Linear Algebra: Matrices and Determinants; Inverse and Rank of matrix; Systems of linear equations; Eigen values and Eigen vectors. Cayley-Hamilton Theorem. Calculus: Limit, continuity and differentiability; Partial Derivatives; Mean value theorems; Indeterminate forms and L’ Hospital’s rule; Maxima and minima; Taylor’s theorem; Sequences and series; Test for convergence; Fourier series. Vector Calculus: Gradient; Divergence and Curl; Line; surface and volume integrals; Stokes, Gauss and Green’s theorems. Differential Equations: Linear and non-linear first order ODEs; Higher order linear ODEs with constant coefficients; Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations. Probability and Statistics: Measures of central tendency and dispersion; hypothesis testing; Binomial, Poisson, exponential and normal distributions; Correlation and regression analysis. Numerical Methods: Solutions of linear algebraic equations; Interpolation; Integration of trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule; Single and multi-step methods for differential equations.
Section 2: Mining Geology, Mine Development and Surveying:
Mining Geology: Minerals, Rocks and their Origin, Classification, Ore Genesis; Structural Geology. Mine Development: Methods of access to deposits; Underground drivages; Drilling method and machines; Explosives and energetics, blasting devices, blast design practices; Rock-Tool Interaction applicable to mechanical cutting systems and their selection. Mine Surveying: Levels and levelling, theodolite, tacheometry, triangulation; Contouring; Errors and adjustments; Correlation; Underground surveying; Curves; Photogrammetry; EDM, Total Station, GPS, Basics of GIS and remote sensing.
Section 3: Geomechanics and Ground Control:
Engineering Mechanics: Equivalent force systems; Equations of equilibrium; Two dimensional frames and trusses; Free body diagrams; Friction forces; Particle kinematics and dynamics; Beam analysis. Geomechanics: Geo-technical properties of rocks; Rock mass classification; Instrumentation and insitu stress measurement techniques; Theories of rock failure; Ground vibrations; Stress distribution around mine openings; Subsidence; Slope stability. Ground Control: Design of pillars; Roof supporting systems; Mine filling. Strata Control and Monitoring Plan.
Section 4: Mining Methods and Machinery:
Mining Methods: Surface mining: layout, development, loading, transportation and mechanization, continuous surface mining systems; highwall mining; Underground coal mining: bord and pillar systems, room and pillar mining, longwall mining, thick seam mining methods, Underground metal mining: open, supported and caved stoping methods, stope mechanization, ore handling systems. Mining Machinery: Generation and transmission of mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic power; Materials handling: wire ropes, haulages, conveyors, face and development machinery, hoisting systems, pumps; comminution methods and machinery.
Section 5: Surface Environment, Mine Ventilation and Underground Hazards:
Surface Environment: Air, water and soil pollution: Standards of quality, causes and dispersion of contamination and control; Noise pollution and control; Land reclamation; EIA. Mine Ventilation: Underground atmosphere; Heat load sources and thermal environment,.air cooling; Mechanics of airflow, distribution, natural and mechanical ventilation; Mine fans and usage; Auxiliary ventilation; Ventilation survey and planning; Ventilation networks. Underground Hazards: Mine Gases, Methane drainage; Underground hazards from fires, explosions, dust and inundation; Rescue apparatus and practices; Safety management plan; Accident data analysis; assessment; Mine lighting; Mine legislation; Occupational health and safety.
Section 6: Mineral Economics, Mine Planning, Systems Engineering:
Mineral Economics: Mineral resource classification; Discounted cash flow analysis; Mine valuation; Mineral taxation. Mine Planning: Sampling methods, practices and interpretation; Reserve estimation techniques: Basics of geostatistics and quality control; Optimization of facility location; Mine planning and its components, Determination of mine size and mine life; Ultimate pit configuration and its determination, Optimum mill cut-off grade and its determination, Stope planning, Design of haul road, Selection of mining system vis-à-vis equipment system. Systems Engineering: Concepts of reliability; Reliability of simple systems; Maintainability and availability; Linear programming, transportation and assignment problems; Network analysis; Inventory models; Queuing theory; Decision trees.
