Project duration: 1 January 2018 – 31 March 2021

Objective

The objective of the programme is to educate mining engineers, authority staff and personnel in consulting and at universities in state-of-the art rock engineering to assist the European mining industry in dealing with rock pressure problems which threaten their future underground operations. The programme addresses the acute shortage of rock engineers. The two year programme is a joint initiative of mining universities and industry in Europe and overseas. Visit the project website for full details.

The solution (technology)

The European Association of Mining Industries, Metal Ores & Industrial Minerals (EUROMINES) lists in March 2017 “stability in greater depths of mines” as one of the major technical challenges (www.euromines.org). Deep mining is typically mining more than 1000 meters below surface although there is no clear border for definition.

The continuing education program “Rock engineering for deep mines” addresses the shortage of rock engineering personnel in the European mining industry. It provides mining and civil engineering graduates and geologists working in industry with the knowledge and tools to solve rock pressure problems experienced by industry. The programme is structured in such a way that it is possible to participate whilst being in full employment.

The SafeDeepMining program is tailored to the specific needs of working professionals: classes organised in blocked modules of one week with additional blended learning sessions and self-study periods will enable the participant to undergo two years of training without interrupting their careers. It comprises of eight compulsory and four elective modules out of which the participants have to select three. The course covers the following areas: geology, mechanical behaviour of rock and rock masses, strength of materials, rock failures under static and dynamic stress situations, stress analysis and stress changes in the rock surrounding underground excavations, support of excavations, design of mine layouts, long term mine planning, measurements of rock deformation and rock stresses. The emphasis is on application of rock mechanics principles and methods in the areas of mine design, mining system selection and design, support of mining excavations and management of rock pressure situations in mines. The overall objective is to improve safety and productivity in underground mining. An analytical mind with an interest in geology and engineering is of distinct advantage.

The continuing education programme is a joint effort by several European mining universities and two overseas partners . Lecturers are acknowledged experts in mining rock engineering with a strong industry background. The programme is supported by the mining industry and provides an opportunity to visit mines with rock pressure problems.

Partnership