Study Processes for Resource Projects
Intake commences 3 November 2025
20 PD hours
100% online
AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)
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Flexible
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 Duration |
 Delivery |
 Course Type |
 Next intake |
 PD Hours |
 Language |
20 hours
|
100% online |
Associate Certificate |
3 November 2025 |
Up to 20 |
English |
Course Overview
Gain clarity and confidence in navigating study phases for resource projects.
This practical online course equips mining professionals with a structured understanding of study processes across the project lifecycle – from scoping to feasibility to execution.
You’ll learn how to contribute more effectively to study outcomes, align with stakeholder expectations, and drive project success.
Over 5 weeks, you’ll explore key study stages, governance frameworks, and real-world examples, guided by industry experts with extensive project experience.
- No prior study management experience required
- Flexible online delivery
- Digital certificate on completion
Who Should Enrol?
This course is ideal for professionals involved in or supporting resource project studies, including:
- Mining engineers and geologists
- Project and study managers
- Technical and commercial analysts
- Graduate or early-career professionals
- Consultants and service providers
- Operational team members contributing to study phases
What You'll Learn
Understand the structure and purpose of study processes in mining:
- Overview of study phases: Scoping, PFS, FS, and DFS
- Governance, risk, and evaluation principles
- Key deliverables and decision-making milestones
- Practical examples and case studies from real resource projects
Career Outcomes
- Step into roles supporting study or project management
- Develop cross-functional awareness of project lifecycle stages
- Strengthen your strategic thinking and commercial insight
Course Modules
Module 1
Introduction, Environment, Social and Permitting
- Describe why study guidelines are important, and the different interpretations
- Identify naming conventions and list the components of each study phase
- Describe the considerations to address in a study for internal and external audience groups
- Develop a personal list of valuable resources and international standards
- Describe the scene setting aspects of a study
- Describe the environmental and social considerations for a study
- Identify types of permits, other than the ESIA permit, which may be required
Module 2
Geology, Mining and Metallurgy
- Recognise the link between deposit knowledge and study definition
- Identify important strategic concepts in developing a life-of-mine plan
- Explain the influence of mineral-deposit characteristics on mining and processing strategies
- Outline the impact of mining and processing design-and-scheduling decisions, on business outcomes
- Recognise technical risk-management-strategies applied in studies, to address inherent uncertainty
Module 3
Engineering Requirements, Forward Work Plans and Study Process Controls
- Identify the key engineering components required to support the project
- Demonstrate a structured framework for advancing engineering design at the right time through the study process
- Recognise the importance of establishing study controls
- Recognise the importance of the role and requirement for forward works and project implementation plans
Module 4
The Business Case (and wrap-up)
- List the key components of a study charter and business case
- Develop and communicate an effective value proposition
- Describe the assessment of risk in a sustainable business case
- Explain the concept of transparency and accuracy for each of level of study for decision-makers
Course Pricing
- Exclusive discounts
- Access to digital library
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- Industry insights
- Exclusive discounts
- Access to digital library
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- Industry insights
- Exclusive discounts
- Access to digital library
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- Industry insights
Save 10% on group bookings Enquire now
Download the course brochure
Study Processes for Resource Projects
Learning Objectives
- Describe the characteristics and activities associated with study development and study progress, between exploration and operations
- Explain the concept and actions towards ensuring the quality of studies
- Define the role and components of study processes
- Outline study requirements that feed into a robust business case
Course Structure
The five-week course is a collaborative, hands-on online learning experience, taking learners approximately 20 hours to complete. Please note the live sessions are not mandatory. The virtual classrooms will be recorded and available on the same day for participants who are unable to attend the live event. Course content includes:
- Live virtual classrooms
- Videos of interviews with various subject matter experts
- Additional resources and readings
- Group discussion forums
- Learning activities in the form of short test questions
Course Schedule
| Course dates |
Virtual classrooms |
|
Course commences: 3 November 2025 Course closes: 7 December 2025 |
Module 1: Thursday 6 November, 11.30–13.00 AEDT Module 2: Thursday 13 November, 11.30–13.00 AEDT Module 3: Thursday 20 November, 11.30–13.00 AEDT Module 4: Thursday 27 November, 11.30–13.00 AEDT |
|
Note: The virtual classrooms listed above are the only scheduled activities for this course but they are not the only activities. All other course work (eg videos, readings, activities, etc) can be completed at your own pace on the learning platform within the course duration. All activities must be completed before the course close date. The virtual classrooms will be recorded and made available within 24 hours for those participants unable to attend the scheduled sessions. |
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Course Facilitators
Peter Fairfield
Lisa Park
Karl van Olden
Enrolments now open
Next intake commences 3 November 2025
AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews) by past participants
Earn digital credentials
Showcase your studies, validate your knowledge
Verify your new skills and knowledge with a digital badge that you can add to your LinkedIn profile, email signature, intranet, or any other online account.
Your badge links to a detailed outline of the course, showcasing and validating your new skills in a format that employers and colleagues can easily access and trust.
Free template
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Enrolments now open
Next intake commences 3 November 2025
AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews) by past participants
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Frequently asked questions
What are the technical requirements to participate in the course? i.e. do I need a webcam, microphone, etc?
The course will be run entirely online via a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) which can be accessed via computer, tablet or phone. Participants will simply need to have a working Internet connection and a computer, tablet or phone with sound to access the course. Please note that some course videos and the virtual classroom recordings are hosted on Vimeo. Participants in regions where Vimeo is blocked may need to use a VPN to access these materials.
How long will the course take?
The full course is estimated to take about 20 hours of learning. Participants will have access to the course platform for five weeks to complete all modules.
How often will the courses be run?
We aim to run two intakes each year.
Do I have to attend the live sessions?
No, all virtual classrooms are recorded and made available on the learning platform for participants who are unable to attend the live session.
Will the course be delivered in other languages?
At the moment, no, but we will be looking at delivering the course in other languages in the near future.
How many PD hours do I receive for undertaking the course?
Participants can earn professional development (PD) hours for undertaking the course. One contact hour of technical content is equivalent to one PD hour.
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AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)