GATE Syllabus for Mining Engineering (MN)

Section-1 Engineering Mathematics MN

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 MN

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 MN

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 in-situ 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 MN

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 MN

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 MN

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.