Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering

Undergraduate Minor in Explosives Engineering

What will I be studying?

In addition to basic engineering classes, you will learn how to find and evaluate the earth's resources as well as plan, develop and operate mining operations in a safe and environmentally sensitive way. Good engineers have helped give the modern mining industry one of the best safety records in today's economy. You will learn how to lay out a surface or underground mine or quarry; ventilate an underground mine; select the right operational and support equipment; forecast, monitor and control costs; and manage human and other resources. In addition you will learn how to safely use explosives.

What will I learn?

Basic Sciences

You'll start by building a solid foundation in the tools of the trade-the basic sciences of math, physics, and chemistry. These provide the basis from which you'll come to understand, model, and solve complex problems.

Computer Modeling and Specialty Software

Along the way you'll gain computer-aided skills like standards professional software (Excel, Word, MS Project, and others), 3-D graphical and geological modeling, fleet production modeling, mineral processing system design software, and cost estimation and mine systems design software.These provide the means to carry the theory you learn into practical applications on a large scale.

Materials Mechanics, Analysis, and Handling

Materials handling, analysis and mechanics are important considerations in the design of mine structures, mining operations, and impacts of mined materials on society. You'll take several fundamental engineering science classes to gain an essential understanding of materials mechanics and how they behave when subjected to motion and forces.Later you will learn how to design systems for moving materials from production areas, after fragmentation, to processing areas, and eventually on to markets.You will also learn how mined materials impact the economy, the quality of life, and the environment.

Mine and Systems Design

Mining and processing operations comprise a virtual small town, when considering the generally large supporting infrastructure.Design begins with a systematic geologic exploration program, followed by economic analysis of a mining project's feasibility.In successive feasibility studies more detailed design of subsystems allows more accurate cost estimations, and gives more certainty to economic analyses.At the end of the design process for a feasible operation, all the planned excavations are delineated throughout an orebody, and the subsystems are designed to the point of operational capability.Mining engineers not only plan and design operations, but frequently manage them.Management is a career track with high upward mobility.

Other Areas

• Subsystems requiring design include the following:
• Fragmentation of the orebody using machines, explosives, or waterjets;
• Roof, floor, and wallrock support in underground excavations, and slope stability/support in surface mines;
• Ventilation of many square miles of an underground mine;
• Extraction sequences, manpower structure, and equipment configurations in production areas;
• Interface of excavation and loading equipment with haulage equipment, including monster excavation machines (draglines, shovels and bucket wheel excavators),
• large-sized trucks, conveyor systems, etc.
• All of the other infrastructure to support ongoing operations such as AC and DC electrical systems, drainage and fresh water systems, warehouses and maintenance shops, waste disposal and impoundment areas, and many others.

Teamwork and Communication Skills

Generally, mining problems and mine design are too complex to handle alone, so many mining professionals must work together and be effective communicators as well as team players. You'll gain experience in communication-oral, written, and graphic-as well as teamwork throughout your education at Missouri S&T.

Curriculum with Options

Financial Assistance

Student Organizations

Student Design/Competition Teams

As a Mining Engineering student you can get involved in the following student competition or design teams:

• Mine Design Competition (three of them)
• Mine Rescue Competition
• International Intercollegiate Mining Competition

Professional and Honor Societies

Other leadership, service, and social opportunities are available in various professional and honor societies, given below:

• Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
• International Society of Explosives Engineers
• National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association
• Women in Mining

These groups plan and host mine trips, industry speakers, departmental social gatherings and community projects. Members also regularly help out the department
by providing tours to visiting high school students andby representing Missouri S&T at recruitment events.

Facilities and Technology

• Experimental Mine
• Rock Mechanics and Explosives Research Center
• Rock Mechanics Laboratory
• Ventilation Laboratory
• Mining Software at the Computer Learning Center