1.1 Mine Life Cycle

• Instructor: Lawrence Devon Smith

  Module Description: Examination of the life cycle of a project from the beginning of exploration through to the closure of the operating mine.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Outline an overview of the stages within the mine life cycle
  • Identify other cycles related to mining
  • Understand the need for mining in a green world

   

1.2 Studies and Reports

• Instructor: Lawrence Devon Smith

  Module Description: Review of the types and sequence of reports in the deveopment of a mining project.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the sequence of principal evaluations study types in the mine life cycle.
  • Recognize and differentiate between these study types.
  • Appreciate the purpose of each study type
  • Using study results to make decisions
  • Cautionary advice

   

1.3 Cost Estimation

• Instructor: Lawrence Devon Smith

  Module Description: Provides an overview of the capital, operating and closure costs required for studies and project evaluations. Methods of costs estimation are presented and the associated project risks are discussed.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the principal types of project costs: Initial Capital, Operating, Sustaining Capital, Closure
  • Explain the difference between various estimating methods
  • Identify when to use various estimating methods
  • Recognize and describe the principal cost components in an estimate or economic evaluation
  • Determine the appropriate method of cost estimation for different levels of studies
  • Comment on the quality and risks of different cost estimates

   

2.0 Mineral Waste & Closure

• Instructor: Chris Kennedy

  Module Description: An overview of metal leaching/acid rock drainage, and the when, how, and whys to begin to plan preventative measures at the exploration stage.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain the basics of metal leaching and acid rock drainage
  • Identify management strategies for mine waste risk in different stages in resource development

   

3.0 Industry Structure & Financing

• Instructor: Jessie Liu-Ernsting

  Module Description: Introduces the mining industry structure and financing options from an exploration stage perspective. Provides an overview of the topics expanded upon in the Economics & Finance Course.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the roles (explorer, developer, and producer) of mining companies at different levels and sizes
  • Explain the general differences between financing methods and whom they apply to

   

4.1 Exploration Strategies

• Instructor: Reno Pressacco

  Module Description: Provides an overview of mineral exploration strategies and why mineral exploration is required. Greenfield and brownfield exploration and the role of major and junior companies in exploration will be discussed.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain considerations and activities for green field exploration properties up to the discovery of potentially significant mineralization
  • Describe the exploration cycles for the purposes of public disclosure of exploration results and implications
  • Identify and select a market sector and commodity.
  • Understand the typical progress for selecting an exploration strategy for a junior mining company
  • Explain at what stage mining exploration programs occur in the mining life cycle

   

4.2 Exploration Methods

• Instructor: Reno Pressacco

  Module Description: Introduces mineral exploration sequences and different exploration methods including geophysical and geochemical methods and exploration drilling.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the typical sequence of steps that are followed when carrying out an exploration program.
  • Understanding the decision process for the selection of a mineral property.
  • Describe the environmental and social considerations at the exploration stage.
  • Describe different methods that are used in mineral exploration

   

4.3 Deposit Delineation

• Instructor: Reno Pressacco

  Module Description: An overview of orebody deliniation using exploration drilling and logging data will be provided.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain procedures and considerations relating to deposit delineation activities which lead to a Mineral Resource estimate
  • Interpret public disclosures related to post-discovery exploration program disclosure documents

   

4.4 Additional Topics

• Instructor: Lawrence Devon Smith

  Module Description: Digging deeper into geochemsitry and geophysics

   

5.0 MRMR Definitions

• Instructor: Deborah McCombe

  Module Description: An overview of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (MRMR) – the history and important terminology used in the remaining modules for disclosure.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain the importance of associations, standards, and codes
  • Define important International and National MRMR Standards that are necessary for disclosure
  • Outline where to find additional resources for future reporting and disclosure

   

6.1 Mineral Resource Estimation I

• Instructor: Aaron McMahon

  Module Description: Provides an overview on how the exploration drilling data can be converted to 3D resource models.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Articulate the value of a resource model as a decision-making tool
  • Understand the construction of a Mineral Resource Statement
  • Describe various approaches to modeling MRD data

   

6.2 Mineral Resource Estimation II

• Instructor: Aaron McMahon

  Module Description: The second part of this module will delve deeper into techniques for analyzing exploration data, and approaches to expressing that analysis through modeling.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain the contents of a clean Mineral Resource Database (MRD)
  • Recognize approaches to analyzing MRD data

   

7.0 Mineral Reserve Estimation

• Instructor: Brian Buss

  Module Description: Once we’ve got a resource, how do we turn it into a reserve? This module provides an overview of what factors are considered in establishing reserves and how to quantify them. An explanation and example for calculating cut-off grade is also provided in this module.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain key terms related to Resources and Reserves
  • Understand the limitations of Mineral Reserve Statements
  • List and apply Modifying Factors considered in converting Resources to Reserves
  • Understand the definition of Ore and the Concept of Cut-Off
  • Describe key steps in the Reserves Estimation Process (linear and parallel processes)

   

8.0 Disclosure Frameworks

• Instructor: James Whyte

  Module Description: Taught from the regulator’s perspective, this module will cover the important rules of disclosure, discuss liability, and provide cautionary notes and red flags to avoid.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain how mining is regulated in Canada and list the main rules
  • Describe principles of National Instrument 43-101 and the Mining Disclosure Rule
  • Utilize the form 43-101 F1 to produce technical reports
  • Utilize CIM Best Practices, avoid pitfalls, and identify red flags

   

9.0 Valuing Exploration Properties

• Instructor: Lawrence Devon Smith

  Module Description: Overview of the three Approaches to valuation and how they are applied to mineral properties and projects.

  Module Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand that different valuation approaches and methods used at different stages of a project.
  • Interpret worked examples of the application of different methods.
  • Explain the benefits and issues for these methods.