The American Society of Appraisers (ASA), a multidiscipline, nonprofit international organisation of professional appraisers, is offering an advanced mining course, which coincides with this year’s MINExpo International.

The course comprises three days of classroom-based education at the Embassy Suites of the Las Vegas Convention Centre, in Nevada, in the US, from September 23 to 25 and two days at MINExpo 2016, which will take place from September 26 to 28, also at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

The course is designed to provide additional information on mining capital equipment cost estimates; expand on mining safety; discuss high-wall hazards; follow the process of mining, milling, smelting and solvent extraction electrowinning of metals; and review the equipment used, its life expectancy and impacts on value.

It will also discuss the current state of mining conditions in the US and where to look for trends and additional information to support an appraiser’s opinion of value.

The course will also enhance students’ knowledge of mining appraisal terminology, methods and concepts; broaden their skills set by providing coursework focused on a speciality in the appraisal of mining equipment and processes; and enhance their career path and professional potential.

Correspondingly, students will also be given information on the life-cycle costing of large capital equipment in addition to the general cost approach for equipment. Mine infrastructure – from interceptor wells and industrial wells to rail road spurs – will also be discussed, as will the electrical requirements of mines and the general footprint of a mine for future growth. The ways in which new construction, environmental issues and technology might impact on mining going forward will also be addressed.

“MINExpo is the best place for students to get the highest level of education and help them gain insight from well-known professionals who are in the mining industry,” ASA instructor Charles Ruth tells Mining Weekly.

In a question and answer session held in March, in Reston, Virginia, to discuss the ASA’s advanced mining course, Ruth highlighted what made the mining industry important to machinery and technical specialities (MTS) appraisers.

He explained that the search for metals had been an international activity since antiquity and mining turned truly global before most other branches of industry. Tracing the centre of gravity of global mining over the past two centuries, Ruth noted, demonstrated its role as a foundation of society, which had been the case throughout history.

“Since this industry is in constant movement, the demand for new equipment, and the buying and selling of mine sites requires that the appraiser has a well-rounded knowledge base to appraise the equipment,” he concluded.

The ASA has participated in the past three MINExpos and notes that, with technological advances moving so quickly in the industry, this event is one of the best places to be exposed to the latest developments and available technology.

“If one has never been to the MINExpo, or has had limited experience in the mining industry, whoever you are, you’ll be blown away by the shear size of the equipment on display,” expresses Ruth.

He adds that the event will provide MTS appraisers with many opportunities to see and meet experts in the field of mining while being exposed to state-of the-art equipment and technology.

“MINExpo is where mining people go to get fresh ideas, see what improvements manufacturers have come up with and reunite with old friends.”