The course content addresses the following topics:
- open pit economics; cut-off grade optimisation; pit shell selection and optimisation; pushback design and sequencing.
- converting geological model into selective mining units.
- slope design and monitoring of stability.
- fleet selection and matching; batch and continuous transportation systems.
- drilling and blasting practices in surface mines.
- stockpile management and optimisation; waste dumping strategies and controls; hydrology and dewatering.
- reconciliation of performance against design and plan.
- sustainability and environmental issues; planning for closure.
- characteristics of software utilised in open pit planning,
- course project assignment.