Program Overview

Introduction to the Diploma in Mineral Economics

The Department of Mining Engineering at the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the University of Chile, in collaboration with Curtin University, offers a Diploma in Mineral Economics. This field of knowledge is international and interdisciplinary in nature, playing a critical role in the global economy and the prosperity of many nations. The economist in mineral economics must consider business, technological, cultural, and institutional aspects to understand the projections of the non-renewable resource sector.

Program Overview

The Diploma in Mineral Economics is designed to form professionals who will fulfill high-level management roles in companies and institutions within the natural resource sector. It places special emphasis on the economic and financial aspects of the mining industry, integrating them into a strategic and international vision of the sector. Upon completing the diploma, graduates can opt for the Master of Science in Mineral Economics degree awarded by Curtin University in Perth, Australia, by completing an additional session of 5 courses, meeting the English requirements, and fulfilling all the requirements requested by the university.

Program Structure

The program is structured around 10 courses and a case study, totaling 240 hours of direct teaching, 60 hours of case studies, and 160 hours of personal work (personal study, preparation of assignments, and tutoring).

Calendar 2026 - 2027

The following courses are scheduled:

• Estimation of Costs and Capital Investment: May 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16, taught by José Munizaga
• Economics of Natural Resources: June 11, 12, and 13, taught by Daniel Packey
• Market Analysis of Minerals: July 9, 10, and 11, taught by Roderick Eggert
• Mining and Economic Development: August 6, 7, and 8, taught by Patricio Meller
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Mining: September 3, 4, and 5, taught by David Vargas
• Financing of Mining Activity: October 8, 9, and 10, taught by Eduardo Contreras
• Socioeconomic Impacts in Mining: November 12, 13, and 14, taught by Emilio Castillo
• Global Competitiveness in Mining: December 4, 5, and 11, taught by Marcelo Vargas
• Legal and Regulatory Environment: January 14, 15, and 16, 2027, taught by Jacques Wiertz and Sebastián Santamaria
• Risk Analysis and Decision Making in Mining: March 11, 12, and 13, 2027, taught by José Munizaga
• Case Study: April 22, 23, and 24, 2027, taught by José Munizaga

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Diploma in Mineral Economics, candidates must:

• Hold a Licentiate degree in a discipline related to the program or a professional title with a level, content, and duration of studies equivalent to a Licentiate degree at the University of Chile.
• Provide a brief Curriculum Vitae.
• Demonstrate active use of the English language, both written and spoken.

Faculty

The teaching staff includes:

• Emilio Castillo, PhD from Colorado School of Mines
• Eduardo Contreras, PhD from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
• Roderick Eggert, PhD from The Pennsylvania State University, USA
• Patricio Meller, PhD from U. California, Berkeley, USA
• José Munizaga, PhD from Laurentian University, Ontario, Canada
• Daniel Packey, PhD from University of Oregon, USA
• Sebastián Santamaria, LLM from Cardiff University, Wales, UK
• Marcelo Vargas, MA from Universidad de Chile
• David Vargas, MSc from Georgetown University, USA
• Jacques Wiertz, PhD from Universtité de Liége, Belgium

Academic Director

Dr. José Munizaga serves as the Academic Director of the program.

Schedule and Format

Classes will be held on the specified dates from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The program will be conducted online via the Zoom platform.

Fees and Payment

The total cost of the program is CLP7,590,000 (approximately USD7,990). A non-refundable registration fee of CLP500,000 (approximately USD526) is required upon acceptance. Payment can be made through electronic transfer, deposit, or webpay.

Certificate

Upon completing all the requirements of the program, students will receive a Diploma in Mineral Economics issued by the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the University of Chile.

Observations

• The organizers reserve the right to cancel the diploma if the number of enrolled students does not meet the minimum requirement or due to force majeure.
• In the event of a teacher's withdrawal, the program will find an adequate replacement.
• Students must attend at least 75% of the classes.
• It is recommended that students dedicate themselves exclusively to the program during class hours for optimal learning and performance. If a student chooses to work simultaneously while attending classes, it is their responsibility to fulfill all obligations within the established timeframe.