Metal Accounting
Intake commences 3 March 2025
- 40 PD hours
- 100% online
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Course Overview
- Gain an appreciation of the diversity, techniques and methodologies to accurately, reliably and efficiently track metal production from mine custody transfer point to saleable product.
- This course introduces the principles of the AMIRA P754 Code of Practice for Metal Accounting as a means for enabling reliable metal accounting.
- Gain the foundation and framework to deliver more accurate metal accounting reports and data outputs.
- Techniques and methodologies are reinforced with real world examples that can be applied in the workplace.
Who is this for?
Persons responsible for generating, utilising or supporting metal accounting reporting in the minerals industry including:
- Site Metallurgists
- Metallurgists accountable as the Competent Person
- Chemical or Process Engineers transitioning to Metallurgy roles
- Plant Design Metallurgists/Process Engineers
- Metallurgical Managers
Duration | Delivery | Course Type | 2025 Intakes | PD Hours | Language |
40 hours
|
100% online |
Professional
|
3 March 2025
|
Up to 40 |
English |
Course Modules
Module 1
Introduction to Metal Accounting and the P754 (Amira) Code of Practice
- ‘Metal Accounting’ in the minerals industry
- The context of the Amira Code and principles in the minerals industry
- Motivation for and benefits of accurate metal accounting
- Your role in providing the Competent
- Person with accurate and reliable information
Module 2
Basic Statistical Concepts for Measurement & Sampling
- Accuracy (trueness & bias) & Precision (variability)
- Quantifying Error & Uncertainty: Types and sources, detecting changes, control charts.
- Comparing Quantities & Variances: T Tests & Propagation of Error
- Heterogeneity, Fundamental Sampling Error, Sampling Nomogram, Sampling
Variogram
Module 3
Mass Measurement and Sampling
- Measuring mass flow
- Sampling theory and basics
- Sampling process streams
- Sampling stationary materials
- Measurement systems monitoring
Module 4
Sample Management, Sample Preparation and Laboratory Analysis
- Sample Management and Safety, Health and Environment
- Sample management and preparation
- Sample Analysis and QAQC
Module 5
Data Analysis
- Metal balancing requirements and methods
- Handling Inventory and data
- Reconciliation
Module 6
Data Management & Reporting
- Data storage and management principles
- Reporting audience and objectives
- Linking to financial reporting
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
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Download the course brochure
Professional Certificate in Metal Accounting
Learning Objectives
- Explain the principles of the AMIRA P754 Code of Practice for Metal Accounting and use it to critically appraise my site’s metal accounting practices
- Apply practical statistical methods to analyse, quantify and monitor accuracy (bias) and precision of primary metal accounting input measurements and related risk
- Identify current practices in metal accounting activities, and ways to improve practices in sampling, sample representativity, sample preparation, laboratory analysis, mass measurement, bias and error management, data management, reconciliation and reporting for metal accounting 
- Recognise the potential risks of poor metal accounting practices and possible mitigation procedures
- Identify requirements for sound data storage and management
- Relate integrity of reported metal accounts with financial reporting and associated corporate governance principles
- Explain how different disciplines interact across the minerals industry to facilitate accurate and transparent metal accounting reporting 
- Plan improvements to metal accounting practices that will ensure standardised, best practice metal accounting practices at my process plant/laboratory
Course Structure
The eight-week course consists of six modules over six weeks, with a final two weeks to complete the written assessment. Each module consists of:
- Pre-recorded videos, featuring interviews with experienced industry experts
- Interactive learning activities and discussion
- ‘Take home’ analytical tools that can be used in the workplace
- Multiple choice questions
- Additional reading including case studies
The written assessment requires participants to complete short answer questions that address the content presented in each module.
There are three live sessions held throughout the course and these are also recorded and available within 24 hours for participants who are unable to attend.
Recommended text
The recommended text for this course is An Introduction to Metal Balancing and Reconciliation, available for purchase from the University of Queensland. Participants are able to secure a 10% discount on the purchase of this publication (available in hard copy only). Participants are urged to order in plenty of time to allow for order processing and shipping. Please complete this form and email it to jkpublications@uq.edu.au.
Course Schedule
Course dates | Virtual classrooms | Assessment |
Course commences: 3 March 2025 Course closes: 27 April 2025 |
Module 2: Wednesday 12 March, 12.00–13.00 AEDT Module 4: Wednesday 26 March, 12.00–13.00 AEDT Module 5: Wednesday 2 April, 12.00–13.00 AEDT |
Due date: 27 April 2025 |
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, final assessment, 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. |
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. You can also choose to download a personalised certificate.
Course Facilitators
Karen McCaffery
Areas of specific expertise include metal accounting, having developed and deployed a comprehensive metal accounting standard and guideline based on the AMIRA Metal Accounting Code of Practice for a mining major, developing and embedding sound applied geo-metallurgical practices into day-to-day operations and production business planning and, process operational performance improvement across the complete plant flowsheet.
With over 25 years expatriate experience, a large part of her work has also been to develop others including metallurgists, engineers, operators and technicians to build their skills and capability. This includes building and managing a successful new graduate training scheme for metallurgists, mechanical and electrical engineers.
John Jessop
He has led a number of consulting engagements focused on process and governance weaknesses in various aspects of metal accounting and their resulting impact elsewhere in the business, as well as business process design and requirements analysis in preparation for metallurgical accounting and inventory management system implementations.
Dr Gail Gnoinski
She has a track record in the development and implementation of metal accounting best practices and improving efficiencies from the geo-metallurgical interface to the process plant and refinery/smelter and the final product, to capture value leakage and mitigate risk to ensure that organisations are better informed about the performance of their operations, and that financial reports are based on accurate and traceable data.
Gail is passionate about education in the minerals industry, and has actively led through mentorship of graduates, and facilitating workshops in sampling theory, geo-metallurgy, metal accounting reporting together with industry experts, aimed at the development and progression of operational knowledge and performance to competence and excellence.
Enrolments now open
Intake commences 3 March 2025
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Enrolments now open
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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 platform 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 the course videos and 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 entire course will run over eight weeks (six modules over six weeks plus another two weeks to finish the final assignment). It is expected that participants will take about 40 hours to finish the entire course. This includes attendance at live virtual classrooms and completion of all learning activities.
Must a participant complete and pass all modules in order to finish the course?
Yes, it is a requirement for participants to complete all modules and pass all learning activities, including the final assessment. A digital credential will be awarded upon successful completion.
How often will the courses be run?
We aim to run two intakes each year.
Will the course be delivered in other languages?
No, the course is currently delivered in English only.
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.