Environmental Courses within Mining Program
Today, consideration of the environmental impact of mining is an essential part of planning and operating a mine. It is common practise all over the world to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for any new mine project. This requires a detailed environmental Baseline study of the proposed location of a mine, a complete mine plan which details the potential environmental impacts of the mine, and how the best available technology can be used to mitigate these impacts. In addition, a plan is required which describes the mine closure process and the post-mining use of the land. It is essential for mining engineers to have an adequate understanding of all aspects of this process and to appreciate how to modify a mine design to minimise impact within the economic parameters of the project.
Many different professions are needed to adequately analyse and plan for the environmental impact of a mine, ranging from a wildlife biology to archeology. Mining engineers need a sufficient understanding of the basic knowledge practised by these professions in order to effectively communicate with them to acheive the best possible mine plan with respect to operating efficiency, while minimising environmental impact during and after the mine has closed. The mining engineering department offers courses and programs for both mining engineers and the other professions,such as in the applied life and earth science fields,which provide the necessary background knowledge so that effective communication can take place between the variety of professions involved in permiting and operating a mine. A very important aspect of the mining environment relates to the human health and safety issues relevant to the working environment both in surface and underground mining. The mining engineering department offers courses which cover such topics as Toxic Dust and Gases, Diesel Exhaust, Mine Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Radiation, MSHA regulations etc.
The following provides a summary of the courses available in the mining engineering department which relate to the needs of individuals who wish to understand more about the issues, problems, solutions etc to the environmental impacts of mining. It should be mentioned that for those in other fields than mining engineering, who are interested in preparing for a career related to some aspect of mining and its environmental impact, this department offers a variety of technical mining courses which will provide a sufficient understanding of the technical aspects of mining as it relates to a particular individuals needs and aspirations.
Mine Environmental Control (Mine 344,3 Credits) The theory and practise of creating safe,healthy,and efficient working environment at an underground or surface mine. The principles and practise of Mine Ventilation.
Mining Law (Mine 451/651,2 Credits) U.S. and foreign ,federal and state laws affecting the mineral industry and pertaining to land acquisition,corporations,ethics,mining,environment,taxation,water,labor,safety, and welfare.
World Mineral Economics (Mine 472/672,3 Credits- A UNR General Capstone course) Minerals in world affairs,interdependence of nations on minerals and the economic and political problems caused by their unequal geographic distribution and divided pol itical control.
Mining and the Surface Environment (Mine 454/654,2 Credits) The effects of mining ,milling, and smelting om the surface environment, and their control to allow maximum conservation and minimum waste of natural resources.
Mining and Sustainable Development (Mine 456/656,3 credits) Defining and applying the four critical elements of sustainable development: environment, economics, community and governance to the development, operations and design of mining projects.
Advanced Mining Engineering (Mine 701-702 1 to 5 Credits) These are directed study or lecture courses relating to specific student interests. Examples: k) safety, m) ventilation, r) mining law, w) mining conservation etc.
Most of the Undergraduate courses listed above can be taken by students from any discipline, however , it is recommended that the instructor is contacted to discuss any question relating to necessary prerequisites,course content etc.
Anyone interested in environmentally oriented courses and programs in the mining engineering program are suggested to contact either Dr. Dirk Van Zyl (e-mail: dvanzyl@mines.unr.edu, phone: 784 7039) or Dr. Pierre Mousset Jones (e-mail: mousset@mines.unr.edu, phone: 784 6959) to discuss any questions relating to the courses or programs.