Mining Waec Syllabus

Below is this years Waec Syllabus for Mining. Note that this syllabus is for both internal and external candidates.

Aims and Objectives

explain the basic concepts associated with mining
acquire the basic knowledge of rocks and minerals
recognize the special properties and values of gems and precious minerals
explain the methods of extraction of minerals
explain the processing of minerals into useful products
appreciate the importance of health, safety and environment in the mining industry
develop requisite skills for and business attitudes to mining

Scheme of Examination

Detailed Mining Syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO MINING

Meaning and branches of mining
Terminology used in mining
Classification and importance of minerals
Distribution of minerals in Nigeria
History of mining
Mining activities in Nigeria
Importance of minerals to man and national economy
Minerals markets and cartels
Mine accounting and sources of finance for mining ventures
Aspects of Nigerian minerals and Mining Act, 2007
Mining titles acquisition

BASIC GEOLOGY

Definition of Geology and its scope
Relationship between Geology and Mining
Structure of the Earth
Relative abundance of elements in the Earth’s crust
Economic mineral potentials of Nigeria
Rocks and rock types ( igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic)
Rock-forming minerals
Physical and chemical properties of rock-forming minerals
Rock Cycle
Weathering
Simplified geological map of Nigeria
Mineral map of Nigeria
Collection and collation of geological data
Interpretation of topographical and geological maps
Drawing of simple geological cross-section

STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT IN MINING (BASIC CONCEPTS)

Classification of mining methods ( Surface and underground mining methods)
Choice of mining methods: Reasons for choosing surface or underground mining methods
Surface mining methods: quarrying, open pit mining, open cast mining, alluvial mining etc
Underground mining methods: room-and-pillar, longwall, cut-and-fill, shrinkage, block caving, sub-level etc
Comparison of surface and underground mining methods
Justification of choice of methods
Prospecting stage: meaning and outlines of prospecting techniques e.g. geological technique, geophysical technique, geochemical technique, remote sensing technique
Exploration stage: meaning and classification of exploration techniques (e.g. geological technique, geophysical technique, geochemical technique, remote sensing technique)
Meaning of feasibility study of a mining venture
Financial analysis in mining
Meaning of a mine, mine development, mineral processing design, mill design, mining as actual exploitation, list of unit operations in mining e.g. drilling, blasting etc.
Need for mineral processing, economic benefits of mineral processing, list of unit operations in mineral processing
Meaning and processes of metal extraction e.g. smelting (pyrometallurgy), hydrometallurgy and electrometallurgy

MINING METHODS

Surface mining methods:
- open pit as an example of surface mines, features of an open pit mine, minerals mined by open pit method
- Open cast mine as an example of a surface mine, features of an open cast mine
- Quarrying and Dimension Stones production: Meaning, products of quarrying, uses of products, unit operations of a quarry, flow sheet of the operations of a quarry
- Dimension stone production
- Minerals that are mined by open cast method
Underground mining methods
- Features of an underground mine
- Basic concepts of underground mining methods e.g. square setting, cut-and-fill, shrinkage, sub-level, long-hole, open long-hole, block-caving, open-cut
Sea-floor mining
Moon and asteroid mining
Materials handling equipment e.g. conveyor belt, trucks, pay-loader etc

INTRODUCTION TO MINERAL PROCESSING

Meaning of Mineral processing, comminution terms, concentration terms, mill accounting terms
Properties of minerals employed in mineral processing e.g. specific gravity, magnetism etc
Main operations in mineral processing i.e. comminution and concentration
Products of mineral processing e.g. concentrate and tailings, middling (intermediate product), dewatering in mineral processing, auxiliary operations, tailings disposal

GEMOLOGY AND LAPIDARY

Meaning of gemology and lapidary
Machines and tools in gemstone processing e.g. faceting machine, grinding machine, polishing machine, etc
Meaning and properties of gemstones
Types of gemstones based on shape, colour, size, refractive index etc
Characteristics and methods of identification of gemstones; quality of gemstones
Unit of measurement of gemstones, prices of gemstones
Marketing and prices of gemstones

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Health hazards in mining
Safety requirements/measures in mining
Impacts of mining on the environment
Safety equipment and apparels used in mining - personal protective equipment (PPE)
Common diseases associated with mining industry
Administering simple first aid, drugs/ dressing material
Guidelines for accident reporting, steps for environmental control
Basic issues in National policy on mineral development
Mining laws and regulations
Environmental protection laws
National policy on the environment

LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED

Description : Qty
- Spring balance : 2
- Fire extinguishers : 1
- Sand and water bucket : 1
- Specific gravity test apparatus(pycnometer) : 2
- Model of open pit mine : 1
- Model of underground mine : 1
- Samples of common rocks and minerals e.g. limestone, cassiterite : 5
- Samples of gemstone : 5
- Globe : 1
- Petrological microscope : 2
- Binocular microscope : 2
- Magnifying glass : 10
- Topographical maps : 5
- Geological maps : 5
- Chart of periodic table of elements : 1
- Thermometers : 5
- Electronic balance : 1
- Beakers : 5
- Cylinders : 5
- Petri dishes : 5

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