Mining Engineering

Program Overview

The University of Western Australia's Mining Engineering program equips students with the technical skills, industry knowledge, and hands-on experience to succeed in the global resources sector. Through comprehensive coursework in mining operations, rock mechanics, and data science, students gain a deep understanding of the industry and are prepared for diverse career paths. The program emphasizes practical learning, internships, and industry collaborations, ensuring graduates are highly sought after by employers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Mining Engineering program at the University of Western Australia (UWA) is a four-year, full-time program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving mining industry.
• Objectives: The program aims to develop students' technical skills, mining science knowledge, industry connections, and hands-on experience to excel in the global resources sector.
Students will gain a deep understanding of core mining engineering concepts and apply this knowledge to specialized areas like deposit evaluation, mine design, mine production, and environmental management.
• Program Description: The program provides a comprehensive education in surface mining, underground mining, rock mechanics, and mine design.
Students will also be exposed to geology, data science, Python coding, finance, and management. The program culminates in a final year research project, allowing students to develop and test new ideas and gain extensive hands-on experience.

Outline:

• Course Structure: The program is structured across four levels, with core units and bridging units.
• Level 1: Core units include Chemistry, Discovering Earth, Engineering Practice 1, Introduction to Engineering, Earth Systems Engineering, Multivariable Calculus, Mathematical Theory and Methods, and Physics for Scientists and Engineers.
Bridging units include Introductory Chemistry, Mathematics Foundations: Specialist, and Physics Bridging Unit.
• Level 3: Core units include Engineering Practice 3, Underground Mining 1, Rock Mechanics, Mineral Resources, Geotechnology of Mine Waste, and Surface Mining.
• Level 4: Core units include Extractive Metallurgy, Engineering Research Project Part 1, Engineering Research Project Part 2, Professional Engineering Portfolio, Project Management and Engineering Practice, Risk, Reliability and Safety, Mining Engineering Services, Underground Mining 2, Mining Management, and Mining Engineering Design Project 1.
• Course Schedule: The program is offered in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
• Individual Modules: The program covers a wide range of modules, including:
• Underground Mining: This module covers the principles and practices of underground mining, including room and pillar mining, longwall mining, and cut-and-fill mining.
• Mine Design: This module covers the design of mining operations, including mine layout, mine ventilation, and mine drainage.
• Data Science: This module introduces students to the use of data science techniques in mining engineering.
• Management: This module covers the management principles and practices relevant to mining operations.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams:
Written exams are used to assess students' understanding of core concepts.
• Assignments: Assignments are used to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
• Projects: Projects are used to assess students' ability to work independently or in teams to solve complex engineering problems.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
Lectures are used to deliver core concepts and provide an overview of key topics.
• Tutorials: Tutorials are used to provide students with opportunities to practice their skills and ask questions.
• Laboratory Sessions: Laboratory sessions are used to provide students with hands-on experience with mining equipment and techniques.
• Field Trips: Field trips are used to expose students to real-world mining operations and provide them with an opportunity to see the concepts they are learning in action.
• Faculty: The program is taught by internationally recognized experts who are at the forefront of the latest ideas and technologies in mining engineering.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes practical learning and industry engagement.
Students have opportunities to work on real-world projects, participate in industry internships, and network with industry professionals.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Mining Engineering program at UWA are highly sought after by employers in the mining industry and related sectors.
Potential career paths include:
• Mining Engineer:
This role involves planning, designing, and overseeing mining operations.
• Technical Specialist: This role involves providing technical expertise in specific areas of mining engineering, such as blasting, software, or environmental management.
• Operations Manager: This role involves managing the day-to-day operations of a mine.
• Consultant: This role involves providing consulting services to mining companies on a variety of issues.
• Researcher: This role involves conducting research in mining engineering to develop new technologies and improve existing practices.
• Opportunities: The mining industry offers a wide range of opportunities for travel and career advancement.
Graduates of the UWA Mining Engineering program are well-positioned to work in mining operations around the world.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a significant contribution to the mining industry.
They are also well-prepared for further study in areas such as mining engineering, geology, or environmental science.

Other:

• Industry Partnerships: UWA has strong industry partnerships with leading mining companies, such as BHP, Rio Tinto, and FMG.
These partnerships provide students with opportunities for internships, research projects, and networking.
• Student Clubs: Students can join a variety of student clubs related to mining engineering, such as the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the University Engineers' Club (UEC), the UWA Young Engineers' Club (UWAYE), and Engineers Without Borders (EWB).
• EZONE UWA: Students have access to EZONE UWA, a world-class innovation and technological hub for engineering and mathematical science students.
EZONE provides flexible workspaces for collaborative learning and industry interaction.
• Location: The program is located in Perth, Western Australia, which is considered the world's leading center for mining engineering.
This provides students with access to a wealth of industry resources and opportunities.