Mining Environmental Management MSc

Program Overview

This MSc program in Mining Environmental Management equips students with multidisciplinary expertise in environmental geochemistry and mineralogy, enabling them to address the environmental impacts of mining. Combining scientific theory with practical skills, the program prepares graduates for careers in mining and environmental industries, consultancy, academia, and government. Students benefit from applied teaching, research, industry visits, and a strong alumni network.

Program Outline

MSc Mining Environmental Management: Detailed Program Breakdown

Degree Overview:

This MSc program focuses on environmental geochemistry and mineralogy, equipping students with a multidisciplinary skillset encompassing natural, engineering, and social science aspects of mining environmental management.

Objectives:

• Gain specialist expertise in environmental geochemistry and mineralogy.
• Develop a multidisciplinary skillset covering natural, engineering, and social science aspects of mining environmental management.
• Receive training in the management, remediation, and mitigation of the environmental impacts of mining.
• Become a sought-after geoscientist, assisting mining companies and governments in sustainable mining practices and environmental protection.
• Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in national and international mining and environmental industries, consultancy, academia, government, or non-governmental organizations.

Outline:

The program is built upon a strong foundation of scientific and social science theory in mining environmental management, coupled with practical application of field, laboratory, and computing skills. Students gain experience in acquiring, synthesizing, and critically evaluating data from various geochemical, mineralogical, remote sensing, and social science databases.

Modules:

Compulsory Modules:

• CSMM443 Research Project and Scientific Article (90 Credits): This module focuses on developing research skills and writing a scientific article.
• CSMM135 Economics, Processing & Environment (15 Credits): This module explores the economic, processing, and environmental aspects of mining.
• CSMM185 Soil and Water Contamination (15 Credits): This module examines the causes, effects, and management of soil and water contamination in mining contexts.
• CSMM441 Mine Waste Characterisation, Prediction and Treatment (15 Credits): This module focuses on the characterization, prediction, and treatment of mine waste, including its environmental impacts.
• CSMM442 Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development (15 Credits): This module explores the political, social, and economic dimensions of mining and its relationship to sustainable development.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, practical activities, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work, and a dissertation. Field visits and practical field-based assignments are incorporated to emphasize key areas within each module.

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Practical activities
• Case studies
• Industry visits
• Computer simulations
• Project work
• Dissertation

Faculty:

The program is taught by experts active in research and practice, ensuring students are exposed to the latest ideas, research discoveries, and new technologies. All academic staff are involved in internationally recognized scientific research across a wide range of topics. Leading industry practitioners also contribute to the teaching.

Careers:

This MSc program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the mining and environmental industries, including:

• Mining and environmental industries
• Consultancy
• Academia
• Government
• Non-governmental organizations

Potential Career Roles:

• Environmental consultant
• Mining engineer
• Environmental scientist
• Research scientist
• Policy analyst
• The program is delivered at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, which offers a unique and supportive learning environment.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in an international field trip to Spain, visiting sites impacted by mining and related management and remediation projects.
• The program is part of the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability, providing students with a vibrant and interdisciplinary learning experience.
• The program emphasizes applied teaching and research relevant to careers in the mining environmental management sectors.
• The program offers a strong alumni network, providing graduates with valuable connections and career opportunities.

• 2024/25 entry
• UK fees per year:
£13,700 full-time £6,850 part-time (where available)
• International fees per year:
£27,500 full-time £13,750 part-time (where available)