Why Study Master’s in Mining Engineering in Australia?
Australia is a land rich in natural resources with a booming mining industry. With resources like zinc and coal among its leading exports, there is not only high demand but also high growth potential if you plan to study mining engineering in Australia.
A Master’s degree in mining engineering sets you up for a technical role as an engineer in one of the country’s biggest growth sectors. Australian universities offering this degree work closely with industry professionals and experts to produce the most in-demand graduates for emerging roles. A degree in mining engineering for your postgraduate study can ensure high-paying job opportunities and room for intensive global research. This blog explores the top reasons why you should consider a Master’s degree in mining engineering for your plans ahead.
The Mining Industry in Australia
Mining is one of the most integral industries in Australia. In 2023, it made up more than 13% of the country’s total GDP and is one of the biggest contributors to Australia’s exports. Australia is, in fact, the fourth largest mining country in the world, and is among the top five producers of resources such as nickel, lead, zinc, iron ore, and gold. As a result, the Australian government continues to invest heavily in the mining industry, in technological development, employment, innovation, and more. Here are some of the top reasons to consider studying mining engineering in Australia.
Expanding Industry
The world is moving towards a net-zero carbon emission society. In order to achieve this goal, a huge volume of mineral resources is necessary in the next 20-30 years. More than 50 lithium mines, 60 nickel mines and 17 cobalt mines are necessary in the next 10 years to meet energy demands in the world. Australia’s rich deposits of mineral resources and thriving mining sector are potential solutions for this.
New mines in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland are leading the way towards over 100 new mining projects, expanding the industry several times over in the following years. The Australian mining industry sees more than 1.2 million employees, a large proportion of whom participate in technical and engineering jobs. As the industry expands, jobs in the mining sector multiply in demand in search of qualified candidates with the right expertise.
Attractive Salaries
The mining industry offers a variety of employment options, including ones requiring a lot of expertise. With a degree in mining engineering in Australia, you can enter the industry as a mining engineer or specialist technician. The high earning potential in this sector is definitely one of the draws of working as a mining engineer or specialist. In Australia, for instance, the average salary for a mining engineer can range from AUD 90,000 to over AUD 150,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Job Security
As a cherry on top, technical jobs in the mining industry offer excellent job security and satisfaction. In addition to competitive salaries, mining engineers often receive benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and bonuses. Some roles, particularly those in remote locations, may also offer fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) arrangements with additional perks.
Coursework in Mining Engineering
An important part of deciding on the right degree for you is understanding the program’s contents and outcomes. Mining engineering is usually a professional engineering degree, which is highly industry-oriented. This means, coursework will include internships and placements with actual companies in the mining industry. The high emphasis on industry-relevant and experiential learning can go a long way in enhancing your employability in a competitive job market.
Some of the common courses you will learn when studying mining engineering in Australia include:
● Mine Design and Planning: Focuses on designing and planning efficient, safe, and sustainable mining operations.
● Rock Mechanics and Geomechanics: Studies the behavior of rock masses and the principles of geomechanics in mining applications.
● Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy: Covers techniques for processing minerals and extracting valuable metals from ores.
● Mine Ventilation and Environmental Control: Teaches methods for managing air quality and environmental impacts within mines.
● Mine Safety and Risk Management: Emphasizes strategies for ensuring safety and mitigating risks in mining operations.
● Mining Economics and Finance: Examines the financial aspects and economic considerations of mining projects.
● Sustainable Mining and Environmental Management: Focuses on environmentally responsible mining practices and sustainability.
● Automation and Technology in Mining: Explores the integration of automation and modern technology in mining processes.
Where Should I Study Mining Engineering?
A Master’s degree in mining engineering can be great, but where you get it from matters too. A master’s degree from the top universities in Australia in the subject can greatly accelerate you towards career success. You can explore mining engineering programs at these universities with the GRADSearch tool – you can generate a list of university courses from world-ranking universities that match your needs in just a few clicks.
A degree from these top-ranking universities will land you jobs anywhere in the world. You will access state-of-the-art facilities and training programs while learning under industry experts in programs that stay highly responsive to industry needs.
