Updated at: 29-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Aspiring mining engineers should begin their careers by graduating from one of the world’s top mining engineering programs.

Mining engineering is a field that can be studied at a number of universities. The program was created to prepare students for more advanced work in the field.

Mining has been crucial to human progress from ancient times to the present day. Stone, ceramics, and later metals mined from or close to the earth’s surface have all been used by humans since the dawn of civilization.

Exploration and discovery of mineral resources, feasibility study, mine design, development of plans, production, operations, and mine closure are all tasks that may fall under the purview of a mining engineer.

We’ve compiled a list of the top mining engineering degree-granting institutions worldwide to help smooth out your professional trajectory.

Best Mining Engineering Schools

Best mining engineering schools

Colorado School of Mines

If you want to study mining engineering, Colorado School of Mines is one of the best universities in the country to do so. Mines is an average-sized public high school in the suburb of Golden. Mines is a fantastic university overall, as evidenced by its Best Colleges ranking of #59 out of 2,241 in the country.

In the most recent year for which data is available, approximately 41 students majoring in mining engineering graduated from Mines. Graduates of mining engineering programs report starting salaries of $71,308 on average after graduation.

University of Arizona

University of Arizona

If you’re looking for a great place to earn a mining engineering degree, look no further than the University of Arizona. The University of Arizona, located in the city of Tucson, is a large public university. With a Best Colleges ranking of #164 out of 2,241 institutions in the United States, the University of Arizona is a highly regarded educational institution.

In the most recent year for which data is available, the University of Arizona had 45 mining engineering graduates. The University of Arizona offers mining engineering students a salary that is $7,231 higher than the national average.

University of Utah

The University of Utah (U of U) is a large public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. The University of Utah is a fantastic institution with a Best Colleges ranking of #210.

In the most recent data year, about 8 students majoring in mining engineering graduated from U of U. Graduates of mining engineering programs report starting salaries of $67,359 on average.

University of Nevada – Reno

Reno, Nevada is home to UNR, a massive public university. When compared to the other top universities in Nevada, this one comes in at #2.

In the most recent available data year, UNR had about 11 mining engineering majors graduate.

Curtin University

Curtin University

Since its inception in 1966, Curtin University has grown into a fertile melting pot of cultures, ideas, and talents.

With a rapidly expanding global presence, Curtin University is truly an international institution. It has locations in Perth and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia; Malaysia; Singapore; Dubai; and Mauritius; and a global network of partnering universities.

As word of Curtin spread, the university rose rapidly in global university rankings.

The University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ) has always had a strong reputation for being a positive force for positive change in the world.

UQ is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world, and it is one of only three Australian members of the international Universitas 21.

UQ’s three beautiful campuses serve more than 53,600 students across South-East Queensland. UQ’s diverse, encouraging, and welcoming campus community includes more than 18,000 international students.

Saint-Petersburg Mining University

Saint-Petersburg Mining University

In 1773, at the behest of Empress Catherine II, the first technical university in the country, Saint-Petersburg Mining University, opened its doors to its first students.

All eight of the university’s departments can now boast an unparalleled combination of the most prestigious history and state-of-the-art facilities.

It provides the finest education possible to more than 12,000 students, offering a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist profiles for aspiring employees of Russian and international companies involved in estimation, prospecting, exploitation, exploration, and processing of raw materials, oil, gas, diamonds, and ores. The advanced facilities and well-trained faculty make this possible. Keep reading to learn more about the top mining engineering programs worldwide.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

The University of New South Wales is widely recognized as one of the world’s finest educational and research institutions.

They’ve been around since 1949, and now they host over 60,000 students from over 130 different countries. Their alumni base is over 300,000.

UNSW is committed to being a leader in research and establishing a foundation for the next generation of exceptional global citizens to achieve professional success.

Their main campus can be found on a 38-hectare plot of land in Kensington, just seven kilometers from the heart of Sydney. UNSW Art & Design (Paddington) and UNSW Canberra at ADFA are two additional campuses (Australian Defence Force Academy).

Through excellent undergraduate, graduate, and research programs, they equip students to make the most of future-altering opportunities.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

Penn State was founded in 1855 as an agricultural college, and it accepted its first students in 1859. After being designated as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant university in 1863, Penn State eventually broadened its mission to include education, research, and public service in a variety of disciplines.

Penn State operates Penn State World Campus, which provides online degree programs, in addition to its 23 other campuses located throughout Pennsylvania.

Although some of these locations, such as the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, have distinct academic responsibilities, they all share a common vision, values, and goals.

McGill University

McGill University in Montreal is home to the highest proportion of Ph.D. students of any Canadian research institution and attracts thousands of international students from over 150 countries each year.

The 50 research centers and institutes, 400 programs, storied history, and active alumni network of 250,000 people around the world all contribute to McGill University’s stellar reputation.

