Program Overview
Mining Engineering Program
The Mining Engineering program is designed to provide students with the engineering expertise needed to succeed as mining engineers or mine managers. Mining engineers play a key role in the planning, exploitation, and excavation of mineral resources.
Overview
The program focuses on planning, organizing, and managing safe and efficient ways to extract raw materials from the earth. In the first two years, students learn the skills, technology, and basic sciences common to all areas of engineering, including courses in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. In the third and fourth years, students study mining engineering subjects, including courses in mineral resources evaluation, ventilation, environmental engineering, mine and rock mechanics. The final stage of the program involves a mine design exercise where students apply their knowledge to design a mine and assess its economic feasibility and profit potential.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates of the Mining Engineering program include:
- Blasting Engineer
- Consulting Mining Engineer
- Environmental, Safety and Health Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Mine Manager
- Mine Design Engineer
- Mineral Resources Manager
- Project Manager
- Rock Engineer
Curriculum
The academic curriculum is regularly modernized to ensure it meets the highest professional and academic standards and remains locally relevant and applicable. The curriculum is divided into four years:
First-year
- Engineering Chemistry
- Introduction to the Engineering Profession
- Engineering Analysis and Design IA AND IB
- Engineering Mathematics IA AND IB
- Engineering Physics IA AND IB
- Applied Physics I
- One of the following courses:
- Elementary IsiZulu Language and Culture IA
- Elementary Sesotho Language and Culture IA
- The International Relations of South Africa and Africa
- Introduction to Political Studies
- Southern Africa in the Era of Globalisation
- Identity and Society
- Introduction to Ethics I
- Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
- Global Encounters and Contemporary Realities IA
Second-year
- Applied Mathematics IIA
- Geology IA AND IB
- Mathematics II
- Engineering Services for Mining
- Introduction to Underground and Surface Mining Methods
- Computer Applications in Mining
- Explosives Engineering
- Mechanical Excavation of Rock
- Engineering Surveying
- Digital Technologies and Mine Data Analytics
- Computer Programming for Mining
- Professional Development
- Computer Programming Bootcamp (Mining)
- Practical Workshop Training (Mining)
Third-year
- Ore Dressing and Extractive Metallurgy
- Ore Body Modelling
- Mine Transportation, Automation and Robotics
- Mineral Resources Evaluation
- Computerised Mine Design
- Rock Mechanics
- Mine Ventilation and Climate Control
- Water, Energy and the Environment
- Mine Surveying and Geospatial Techniques
- Underground Mining Systems
- Surface Mining Systems
Fourth-year
- Mine Management Principles and Entrepreneurship
- Financial Valuation
- Mine Design
- Project Report
- Rock Engineering
- Mining Optimisation Techniques and Systems
- Engineering
- Health, Safety and Mining Law
- Mine Technical Visits
- Vacation Work I (Mining)
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for the Mining Engineering program include:
- APS 42+
- English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
- Mathematics Level 5
- Physical Sciences Level 5
Applicants with English, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences at Level 5 will be wait-listed, subject to place availability. Generally, applicants who achieve Level 6 in English, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences stand a greater chance of being accepted.
University Application Process
The Student Enrolment Centre at the university handles all student applications. Applicants must submit their application, required documentation, and application fee before the closing date. An Admissions Consultant will be assigned to the application, and applicants can monitor the progress of their application via the Self Service Portal.
University Fees and Funding
The current average tuition fees for the first year of study are available on the university's website. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides information on student funding and scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, and National Olympiad winner awards.
Program Details
- Programme Code: EFA09
- Faculty: Engineering and the Built Environment
- School: Mining Engineering
- Qualification: BSc (Eng)
- Duration: 4 years
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Closing Date: 30 September