Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mining)

Mining engineers apply science, geoscience, engineering and technology to the efficient exploration and extraction of minerals from the earth, turning raw materials into valuable products. Mining engineers are also concerned with mining safety, where their knowledge of mine design and practices ensures the safety of workers, efficient extraction, and remediation at the end of a mine's life.

The first year of study allows you to learn more about engineering and its various fields. From your second year, you will focus on your chosen major where you will also have the option to complete a double major, combining two engineering disciplines. Available double major combinations include: Civil Engineering and Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Mining Engineering, Mining Engineering and Environmental Engineering.

The final sessions of the course are professionally oriented with the inclusion of subjects such as mine planning, occupational health and safety aspects of mining, mine water, ocean engineering, geostatistics and the environmental impact of mineral operations.

Your degree also includes 12-weeks hands-on industry experience, either in Australia or overseas, as well as a range of industry projects and other career-ready learning opportunities.   

Areas of study

The first year provides you with sound fundamentals in mathematics, statistics, physics, computing, engineering science and communication, mechanics and materials.

You then focus on your mining engineering major from second year. You will study subjects focused on the design of engineering structures, with an emphasis on emphasis on mining methods, ventilation, environmental engineering, rock mechanics, ore reserve estimation, computer modelling and simulation, mineral beneficiation and mining economics. The final sessions of the course are professionally oriented and include subjects such as mine planning, work health and safety, mine rehabilitation and green mining technology, the environmental sustainability of mining operations and project management.

Career opportunities

Consultant, drill and blast engineer, geotechnical engineer, machinery automation, mineral engineer, mining engineer, mine planner and developer, mining safety engineer, operation and tunneling manager, project manager, researcher, ventilation engineer.

Professional recognition

UOW’s engineering programs are accredited by Engineers Australia and relevant world engineering bodies through the Washington Accord. This ensures recognition by equivalent professional engineering bodies in the USA, UK, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries.

This recognition ensures that graduates from this course are admitted, on application, to the grade of Graduate Membership of Engineers Australia.

Practical experience

12 weeks of industry experience in one or more settings under the supervision of experienced engineers; optional internships, industry projects and other career-ready learning opportunities.

Honours

In the final stages of the course, students undertake a research component (thesis).

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Wollongong current fee information.