operations, mass balance
calculations, mathematical modeling, simulation and control
of mineral and coal processing operations.
Pre: 3554.
(3H,3C)
II.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
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