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PRS3040 Metals/Nonmetals Recovery & Production

Advanced · 1 credit · NAT - Natural Resources

Description
Students examine specific recovery and production techniques within the context of a metallic and/or nonmetallic mineral deposit. Note: Industry often refers to a third category of minerals called structural materials; i.e., minerals used primarily in construction, including sand and gravel, decorative and building stone, cement, clay and limestone. PRS2040 and PRS3040 include structural materials within the broader category of nonmetallic minerals.
Prerequisite
PRS2040: Metals/Nonmetals Exploration
Parameters
Access to industry involved in the recovery and production of metallic and/or nonmetallic minerals. Access to a science laboratory.

Outcomes The student will:

  • 1 describe techniques used to recover metallic and nonmetallic commodities from mineral deposits

    • 1.1 describe infrastructures necessary in the recovery of commodities from rock and mineral deposits; e.g., extraction, processing, transportation and safety considerations such as first aid, clothing and equipment, government and industry regulations, lifting and hoisting, techniques

    • 1.2 examine and describe basic techniques used to extract metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits; e.g., placer mining, surface mining, underground mining and other extraction methods (drilling, borehole mining)

    • 1.3 describe surface and/or underground equipment used in resource extraction; e.g., heavy machinery (including excavators, scrapers, bulldozers and draglines); blasting, drilling and cutting equipment; augers, conveyor belts and trucks; hand tools and safety equipment

    • 1.4 identify factors that affect the recovery potential for a mineral deposit; e.g., depth of overburden, size and nature of the deposit, economic viability, environmental impact

    • 1.5 investigate technologies used to process a metallic, nonmetallic or structural mineral; e.g., crushing and screening, separating and dressing, cleaning and roasting, upgrading and smelting

    • 1.6 explain environmental assessment and management practices conducted by industry throughout recovery and production operations; e.g., environmental standards, enforcement of safe operating procedures

    • 1.7 describe technological advances used to address environmental concerns throughout recovery and production

    • 1.8 describe basic reclamation activities undertaken by industry; e.g., recovery and production area restoration, strip mine restoration

  • 2 describe field gathering facilities and distribution systems used in the mineral industry

    • 2.1 describe recovery site and satellite facilities used for separation, cleaning and upgrading processes

    • 2.2 describe different types of field storage facilities

    • 2.3 examine and describe distribution networks used to move metallic or industrial minerals from recovery site to market (or refinery); e.g., tankers and barges, rail and trucking systems

  • 3 explain current and emerging applications of technology in enhancing recovery methods for mineral deposits

    • 3.1 explain applications of technology in enhanced recovery methods; e.g., drilling and blasting techniques, rock bolting and screening machines, video technology and remote control, innovations in separation technology

    • 3.2 identify methods used for the exploration of “hidden” or “blind” deposits

    • 3.3 describe techniques used to estimate recoverable mineral deposits in Alberta; e.g., computing techniques, assays, mathematical modelling

    • 3.4 examine public and private agencies responsible for developing new technologies to assist in the recovery of Alberta’s mineral resources; e.g., Alberta Research Council, National Research Council

    • 3.5 explain the current and potential significance of Alberta’s mineral resources

  • 4 demonstrate basic competencies

    • 4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:

      • 4.1.1 communicate

      • 4.1.2 manage information

      • 4.1.3 use numbers

      • 4.1.4 think and solve problems

    • 4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:

      • 4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours

      • 4.2.2 be responsible

      • 4.2.3 be adaptable

      • 4.2.4 learn continuously

      • 4.2.5 work safely

    • 4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:

      • 4.3.1 work with others

      • 4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks

  • 5 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values

    • 5.1 identify short-term and long-term goals

    • 5.2 identify steps to achieve goals

Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.