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The advanced degree program in Mining Engineering has been a tradition at Michigan Tech for more than 100 years. It was the first college degree program offered, beginning in 1885 with the Michigan Mining School. In 1927, the MS degree in mining engineering became part of the program. A PhD program in mining engineering was established in 1991. Prior to that the PhD degrees were offered through a multi-disciplinary PhD program in Geotechnical Engineering. In order for a student to be admitted to the mining graduate program at Michigan Tech, we strongly recommend that the student have a specific area of interest already identified in which he or she wants to become expert, and a specific faculty member with whom to work. Because we do not have a comprehensive program in mining engineering, we strongly discourage students who seek a general "mining" degree from applying, unless the student has clearly identified a specialty in which we can provide an appropriate advisor. There is a possibility of funding for outstanding PhD students. |
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Committee Chair |
How to ApplyFree Application to Michigan Tech if you apply online
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 Environmental Impacts of Mining Studies directed toward reducing the environmental impacts of mining are increasingly important for mining engineers. Regulations on air and water quality and disposal of mining "wastes" must be addressed as they affect mine permitting requirements and reclamation practices. Many useful lessons can be learned by studying case histories of negative impacts caused by some past mining practices. Knowledge gained can be used to improve current and future mining practices. An example is the development of improved underground mine closure methods that not only protect the environment and provide for better long-term public safety, but ultimately to lower environmental cost for mining companies. The Michigan Tech Mining Engineering program offers opportunities for research utilizing the environmental labs of the Institute of Materials Processing. Click here
for more details about the Institute of
Materials Processing shared Environmental Laboratory Facilities with Mining
Engineering. The introduction of geostatistics into the mining program has vitalized both instruction and research in mine valuation and geotechnical engineering. The focus is on theory concerned with widening and improving the underlying mathematical assumptions, such as the theoretical development of Bayesian geostatistics or on new applications, spatial analysis on rock joint systems, probabilistic risks and uncertainty analyses in geotechnical design and analyses, as well as environmental impact analyses. Materials Handling Research in materials handling involves the selection, design, and performance analysis of materials handling equipment. Mine Health and Safety Mine health and safety research has over the last years led to the development of a series of computer codes, which have become known under the name MFIRE PROGRAMS. They allow the modeling of ventilation systems under ordinary and fire conditions and are widely used nationally and internationally. Recent research focuses on the validation and refinement of these programs with the help of measured data and on improving the input and output interface. New concepts, like thermodynamic availability analysis and optimal control theories, are being tested for their usefulness in ventilation planning. Mineral Economics Research in mineral economics has included project evaluation, metal demand forecasting, metal market and corporate behavior, and the international market of steel. Current research involves investigating mineral industry corporate financing and the impact of advanced materials on the needs for traditional metals. Rock Fragmentation Research in rock fragmentation focuses on both blasting and mechanical techniques for underground and surface mines. Blasting studies include the design of optimal blast patterns and stress wave propagation, the dynamic responses of earth and surface structures to blast vibration, and the determination of detonation parameters of non-ideal heterogeneous explosives containing gaseous and liquid phases. Mechanical rock fragmentation research includes the inter-reaction of the machine with the rock, for lowest energy expenditure. We study continuous mines, roadheaders, tunnel boring machines, and surface strippers. Rock Mechanics Research in rock mechanics involves laboratory and in situ testing of rock properties. A larger on-going project is the study of rock mass structural characteristics compared to rock properties obtained from specimens in conventional lab tests. New projects include the use of geostatistics for optimal geotechnical site characterizations and its application to predict or analyze the spatial distribution of characteristic parameters of rock joints as well as probabilistic risk and uncertainty analyses for mine and civil structures. Newly developed methods of site characterizations include space-based technologies for geotechniques and resource engineering, structural analysis of rock slopes, tunnels, and underground openings for mining. Solution Mining Heap, dump, and in situ solution mining, when combined with mineral bioleaching, provide further advantages in metal recovery and/or processing. This is a low-impact technology that has turned around the U.S. gold mining industry Underground Construction Underground construction applies mining and civil engineering technologies to the creation of underground structures. This area of study includes all aspects of underground site characterization, opening design, excavation of openings, supporting systems, project scheduling, costing, ventilation, ground control, and equipment selection. Degree Requirements The MS degree program in mining engineering can provide either a general, in-depth education without specialization or advanced training in either mine planning and economics, geostatistics, rock mechanics, rock fragmentation, materials handling, solution mining, or mine health and safety. The PhD degree in mining engineering is a research degree and requires submission of a doctoral dissertation. Research is conducted under the direction of a faculty advisor. Research assistantships and fellowships are available. Individual degree schedules are set up to meet the goals of the student and the requirements of the Graduate School. The department can supply information about specific departmental requirements and procedures. Graduate Course Descriptions from University Graduate Catalog Applicants must meet general Graduate School admission requirements. The department requires either a bachelor's or master's degree in either engineering or science. Non-mining graduates may be required to take certain undergraduate courses for additional preparation. Prospective applicants should contact the Department of Geological & Mining Engineering & Sciences early to discuss their educational goals and the University's resources. How to ApplyFree Application to Michigan Tech if you apply online
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