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Mining Engineering
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Program |
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) |
Mining engineers are concerned with extracting and processing valuable ores from the earth. They use their knowledge of mathematics, computer applications, economics and physical sciences to manage the mining operation, from exploration and discovery, through feasibility, development, production and processing, and on to the final stage of marketing the product. As minerals are produced within a naturally occurring environment, disturbance of the environment as a result of mineral production is inevitable. Modern mining engineers must therefore be concerned not only with the production and processing of minerals, but also with the responsibility that they have to the environment. Consequently, the rehabilitation and restoration of a mine site is now a large part of a mining engineer’s role. (See Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, CMLR, UQ)
Mining engineers work with a vast array of other professionals, including geologists, metallurgists, and economists, depending on the stage reached in the mining continuum. Team and project management are therefore major roles for the mining engineer. A broad knowledge of the mining industry and of economic and environmental considerations is especially important.
As mining is currently a major contributor to Australia’s wealth, there are many opportunities for advancement within the industry. UQ’s Division of Mining Engineering is a national leader in the field and is involved in training, research and consulting in the global industry. Our researchers advise all levels of government, and our graduates hold positions in many international companies, universities and consultancies.
What does the future hold?
The work done by mining engineers has changed significantly with advances in technology, globalisation and economic reform. The high-level multidisciplinary research activities of mining engineering combine specialties like geology, minerals processing and materials to investigate sustainability in mining at the Sustainable Minerals Institute.
New directions for mining engineering will almost certainly continue in the direction and broad context of sustainable development—finding new ways to extract the earth’s resources while managing any damage or environmental change that occurs as a result of the process.
The following areas are available to study with the Mining Engineering major.
Geomechanics
Geomechanics is the geologic study of the behaviour of soil and rock. Applications of geomechanics include mine waste management, mine closure, and mineral processing; field instrumentation and monitoring; materials modelling; computational geomechanics; and laboratory modelling and characterisation.
As mining activity continues to expand, engineers skilled in geomechanics will be required to meet the challenges of ever-deeper open pits and underground operations, in high stress environments, and the management of escalating mining and processing wastes and mine site rehabilitation.
Minerals Process Engineering
Mineral process engineering combines comminution, flotation, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy to extract and refine valuable minerals from raw ores, as well as protect and restore the environment.
Using sophisticated, modern technologies, mineral process engineers also create new products from materials that were once considered waste, cleaning up the landscape while promoting economic growth.
UQ has one of the most comprehensive and powerful areas specifically devoted to the activities of the minerals and related industries in Australia.
Software Engineering
Software engineering is the systematic approach to the development, operation, maintenance and retirement of software; the controlling element of computer-based systems.
As society has become even more dependent on computers, one of the biggest challenges is the creation of new software necessary to make computers useful.
Software engineers work in large multinational companies, state and federal government departments and agencies, as well as small, specialised consulting companies. Defence, transport, games and security are just a few of the areas where software engineers.
Employment Opportuntites
Graduates have a range of employment options in the mining industry, such as engineering, operations, sales and management. Governments employ mining engineers, but most are employed by mining companies, large and small. Ores such as gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and uranium have individual engineering requirements for mining. Similarly, coal, natural gas, limestone and phosphate rock are mined in particular ways. Graduates may choose to become involved in one or a number of these operations.
Visit our Careers in Mining Engineering page for further information.
UQ Bonus Rank Scheme
The UQ Bonus Rank Scheme offers students who complete Year 12 in Australia a chance to improve their rank to gain entry to their preferred program. For more information please click here.
Full program details and entry requirements
Non-Award Enrolment
If you have the skills and background to enrol in individual courses, but you are not qualified to enter an award program, you may be eligible to enrol as a domestic non-award student on a fee-paying basis, for training purposes. This option is not available to international students.
The University's Enhanced Studies program allows students in selected high schools to enrol in first year level university courses, while completing their Year 12 studies.
Full list of BE courses
Study information for Mining Engineering students
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