Exploration and Mining Geology MSc

Program Overview

This MSc program from Camborne School of Mines trains earth science graduates for careers in the extractive industry, specializing in exploration and mining geology. It provides comprehensive training in geological mapping, mineral exploration, ore deposit modeling, and environmental impact assessment. Graduates develop transferable skills for careers in mining, geoscience, and environmental sectors.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Taught by: The internationally established Camborne School of Mines (CSM), a combined mining school and geoscience department.
• Program Objective: To provide advanced specialized training for earth science graduates, leading to excellent employment opportunities in the extractive industry.
• Program Description:
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of a geoscientist working in the mining industry.
• Learn new skills including geological and geotechnical mapping, mineral exploration, ore microscopy, and ore deposit modelling.
• Gain knowledge in mineral resource estimation and grade control, mineral extraction and management, and the environmental impact of mining.
• Undertake individual research projects throughout the summer period, often as industrial placements with a mining/exploration company.
• Progress into careers in the national and international exploration and mining sectors, and gain transferable skills used in the broader geotechnical, site investigation and environmental industries.

Outline:

• Program Structure: Modular and flexible, carrying 180 credits in total, offering flexibility in choice of modules studied.
• Course Schedule:
• Begins in October each year.
• Taught elements conclude by May.
• Research project, under personal supervision, is carried out from April/May to late August.
• Modules:
• Compulsory Modules:
• CSMM118 Project and Dissertation (60 credits)
• CSMM135 Economics, Processing & Environment (15 credits)
• CSMM193 Exploration Targeting (15 credits)
• CSMM194 Exploration and Mining Geology (15 credits)
• CSMM195 Ore Deposit Geology (15 credits)
• CSMM218 Mineral Exploration Geophysics (15 credits)
• CSMM219 GIS for Mineral Explorationists and Geoenvironmental Engineers (15 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• CSMM094 Professionalism (0 credits)
• Term 1:
Choose 15 credits from:
• CSMM429 Industrial Rocks and Minerals (15 credits)
• CSMM445 Geometallurgy and Resource Modelling (15 credits)
• Term 2:
Choose 15 credits from:
• CSMM425 Ore Genesis (15 credits)

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Practical activities
• Case studies
• Industry visits
• Computer simulations
• Project work
• Dissertation
• Faculty:
• Taught by experts active in research and practice.
• Includes leading industry practitioners.
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on applied teaching and research relevant to careers in the earth resources and renewables sectors.
• Field visits and practical field-based assignments are used to emphasize key areas within each module.
• Students are encouraged to undertake projects directly linked with industry, which may result in industrial placements for their project period.
• Extensive use is made of Camborne School of Mines' geochemistry and mineral processing laboratories, and the superb field geology and extractive industry operations in South West England.
• Students become part of Exeter's Graduate School of Environment & Sustainability, a vibrant and supportive postgraduate community.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Mining and production geologists
• Exploration geologists
• Engineering and environmental geologists
• Opportunities:
• Excellent rates of graduate employment, with many postgraduates working overseas.
• Graduates have gone to work for companies such as Northern Star Resources, First Quantum Minerals, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals, and SRK Consulting.
• Outcomes:
• The program aims to produce high-quality graduates who can enjoy high employment rates and easy transition into further PhD study.

Other:

• Fieldwork:
• Students spend a proportion of their time in the field during the autumn term and over the Easter period.
• Required to participate in an international field trip to visit mines and exploration projects in a major mining region.
• Projects can be located worldwide, with previous students undertaking projects on six continents.
• Students have the opportunity to work on a discrete problem for 4 months, which can include software projects, fieldwork, and/or laboratory studies.
• Students participate in designing their research project with a sponsor, who provides help and support during the project.
• Location:
• Based on the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, a beautiful and diverse county with amazing geosites on your doorstep.
• Reputation:
• Camborne School of Mines has a world-class reputation and excellent alumni network.
In fact, there are normally several and they can often be found in influential positions."
• Tim Henderson, CSM Graduate and Mining Consultant
• Support and Opportunities:
• The CAS can help students identify attractive jobs, careers paths, and employers, and assist with CVs, interview techniques, and identifying work experience placements.

UK fees per year: £15,900 full-time International fees per year: £30,200 full-time