Your degree in Mining Engineering

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Mining Engineering, you’re learning to extract valuable geological materials from the earth while reducing the environmental footprint of such activities. You’ll develop important skills in mineral processing, material handling, and mine management.

These skills may include:

• Design and development of underground and surface mines including ventilation, drainage and transportation systems, maintenance programs, as well as mine closure activities
• Establishing sustainable practices, methods and technologies to design as well as operate mining and mineral processing facilities
• Analysis and evaluation of mine production performance data and implementing improvements
• Application of mineral processing techniques and methods including sampling, crushing, screening, classification, and separation
• Development, planning, and analysis of material handling processes to determine production rates and capacity
• Conducting feasibility studies to define appropriate mine site activities, mining methods, equipment selection, and financial and human capital requirement
• Effective communication of ideas and development of relationships with internal stakeholders and community partners to achieve project goals

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including mineral exploration, mine design and management, banking and venture capital, mining equipment and manufacturing, mineral and metal production and processing, environmental consulting, energy and utilities, technical sales and support, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.

• UBC Mining Student Association
  Participate in social events and club activities to meet other mining students.
• UBC Mining Games Team
  Compete in 26 technical and practical competitions over 3 days at the annual Canadian Mining Games.
• UBC Department of Mining Annual Dinner
  Mix and mingle with students, faculty and alumni at the annual alumni dinner held in January.
• Mineral Deposit Research Unit
  Check out courses and events to learn more about mineral deposits and exploration methods.
• UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
  Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability.
• UBC Engineering Co-op
  Gain work experience in mining engineering between study terms.
• Women Who Rock
  Connect with a mentor in the mining community, get inspired and learn about career opportunities in the field.
• AME Roundup Convention
  Attend a mineral exploration industry convention in term 2 and network with professionals.
• BC MEND Metal Leaching or Acid Rock Drainage Workshop
  Learn about the practices and technologies used to address ML/ARD issues at this annual technical forum held in December.
• Engineering job board
  Check out engineering employment opportunities.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• American Exploration & Mining Association
• Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC
• Association for Mineral Exploration BC
• Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada
• Calgary Mineral Exploration Group
• Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
• Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology
• Canadian Fuels Association
• Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum
• Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization
• Canadian Society of Professional Engineers
• Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
• Cariboo Mining Association
• Centre of Training Excellence in Mining
• Chamber of Mines in Eastern BC
• Engineering Institute of Canada
• Engineers & Geoscientists BC
• Engineers Canada
• Explorers and Producers Association of Canada
• Geological Association of Canada
• Kamloops Exploration Group
• Mineralogical Association of Canada
• Mining Association of British Columbia
• Mining Association of Canada
• Mining Industry Human Resources Council
• Mining Suppliers Association of BC
• Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada
• Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
• Vancouver Mining Exploration Group
• Women in Mining British Columbia
• Young Mining Professionals – Vancouver Chapter
• Yukon Chamber of Mines

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Mining Engineering graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Applied Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Engineering degree.