Principles of Geological Information Management, Geological Modelling an Coal Resource Estimation course

The course is designed to provide a framework and appropriate skill set to interpret and manage data recovered from exploration, using this data to develop geological models and coal resource estimates for public reporting and statutory purposes. The course will be run by experts in their field chosen by the Coalfields Geology Council of NSW, and will include academics, consultants, Government and Industry geologists.

Course Structure

• Data Vetting and Validation
• Database Establishment
• Geological Modelling
• Resource Estimation
• Public and Statutory Reporting of Coal Resources

Course Duration

The postgraduate training course will consist of at least 40 contact hours as part of the 5-day intensive, and will include an assessable assignment designed to demonstrate the capacity to generate and interpret geological data relevant to the course objectives.

Course Venue

Room G101, Level 1, Geology Building, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus
View the Callaghan campus interactive map

Meals

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided each day. If you have any specific dietary requirements please contact Nicole Weaver

Course Cost

Full course cost is $3,500 AUD (GST inc)

Receive Early Bird discount of $500

Early bird discounts must be paid by 5pm AEST, 12th November, otherwise full fees apply.

Delegation Discount is also available

If you register 3 or more delegates from your organisation, receive a 50% discount on the 3rd delegate's registration fee.

* The Early Bird discount and the Delegation discount cannot be taken in conjunction with one another.

Who should complete this course

From an Industry perspective, there is a strong need for early to mid-career employees to improve and/or broaden their skill base, to become effective an efficient members of the working team. A Post Graduate training program will provide a comprehensive range of professional geological and geotechnical based skills, which have the potential to substantially improve productivity. Not only will these skills assist everyday decision making, but will facilitate better utilisation of consultants and consultancy reports. The courses will give early to mid-career geoscientists much greater competence, ability and confidence to operate in the workplace.

Entry requirement is a BSc degree or three (3) years experience as a Coal Geologist in the Industry.

Assessments

The 5-day intensive, will be followed by an assessable written assignment designed to demonstrate the capacity to generate and interpret geological data relevant to the course objectives.

What certification will I receive?

A Certificate of Attainment will be awarded for successful completion and a mark and grading will be recorded for the course.

Credit

The course is equivalent to 10 units and may be transferred to a relevant postgraduate or Masters Program at the University of Newcastle.

About the Course Convenor

Darren Hope has a BSc from the University of Newcastle, NSW, both an exploration Geologist and Open Cut Geologist.

Qualifications

About the Course Convenor

Darren Hope has a BSc from the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia, and 22 years of experience in the coal mining industry as both an exploration Geologist and Open Cut Geologist.

Darren was the Senior Geologist with Rio Tinto Coal NSW, Coal and Allied for 13 years, with roles from pit Geologist to Statutory Exploration Manager. More recently, 4 years with MAPTEK has seen him in the roles of support, training and consulting in MAPTEK's VULCAN software. Darren has now started his own company, Ground Designs Newcastle, providing geology and mine planning consulting to a variety of mining companies.
Creating geological models of coal deposits has been a key activity in Darren's exploration and mining roles. As Project Geologist on numerous teams, he has provided the exploration management and geology modelling. From drilling and coal analyses to resource reporting and mine planning support, he has guided many successful projects from exploration licences into operating open cut mines. Darren has used VULCAN, MINEX and MINCOM geological modelling software in geological modelling for creating both resource and pit geology models.With MAPTEK, Darren has trained Geologists and Engineers in VULCAN software at mining operations in NSW, Queensland, Mozambique and New Caledonia. He has instructed courses on Geological Modelling, Open Cut Coal Mine Design, Open Cut and Underground Metals, Dragline Design, Drill and Blast and Road Design. At the University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong and University of Newcastle, Darren has taught classes in Geological Modelling and Open Pit Mining.

Professional Affiliations

Darren is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and has been a member on the Executive of the NSW Coalfield Geology Council for the past 6 years.