Program Overview

Your degree in Mining Engineering

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Mining Engineering, you’re learning to extract valuable geological materials from the earth while reducing the environmental footprint of such activities. You’ll develop important skills in mineral processing, material handling, and mine management.

These skills may include:

• Design and development of underground and surface mines including ventilation, drainage and transportation systems, maintenance programs, as well as mine closure activities
• Establishing sustainable practices, methods and technologies to design as well as operate mining and mineral processing facilities
• Analysis and evaluation of mine production performance data and implementing improvements
• Application of mineral processing techniques and methods including sampling, crushing, screening, classification, and separation
• Development, planning, and analysis of material handling processes to determine production rates and capacity
• Conducting feasibility studies to define appropriate mine site activities, mining methods, equipment selection, and financial and human capital requirement
• Effective communication of ideas and development of relationships with internal stakeholders and community partners to achieve project goals

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including mineral exploration, mine design and management, banking and venture capital, mining equipment and manufacturing, mineral and metal production and processing, environmental consulting, energy and utilities, technical sales and support, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Some career options may include:

• Business analyst for mining
• Civil engineer
• Consulting mining engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Financial analyst for the mining sector
• Geological engineer
• Geotechnical engineer
• Investor relations analyst
• Machine and equipment designer
• Mine closure specialist
• Mine construction inspector
• Mine design engineer
• Mine development engineer
• Mine layout engineer
• Mine planning engineer
• Mine production engineer
• Mine safety engineer
• Mine ventilation engineer
• Mineral dressing engineer
• Mineral engineer
• Mineralogy technician
• Mines exploration engineer
• Mining and minerals process engineer
• Mining engineer
• Mining equipment sales engineer
• Mining geologist
• Mining operations consultant
• Oil and gas drilling engineer
• Professor or Lecturer
• Quarry engineer
• Reclamation and remediation project specialist
• Research engineer for mining
• Rock mechanics engineer
• Senior mining estimator
• Tailings engineer
• Technology support specialist

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests. Some ways to make the most of your program include:

• Participating in social events and club activities to meet other mining students
• Competing in technical and practical competitions
• Checking out courses and events to learn more about mineral deposits and exploration methods
• Browsing on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability
• Gaining work experience in mining engineering between study terms
• Connecting with a mentor in the mining community
• Attending industry conventions and networking with professionals

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. Some professional associations that can be great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities include:

• American Exploration & Mining Association
• Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC
• Association for Mineral Exploration BC
• Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada
• Calgary Mineral Exploration Group
• Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
• Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology
• Canadian Fuels Association
• Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum
• Canadian Society of Professional Engineers
• Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
• Cariboo Mining Association
• Centre of Training Excellence in Mining
• Chamber of Mines in Eastern BC
• Engineering Institute of Canada
• Engineers & Geoscientists BC
• Engineers Canada
• Explorers and Producers Association of Canada
• Geological Association of Canada
• Kamloops Exploration Group
• Mineralogical Association of Canada
• Mining Association of British Columbia
• Mining Association of Canada
• Mining Industry Human Resources Council
• Mining Suppliers Association of BC
• Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada
• Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
• Vancouver Mining Exploration Group
• Women in Mining British Columbia
• Young Mining Professionals – Vancouver Chapter
• Yukon Chamber of Mines

Connect with alumni

Find UBC Mining Engineering graduates to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths. Take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.