Mining Engineering Courses in India

Mining Engineering Courses in India might not be the most coveted ones but their importance is very much visible when mines turn out to be money churning setups. Mining Engineering is the type of engineering which involves the practice, the theory, the science, the technology, and application of extracting and processing minerals from a naturally occurring environment. Minerals have been essential to man since our beginning. The demand for minerals of all kinds is higher today than ever before, and it continues to increase as the nations of the world strive to improve their standards of living. It is the task of the mineral industry and the people in it to supply these needs. Mines are primarily of two types - Underground Mines and Open-Pit Mines. Minerals that exist mostly underground (eg. coal, gold etc.) are generally recovered using the underground mining process. Minerals like iron ore, limestone, manganese ore, etc. are mostly recovered from the surface downwards in opencast mining

The first role of Mine Engineers is the discovery of a mineral deposit and the determination of the profitability of a mine. Mining engineers are involved in the mineral discovery stage by working with geologists to identify a mineral reserve. The first step in discovering an ore body is to determine what minerals to test for. The geologists and engineers drill core samples and conduct surface surveys searching for specific compounds and ores. For example a mining engineer and geologist may target metallic ores such as galena for lead or chalcocite for copper. A mining engineer may also search for a non-metal such as phosphate, quartz, or coal. They design open-pit and underground mines, supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels in underground operations, and devise methods for transporting minerals to processing plants Mining activities generally cause a disturbance of the environment in and around which the minerals are located. Mining engineers must therefore be concerned not only with the production and processing of mineral commodities, but also with the mitigation of damage or to the environment as a result of that production and processing. In general, mining engineering is concerned with the safe, economic and environmentally responsible recovery, processing, marketing and financial management of mineral resources. Mining engineers are consulted for virtually every stage of a mining operation.

Some of its specialized fields are -

1. Ventilation
2. Design Of Engineering Structures
3. Environmental Aspects Of Mining
4. Rock Mechanics
5. Computer Applications
6. Industrial Management
7. Drilling And Blasting
8. Materials Handling
9. Mine Health And Safety
10. Mine Cost Engineering
11. Ore Reserve Analysis
12. Operations Analysis
13. Mine Planning
14. Minerals Processing

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

• Mechanics of Solids
• Mine Environmental Engineering
• Rock Mechanics Laboratory
• Mining Geology & Exploration Laboratory

Objectives

1. To apply knowledge of pertinent scientific theory, engineering fundamentals and improved technology to recover natural resources.
2. To create processes and products to enhance the quality of life of humanity
3. To prepare graduates for success in an increasingly wide range of career paths in which they can make important contributions to society within a world market of peer professionals.
4. To provide graduates with the skills, academic experience and education necessary for them to excel as professionals in diverse industries of mining and related industries

Basic Requirements

Basic qualification includes Class XII with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or equivalent for BE. To become an engineer, a respective degree and a certificate from the Director General of Mines and Safety, Dhanbad is a must. Post graduation and Ph.D are the other options.

Mining Engineering Colleges in India

• Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad
• IIT Guwahati
• IIT Roorkee
• Kakatiya University, Warangal

Job Perspectives

Mining is a world-wide activity involving the extraction of non-metallic’s, metal ores of all kinds, and solid fuels and energy sources such as coal and nuclear material. The need for mineral extraction and production is an essential activity of modern society. In addition to mineral extraction, the skills of mining engineers are also needed in a variety of fields where the earth's crust is utilized. The construction industry, with its requirements of developing roads, railroads, tunnels, and underground chambers, and the hazardous waste disposal industry are examples of such applications. These are rapidly expanding needs, with a shortage of competent people; the mining engineer is well qualified to meet these needs. Both private & public sectors of the mining industry offers a wide range of opportunities to mining engineers.

As technological and engineering field, mining engineering offer a tremendous opportunity for the person who wishes to become involved in the application of natural mineral resources for the preservation and enhancement of man. To meet these needs mining engineers require a broad understanding of basic sciences, engineering, and economic principles. General education, communications skills, and comprehension of social factors are also important, since engineers often assume managerial functions within the mining industry engineering, operations, sales, and management. The breadth of subjects covered in the mining curriculum provides additional opportunities in allied fields. Private sector businesses, as well as state and central agencies, rely on the services of mining engineers. In addition, one can get job in government sector concerned with Mines.

Some Job Types

• Lecturer
• Mining safety engineers
• Senior Mining Engineer
• Short Term Mine Planner
• Process Plant Maintenance Foreman
• Extraction Maintenance Superintendent
• Coal Preparation Plant Manager
• Mine Safety and Health Specialist

Some Employment Areas

1. Colleges and Universities
2. Mine Design
3. Financial Analysis
4. Geotechnical Firms
5. Environment Safety Bodies
6. Minerals Development Corporation
7. Mining Departments
8. Consultancy
9. Research and Development
10. Equipment Sales and Services