David Michaud

Since 1993, when he obtained his Mining Engineering Degree from Queen’s University, David has acquired experience in operating roles including many years in post-commissioning operations troubleshooting. Mineral Processing and Metallurgy has become a core strength and passion for Mr. Michaud. Learn more at https://www.911metallurgist.com/about-us/

Open Cast Mining Advantages

In the previous topic, we saw which are some of the advantages that can make the surface open pit mining methods superior method compared to the underground mining. However, underground mining has its own advantages. And finally, the ultimate decision to mine from the surface or from underground comes down to the specific characteristics of … Read more

Stop Mining Method

Stop Mining Flat Deposit In the previous topic you were introduced to the different methods adapted to mine underground deposits. Well the basic elements are common to most underground mining operations, there are many variations in the theme. In the next three topics we will see how these methods can be adapted to mining deposits … Read more

Mining Engineering & Mineral Exploration Economics

Mining Engineering is a lot about applying the knowledge of applied science and Engineering Mechanics to the successful extraction of useful geological resources. So in this first module we will overview the mining process in its entirety and identify those aspects which are the realm of the mining engineering. Then in the next three modules … Read more

Rock Mass & Rock Matrix – Discontinuities

In this topic we will discuss what constitutes a rock mass and its relevance for engineering.in this photo, you can see a rock face and what is quite clear is that the rock is not homogeneous. Compare to this specimen of sandstone, which has a uniform color and no clear planes crossing it. In contrast, … Read more

Mining Geomechanics – Stress & Strain

We’re going to introduce in this topic the two key variables required to define the fundamental behaviour of materials. These variables are stress and strain. In many engineering applications it is required to assess how a structure deforms or behaves under a load. Making such an assessment requires some knowledge about the material constituting the … Read more

Mining Exploration Process

How Explorers develop an exploration strategy, how they develop an exploration model and design an exploration program and select the optimal exploration tools to carry out that program. As usual of the talk will end with a series of learning points from this talk.   There are two fundamental truths about the exploration industry; the … Read more

Cave Mining

In the previous topic, we considered methods of stope mining were the stopes were intended to stay open and collapse and collapse of the roof was not an intended outcome. In some situations however, it may be permissible or even desirable that the roof of the mine collapse to fill the stope as mining proceeds. … Read more

Witwatersrand Gold Deposits

Here is some history of the Witwatersrand Gold Style Ore Deposits as they related to South Africa since the arrival of the Dutch and the southernmost tip of the continent in 1652. The Dutch set up a small fort where Cape Town stands today and started Market Gardens as a place that the Dutch East … Read more

Uranium Geology

I’ll start with a general discussion of uranium its uses, production, resources and the main uranium ore minerals. Then I want to focus the bulk of the course on the types of Uranium Ore deposits, discussing as I go along how those deposit types are formed and how we go about exploring for them. Then … Read more