Mining engineers are concerned with the extraction and processing of ores from the earth that contain valuable minerals or metals. They are involved in mine design; geology and rock mechanics; environmental and safety management; resource estimation; mining economics 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 that are developed in the final two years. The program emphasises engineering problem solving, analysis and design, computer-based methods, and research, communication and management skills.
Related Programs
Master of Engineering (Advanced) (Civil & Environmental Engineering)
Master of Engineering (Advanced) (Civil & Structural Engineering)
Master of Engineering (Civil & Environmental Engineering)
Master of Engineering (Civil & Structural Engineering)
You must not have completed more than 4 years full time equivalent university study (96 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 35% and the quantitative component contributes 65% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
C&ENVENG xxxx Socio-environmental Aspects of Mining (3 units)
Career Opportunities
Mining Engineers have highly lucrative career opportunities. Graduates of this program can practice as a Mining Engineers, Environmental Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Blasting Engineer, Quarry Engineer, Tunnelling Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Mineral Processing Engineer, Mine Planning Engineer or a Geostatistician to name just a few. Career opportunities for graduates of this program can also be seeked in finance, management, and the government at both an international and global level.
Graduate Attributes
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.
Professional Accreditation
The Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering is in the process of accreditation approval.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated:
Monday, 22 Dec 2008
Program Talks
The World of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics
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Learn how the right choice of program can prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career. This discussion will highlight the future of engineering and computer science and the importance of mathematics in relation to relevant issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, the mining boom and information and communication technology industries.
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