The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA), with campuses in Perth and Albany, is a vibrant and forward-thinking community of professors, researchers, students, and staff who are united by a thirst for knowledge.

UWA’s Perth campus is a mix of beautiful early 20th-century sandstone and terracotta buildings and more modern facilities surrounded by leafy heritage-listed gardens. It is located just 10 minutes from Perth’s bustling central shopping and business district, and it is bordered by the picturesque Swan River.

UWA is widely regarded as a top institution for research and higher learning, attracting students from over 100 different countries to its more than 5,000 international student population.

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta has earned a reputation for excellence in the fields of the humanities, natural sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, the health sciences, and more, making it not only one of Canada’s best universities but also one of the world’s best public research-intensive universities.

The University of Alberta has a long and distinguished history, having graduated over 250,000 successful individuals over the past century.

Edmonton, Alberta, home to one million people and the heart of the province’s booming energy industry, is where the University of Alberta can be found.

Located in the heart of Edmonton, the main campus is easily accessible by bus or subway from anywhere in the city. Almost 40,000 students call this place home; more than 7,000 of them come from abroad, representing more than 150 countries.

The University of Melbourne

In 1853, with only four professors and sixteen students, the University of Melbourne was founded in a small cluster of buildings in a large park on the outskirts of the city. The university, which is now located in the middle of a bustling international city, is routinely ranked as one of the top institutions of higher education in the world and as Australia’s best.

Around 65,000 students, including 30,000 international students from more than 130 countries, are supported by an impressive faculty and staff of more than 8,000.

Melbourne is well-known for providing students with opportunities beyond traditional classroom instruction. The main Parkville campus is conveniently located near public transportation, cafes, shopping, art galleries, sports arenas, and hotels.

Most students live in one of the university’s 10 residential colleges, which facilitates quick academic and social integration. University life revolves around academics, but students also have access to extracurricular activities at their respective colleges.

Virginia Tech Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering (Blacksburg, VA)

Virginia Tech is well-known for producing knowledgeable and experienced industry leaders in the field of mining engineering. Undergraduates benefit from small class sizes (7 students to 1 faculty member) and individualized attention. Professors in the field of mining engineering are as varied as the students they teach.

Eighty percent of students can find meaningful employment in the field, oftentimes in partnership with prominent local businesses. The Department of Mining and Mineral Engineering at Virginia Tech actively seeks candidates for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions.

Recruiters in the mining industry look favorably on students at Virginia Tech because of the quality of their education. This has resulted in one of the highest job placement rates for mining and minerals engineering graduates. Virginia Tech grads remain in contact with their former majors.

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, MS)

Mining engineering students at Missouri S&T have access to a wide variety of electives. Materials engineers learn about explosives, ventilation, mine design, rock mechanics, and rescue procedures. Undergraduates can supplement more conventional majors with more out-of-the-ordinary minors like mineral processing or explosives engineering.

Mining equipment and best practices are taught to students in the classroom. The Kennedy Experimental Mine Building gives them practical training for actual mining conditions. Students majoring in mining engineering can get the mental and physical training they need at these facilities.

Students in the mining industry can also put their knowledge and skills to use in the real world. Students can build their professional networks and attend events by joining groups like the International Society of Explosives Engineers and the Missouri S&T Mine Rescue Team.

FAQs

What is Mining Engineering?

Minerals can be extracted via mining from the earth, the air, or the ground.

Mining engineering is closely related to many other disciplines, including mineral processing, exploration, excavation, geology, metallurgy, geotechnical engineering, and surveying.

From initial resource discovery to final mine closure, a mining engineer may be in charge of feasibility studies, mine design, plan development, production, or operations.

How long does it take to complete a degree in Mining Engineering?

It typically takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering. To achieve this objective, however, you will need to enroll in a full course load each semester. This is equivalent to 15 credits at most schools.

What is the growth prospect of Mining Engineering?

From 2018 to 2028, the job market for mining engineers is expected to grow by 3 percent, which is lower than the average growth rate of all occupations. Demand for mining operations will spur the expansion of the mining and geological engineering workforce.

Why should I Attend a Mining Engineering School?

This concentration teaches students to safely and responsibly mine for valuable resources like coal, metals, and diamonds.

A mining engineer’s duties also include mine management and planning. This education will teach you the technical aspects of mining and mineral science.

In addition, you’ll learn about mineral processing methods. Mining engineers typically receive an all-encompassing education before choosing to specialize in one mineral or metal.

Conclusion

Choosing to enroll in a mining engineering program at one of the top mining engineering universities in the world is one of the best decisions you can make. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of engineering courses at varying levels of difficulty and intensity.

However, one factor to consider is the cost of tuition. The cost of enrolling in an engineering program varies. You should also use this article as a guide to find a program that is a good fit for you once you’ve made the decision to enroll in one of the best mining engineering programs in the world.