Mining and Mineral Resources: A Systems Overview
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-03-02 | - |
| 2027-03-02 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining
The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining is one of the oldest and largest mining schools in the world, consistently ranked in the top 10 worldwide. With 125 years of mining education experience, Queen's Mining has a reputation for training outstanding graduates and has strong and long-standing connections with the industry.
About the Mining and Mineral Resources: A Systems Overview Course
The Mining and Mineral Resources: A Systems Overview course is designed for professionals new to the mining sector, as well as those working in related sectors such as investment and finance, suppliers and vendors, government, NGOs, and community groups. This course provides an overview of the mining industry, covering topics including finance and the economy, types of mining, and the differing processes and procedures.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Use mining terminology in a professional context
- Identify the main steps in the mining cycle
- Recognize the sources of demand and supply of minerals
- Interpret the main requirements of National Instrument (NI) 43-101 reports
- Analyze the importance of social issues in the mining industry
- Discuss the impacts of mining on the environment
- Describe primary production and mineral processing methods
- Explore current and future challenges facing the mining industry
Course Evaluation
There are no graded assessments for this course. However, throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to complete non-graded Module Knowledge Check quizzes to assess their knowledge.
Module Course Outcomes
The course is divided into 10 modules, covering topics such as:
- Introduction to Mining
- Stages of Mine Cycle
- Geology
- Resource Estimation and Reporting
- Social Responsibility
- Environment Health and Safety
- Surface Mining
- Underground Mining
- Mineral Processing
- Future of Mining
Program Requirements
This course is designed for learners with little to no knowledge or experience in mining and is ideal for professionals who want to expand their knowledge of the mining sector.
Time Commitment
The course represents a study period of approximately 20 hours, spanning across 10 modules. Learners can expect to invest on average 2-3 hours per module in this course.
Course Fees
The course fee is C$1,950.00.
Research Areas
The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining has research areas including:
- Critical Minerals
- Mining Systems
- Stewardship and Sustainable Practice
- Data Analytics, Modeling, and Design
Graduate Programs
The department offers graduate programs, including:
- Master of Engineering
- Master of Applied Science
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Social Performance Management in the Extractive Industries
Professional Development
The department offers professional development opportunities, including:
- Certificate in Mining Technologies
- Online PD Courses
- Social Performance Management in the Extractive Industries
- Customized Corporate Training
- BTech