Monash University Handbook

This unit provides an introduction to the processing technologies used in the minerals industry, their characteristics and how and why they are used. This will also provide an introduction to the underpinning fundamental physical, chemical and transport processes, to demonstrate the influence of raw materials and market needs on processes and products, and the importance of the coordination between mining and processing. The processes used will apply to all minerals: metals, non-metals, coal and the aggregate.

A combination of a project based approach together with a sequence of sample tutorials, to provide practice and experience in the use of analysis and design tools, will be employed.

Outcomes

At the conclusion of this unit, students will be able to:

Comprehend the principles of physical and chemical processes that allow selective separation of minerals from ores, and of elements from mineral concentrates, metals and materials to maximise the recovery of valuable resources.
Synthesise the fundamental processes and equipment design to suit the process objectives and optimise the plant performance.
Analyse the process route for a given ore deposit or source materials and evaluate its economic and environmental impacts and develop measures to improve it.
Apply process flow sheets to synthesise the processes undertaken in mineral and material processing and to evaluate the suitability of a specific technology.

Assessment

Continuous Assessment: 50%

Examination (2 hours): 50%

Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final examination component, and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.