Mining Engineering (MN)

Candidates writing the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2022 examination can choose out of a total of 29 subject papers. One of these is Mining Engineering (Code: MN). Here is the detailed syllabus for GATE 2022 Mining Engineering: 

Section 1: Engineering Mathematics:

• Linear Algebra: Matrices and Determinants, Systems of linear equations, Inverse and Rank of matrix, Cayley-Hamilton Theorem, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

• Calculus:  Sequences and series, Taylor’s theorem, Limit, continuity and differentiability, Fourier series, Partial Derivatives, Indeterminate forms and L’ Hospital’s rule, Mean value theorems, Maxima and minima, Test for convergence

• Vector Calculus: Gradient, Line, Divergence and Curl, Stokes, Gauss and Green’s theorems, Surface and volume integrals

• Differential Equations: Linear and non-linear first order ODEs, Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations, Higher order linear ODEs with constant coefficients

• Probability and Statistics: Measures of central tendency and dispersion, Correlation and regression analysis, Hypothesis testing, Binomial, Poisson, exponential and normal distributions 

• Numerical Methods: Solutions of linear algebraic equations, Integration of trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule, Interpolation, Single and multi-step methods for differential equations

Section 2: Mining Geology, Mine Development and Surveying: 

• Mining Geology: Minerals, Rocks and their Origin, Classification, Structural Geology, Ore Genesis 

• Mine Development: Methods of access to deposits, Drilling method and machines, Underground drivages, Rock-Tool Interaction applicable to mechanical cutting systems and their selection, Explosives and energetics, blasting devices, blast design practices 

• Mine Surveying: Levels and levelling, theodolite, tacheometry, triangulation, Errors and adjustments, Contouring, Underground surveying, Photogrammetry, EDM, Total Station, GPS, Basics of GIS and remote sensing, Correlation, Curves 

Section 3: Geomechanics and Ground Control: 

• Engineering Mechanics: Equivalent force systems, Two dimensional frames and trusses, Equations of equilibrium, Friction forces, Particle kinematics and dynamics, Free body diagrams, Beam analysis
• Geomechanics: Geo-technical properties of rocks, Instrumentation and in-situ stress measurement techniques, Rock mass classification, Ground vibrations, Stress distribution around mine openings, Slope stability, Theories of rock failure, Subsidence 
• Ground Control: Design of pillars, Mine filling, Roof supporting systems, 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, Rescue apparatus and practices, Underground hazards from fires, explosions, dust and inundation, Accident data analysis, Assessment, Mine legislation, Occupational health and safety, Safety management plan, Mine lighting 

Section 6: Mineral Economics, Mine Planning, Systems Engineering: 

• Mineral Economics: Mineral resource classification, Mine valuation, Discounted cash flow analysis, 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.