Mining Engineering

Overview

The Department of Mining and Materials Engineering offers a degree in Mining Engineering (MINE). This is an exciting field where aspects of many other engineering and science disciplines all come together to provide the raw resources that society needs. In addition to technical excellence, there is a strong emphasis on leadership, sustainable development, and the green energy transition.

Areas of study include resource exploration, project evaluation, mine design, and operations mineral processing, and environmental management. Areas of collaboration include Aerospace Engineering on projects such as NASA’s Mars Ice Challenge, Lunar Dust Mitigation, and other space mining projects; Civil Engineering on water and environmental projects; Chemical Engineering on critical minerals/rare earths extraction; and Mechanical Engineering on autonomous equipment development.

The program provides a general background in all aspects of the raw resources sector. Graduates have employment opportunities in all commodities including base and precious metals, industrial minerals such as salt and phosphate, aggregates/construction materials, and energy resources; also in consulting, equipment, software, technical sales, government, and research. 

Curriculum

The Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering (BS MINE). Courses focus on mineral exploration, evaluation, development, extraction, mineral processing, conservation, protection of the environment, and mineral economics. Review the University Catalog to see the required coursework.

The degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET for engineering.

Interest Areas and Related Degree/Minors

The undergraduate MINE program provides courses and experiences related to all aspects of resource development. A short description of each area and related degrees and minors are provided below to enhance your major exploration experience. 

Resource Exploration
Resource development usually begins with geophysical exploration using tools such as remote sensing and ground-based seismic, electrical, and gravimetric surveys.
Related Engineering Degrees: Civil Engineering
Related Degrees: Geography | Geosciences
Related Minors: Geosciences

Project Evaluation
Once a deposit has been located, its economic, technical, and socio-environmental feasibility must be evaluated. This typically begins with the estimation of mineral reserves and the collection of a wide array of baseline data.
Related Engineering Degrees: Civil Engineering
Related Degrees: Geography | Geosciences
Related Minors: Geosciences | Green Engineering

Mine Design and Operations
If a project appears feasible, a full-scale mine design is undertaken to prepare for stakeholder engagement, permitting, and development. Mines can operate over a few years to many decades. Engineers are often responsible for managing all aspects of an operation–from production planning to equipment, capital projects, and managing the health and safety of a skilled workforce. 
Related Engineering Degrees: Civil Engineering | Construction Engineering and Management | Electrical Engineering | Industrial and Systems Engineering | Mechanical Engineering 
Related Degrees: Geosciences
Related Minors: Geosciences

Mineral Processing
Mining is situated at the very beginning of raw resource supply chains. But in most cases, the mined material must be processed – often by a series of unit operations – to meet product specifications. Engineers that work in mineral processing are well poised for working with recycling technologies as well. 
Related Engineering Degrees: Chemical Engineering | Industrial and Systems Engineering | Materials Science and Engineering 
Related Degrees: Geography | Geosciences
Related Minors: Geosciences | Green Engineering

Environmental Management
Across all stages of resource development, environmental management is absolutely critical. From baseline studies to permitting, water and air quality management during mining operations, and post-mining land reclamation, engineers play a strong role in ensuring that resource production is done in step with environmental stewardship. 
Related Engineering Degrees: Biological Systems Engineering | Civil Engineering
Related Degrees: Crop and Soil Sciences | Environmental Policy and Planning | Environmental Resources Management | Geography | Geosciences | Landscape Architecture | Public and Urban Affairs | Sustainable Biomaterials 
Related Minors: Environmental Policy and Planning | Geosciences | Green Engineering | Philosophy, Politics, and Economics | Public and Urban Affairs

Getting Involved

Accelerated BS/Masters Program
Academic eligible students who are interested in pursuing a Masters of Science or Master of Engineering can apply for the Mining and Minerals Engineering accelerated masters program. Interested students should begin working with their advisor in the fall of their junior year.

Professional Society – The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME)

Student Organizations
The Burkhart Society
American Rock Mechanics Association
The Bevlee Watford Society for Diversity and Inclusion in Mining
Women in Mining
NSSGA/SME Student Design Team
The Not-So-Boring Competition Team
Society of Petroleum Engineers

Study Abroad
Undergraduate students can pursue study abroad opportunities with the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research opportunities are available on multiple funded projects examining the recovery of rare earth and critical minerals, miner health outcomes, ground support in underground mines, and drone applications in mining.

Career Resources

Our Engineering Career Resource provides you with all of the most frequently used career information websites in one place for ease of access. This list includes links to VT First Destination Post Grad Report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Defense, and many more. 

Quick Facts

• MINE was named the 2021 University Exemplary Department for academic community engagement and student well-being 
• MINE is home to state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities in the newly renovated Holden Hall
• Our applied curriculum includes focusing on leadership and practical experiences, including field trips, undergraduate research, and internships and co-ops 
• We have an exclusive job/internship advising and placement program, which includes two MINE career fairs and results in one of the highest job placement rates at the university 
• One in five mining engineers across the country is a Virginia Tech graduate–a rich network for our current students MINE starting salaries rank among the highest in engineering 
• We have a robust scholarship program, with a long list of departmental awards and many from external organizations each year 
• MINE students enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities