Mining engineers are concerned with the extraction and processing of metallic and non-metallic ores and coal from the earth. They are involved in mine design; mining systems; geology/resource estimation; geotechnical/rock mechanics; mine ventilation; mining economics; management and finance. The academic program focuses on analysis and design and combines knowledge from geotechnical, environmental, structural and water engineering, geology, computing, mathematics and finance. Mining engineers are in great demand and this is reflected by their high salaries.

The first two years of the mining engineering program are devoted to building the engineering, mathematics and science foundations.  A national consortium, Mining Education Australia, has developed the third and fourth years of the program, which is taught at the University of Adelaide in common with universities in New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland. The program emphasises engineering problem solving, analysis and design, computer-based methods, and research, communication and management skills.

The first two years of the Mining Engineering program are devoted to building the engineering, mathematics and science foundations.  A national consortium, Mining Education Australia, has developed the third and fourth years of the program, which is taught at the University of Adelaide in common with universities in New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland.. The program emphasises engineering problem-solving, analysis and design, computer-based methods, and research, communication and management skills. Students are required to complete 12 weeks approved work experience.

Mining Engineers have highly lucrative career opportunities. Graduates of this program can practice as a Geotechnical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Drilling and Blast Engineer, Ventilation Engineer, Mine Planning Engineer or a Geostatistician to name just a few. A Mining Engineering degree and a period of directed professional experience in industry is a requirement for appointment as a First Class Mine Manager in South Australia. Career opportunities for graduates of this program can also be sought in finance, management, and the government at both an international and global level.

Technical knowledge and application of knowledge skills

• Competence in engineering fundamentals.
• Competence in Mining engineering
• Competence in using computers and information technology effectively.
• Ability to apply an integrative or systems approach to solving engineering problems.
• Ability to prepare and interpret engineering sketches and drawings.
• Awareness of uncertainty and recognising limitations of engineering approaches and systems.
• Awareness for the need for sustainable systems and principles of sustainable design.
• Awareness of the assessment and the management of risk.

Thinking skills

• Competence in problem identification, formulation and solution.
• Competence in critical and independent thinking.
• Competence in creative and innovative thinking.
• Ability to effectively synthesise information and ideas.
• Ability to conduct investigations and research into Mining Engineering problems.

Technical professional skills

• Familiarity with project management skills.
• Awareness of business and financial management.
• Awareness of human resources management issues.
• Awareness of legal issues in relation to Mining Engineering.

Personal skills and attitudes

• Competence to adapt to a changing society (lifelong learning skills).
• Ability to act in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in the engineering profession and the community Рwritten, oral and listening skills.
• Ability to take on a leadership role.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to manage effectively the allocation of time in performing tasks.
• Ability to work comfortably with other disciplines.
• Awareness of engineering ethics.
• Awareness of the social, cultural, political, international and environmental context of professional engineering practice.

The program is designed to provide the necessary academic requirements for accreditation by Engineers Australia and many overseas engineering bodies.

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.

Faculty of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences

• Engineering Undergraduate Program Information Leaflet
• School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Engineering
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• University Contact Centre Enquiry Form