Mineral Engineering

Undergraduate Programs

New Mexico Tech's Mineral Engineering program is concerned with the exploration for and development of minerals and earth materials in the most efficient manner while protecting the environment. Our emphasis is placed on developing a responsible professional with a sense of social awareness.

BS in Mineral Engineering

Program Description

The undergraduate program is oriented toward developing the student’s understanding of, and skill in, engineering design. Proficiency in project management and leadership are encouraged through coursework and projects that emphasize professional‐quality written and oral communication skills. The objective of the program is to provide the student with an education in the fundamentals of engineering that will allow immediate entry into industry or research work while providing a good opportunity for continued professional growth.

Program Outcomes

Mineral Engineering program graduates will:

Develop creativity in thinking and skills in problem solving to enhance their employer’s ability to be competitive within industry, as they advance in their professional career.
Develop leadership communication skills within the framework of a team while demonstrating the ability to work independently.
Maintain a strong sense of professional and ethical responsibility with a strong corresponding sense of social awareness.
Advance in engineering or management status and demonstrate measurable progress in achieving personal and professional goals after graduation.

Program Requirement

Design Projects

A large-scale design project is undertaken in the student's senior year. This project integrates engineering principles and design in one of three areas:

Economic evaluation and exploration for mineral properties, design and planning of mining projects,
The planning and implementation of geotechnical construction projects such as a solid waste landfill, tailings impoundment, earth dam, and structures, or
The control of blasting vibrations through carefully designed drilling and blasting.

BS in Mineral Engineering with Explosives Engineering Option

General Description

The undergraduate curriculum provides a strong foundation in science (chemistry, physics, and geology), math, and engineering science and includes basic engineering principles and fundamentals in applied engineering design concepts. Junior and senior courses provide concentrated studies in the mechanics and control of earth materials; mineral explorations, evaluation, and economics; environmental issues; and the design and operation of surface and underground mines.

Engineering design is introduced in courses covering surface and underground mining, ventilation, mineral processing, equipment selection, drilling and blasting, soil and rock mechanics, engineering aspects of surface and ground water, and geomechanics. Instruction in environmental aspects of project development and mineral production includes mine permitting and reclamation as well as legal and regulatory issues in the use of natural resources.

Program Outcomes

Program graduates will:

Develop creativity in thinking and skills in problem solving to enhance their employer’s ability to be competitive within industry, as they advance in their professional career.
Develop leadership communication skills within the framework of a team while demonstrating the ability to work independently.
Maintain a strong sense of professional and ethical responsibility with a strong corresponding sense of social awareness.
Advance in engineering or management status and demonstrate measurable progress in achieving personal and professional goals after graduation.

Program Requirements

Design Projects

A large-scale design project is undertaken in the student's senior year. The project integrates engineering principles and design in one of three areas:

Economic evaluation and exploration for mineral properties, design and planning of mining projects,
Planning and implementation of geotechnical construction projects such as a solid waste landfill, tailings impoundment, earth dam, and structures, or
The control of blasting vibrations through carefully designed drilling and blasting.

Minor Program

New Mexico Tech awards minors for your secondary field of study. While the number of credits required for a minor vary from department to department, a minimum of 18 credit hours is required. Students cannot earn a minor with either the Associate of General Studies or Bachelor of General Studies.

You must declare a minor and be assigned a minor advisor prior to completing the coursework for the minor.

Minor in Mineral Engineering

Please visit the NMT Course Catalog (PDF) for the latest minor program requirement information.