Course Introduction

Groundwater in Mining

Version: 20 July 2007

Jack Caldwell P.E., MS.(Eng.), LLB

Start the Course with an Orientation Session	Review the Course at the Summary Level	Start the Course at the Detailed Text Level	Course Certification Entry or Registration
(first time viewers)	(reviewers)	(serious viewers)	(certification)

Introduction

In this course, we focus on groundwater theory and practice applicable to mines and the specifics of open pits, shafts, underground mine workings, heap leach pads, waste rock dumps, and tailings impoundments. We discuss, for each of these facilities, the principles of groundwater and facility design & operation that apply and must be implemented to control and protect groundwater and surface water.

This course is one of a series of related courses, some of which are still in development, including ...

• Groundwater in Mining

• Surface Water Management at Mines

• Mine Water Balance Analysis

Objectives

This is the aim, objective, and central message of this course: understand the physical world that is your mine; understand the theoretical principles that govern processes at your mine; do every calculation you can to elucidate and illuminate the interaction of your mine and its environment; and finally act as a professional ... act responsibly on the basis of informed judgment.

Accordingly, in this course, we examine the basic principles of groundwater flow in soils and rocks; we discuss the principles of groundwater flow to typical mine facilities, including open pits, underground mine workings, and the waste disposal facilities such as the tailings impoundment, the waste rock dump, and the heap leach pad; we evaluate how groundwater flow may influence the cost and safety of such mine workings; and we consider practical engineering methods to control groundwater flow to make mining safer, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly.

Content

The course comprises 18 viewing sessions, each of 30 - 60 minutes duration, plus supporting figures, tables, worked examples and references, and interactive reviews that confirm your achievement of the learning objectives. The total duration of the course is approximately 14 hours.

Learning Outcomes

Participants who successfully complete this course and the certification requirements will be able to perform the following.

• Understand the basic principles of groundwater flow in soils and rocks and apply these to typical mine facilities.

• Apply the principles of groundwater flow to open pits, underground mine workings, tailings impoundments, waste rock dumps, and heap leach pads.

• Evaluate practical engineering methods to control groundwater flow to make mining safer, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly.

Course Requirements

Basic requirements for successful completion of this course include the following.

• A basic knowledge and understanding of mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

• A basic understanding of the fundamentals of mining and the nature, purpose, and function of mine facilities.

• Perspective and understanding of environmental, engineering, and technical procedures and practice.

• A desire to know more and a willingness to apply interest and curiosity.

Course Certification

This course qualifies for EduMine Certification. A certificate will be issued to an EduMine enrollee who registers for certification and successfully completes the certification requirements. The total certification fee for this course is Can$175.

1.4 CEUs  (Continuing Education Units) will be awarded for successful completion of certification requirements for this course. EduMine meets the Criteria for Certification established by the Authorized Provider Commission of The International Association for Continuing Education and Training, 1620 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 615, Washington, DC 20006.

To register for certification for this course use the "Course Certification Entry or Registration" link above or below on the right.

UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

This course qualifies as online learning for the University of British Columbia - Certificate in Mining Studies in the Geotechnical and Rock Mechanics stream. Students who complete the certification requirements for this course may optionally register for the Certificate in Mining Studies program and complete the associated classroom component. For further information click UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

[Note: Participation in the UBC Certificate in Mining Studies program is optional. For EduMine certification proceed as described under Course Certification above.]

Start the Course with an Orientation Session	Review the Course at the Summary Level	Start the Course at the Detailed Text Level	Course Certification Entry or Registration
(first time viewers)	(reviewers)	(serious viewers)	(certification)