Here are some of the top universities to study mining engineering in Australia:
University of New South Wales
UNSW proudly hosts Australia’s #1 Engineering faculty, which offers a Master’s in Mining Engineering. Mineral and Mining Engineering education at UNSW ranks 3rd in the world and supplies graduates to Australia’s top employers every year. You will also have the option of undertaking a specialization, choosing between Mine Geomechanics and Mine Management.
| Degree Name | Master of Mining Engineering |
| Duration | 1.7 years |
| Intakes | February/December |
| Type | Full-time |
| Mode | Blended |
| Course Fees | AUD 54,000 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS: Total score of 6.5, 6.0 in individual bands |
| Entry Requirements | 4-year Honors degree in Mining Engineering or related subject |
| Grade Requirements | 70% grade in Bachelor’s degree |
University of Western Australia
Western Australia is the epicenter of the mining industry in Australia, making the University of Western Australia a top candidate for providing training and education in the subject. UWA has a Master of Professional Engineering degree, where you can select Mining as a Major. This degree will include a 12-week professional training program in an industrial placement.
| Degree Name | Master of Professional Engineering (Mining) |
| Duration | 2-3 years |
| Intakes | February/September |
| Type | Full-time |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | AUD 47,200 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS: Total score of 6.5, 6.0 in individual bands |
| Entry Requirements | 3-year Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics or mathematics |
| Grade Requirements | 65% grade in Bachelor’s degree |
University of Adelaide
If affordability is a big consideration, the University of Adelaide can be a great option to consider. The university offers a Master of Mining Engineering degree with Engineers Australia accreditation. This degree will include a 12-credit research project introducing students to the field.
| Degree Name | Master of Engineering (Mining) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Intakes | February/July |
| Type | Full-time |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | AUD 53,000 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS: Total score of 6.5, 6.0 in individual bands |
| Entry Requirements | 4-year Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject |
| Grade Requirements | 4.5 GPA in Bachelor’s degree |
University of Wollongong
With one of the largest communities of international students in Australia, the University of Wollongong excels in student experience. The university offers an accredited Master of Engineering degree in Mining that is sure to connect you with industry leaders and teach you the technical skills to become a successful professional in the field.
| Degree Name | Master of Engineering (Mining Engineering) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Intakes | February/July |
| Type | Full-time |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | AUD 40,272 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS: Total score of 6.5, 6.0 in individual bands |
| Entry Requirements | 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree |
| Grade Requirements | 60% grade in Bachelor’s degree |
Curtin University
Curtin University is in Western Australia, giving you proximity to the majority of mining projects in Australia. The university offers a Master of Professional Engineering program, where you can choose mining as your major. Curtin’s mining engineering program is one of the largest and most comprehensive in Australia. The university is closely linked with the mining industry, offering students access to real-world projects and cutting-edge research.
| Degree Name | Master of Professional Engineering (Mining Engineering) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Intakes | February/July |
| Type | Full-time |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | AUD 44,569 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS: Total score of 6.0, 6.0 in individual bands |
| Entry Requirements | 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree |
| Grade Requirements | 60% grade in Bachelor’s degree |
Scholarships in Mining Engineering
One thing that might be holding you back from pursuing a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering in Australia is the cost of studying. As is the case with studying abroad overall, studying mining engineering won’t exactly be free. However, there are quite a few scholarship options you can consider so you don’t have to break the bank.
Scholarships in Australia are on offer by universities, the government, and other third parties. Government scholarships are usually the hardest to get, but also of the highest value. However, you can easily opt for subject-based scholarships that universities give out every year. There are also some mining associations and companies that provide scholarships in Australia to incentivize qualified career professionals to join the sector. Some of your options may include:
| Scholarship | Provider | Value |
| International Scientia Coursework Scholarship | UNSW | AUD 20,000 |
| India Future of Change Scholarship | UNSW | AUD 10,000 |
| UWA International Student Award | University of Western Australia | AUD 5,000 per year |
| UOW Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship | University of Wollongong | 30% waiver |
| Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Outstanding Indian Student | University of Adelaide | 50% waiver |
Career Options in Mining Engineering
It is apparent that the mining industry in Australia is gigantic and still evolving. What this translates into for students is some great career options. A Master’s degree in Mining Engineering in Australia opens up diverse career opportunities, not exclusive to just the mining sector.
Research Centers for Mining Engineering
Australia has some top-tier research centers for mining engineering. These research centers are parts of top university faculties specializing in mining engineering research and innovation. Besides supporting your postgraduate studies, you can also pursue a full-time career in mining research from these centers. Some of the best mining research centers in Australia are:
| Center Name | Institution |
| Mining Research Center | University of Wollongong |
| ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems | Macquarie University |
| The Institute for Geoscience Research (TIGeR) | Curtin University |
| Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia | Government of Western Australia |
Job Opportunities
There are a number of roles that you can pursue with a degree in Mining engineering. Some of the more promising career roles include:
● Mining Engineer: Designs, plans, and oversees the development and operation of mines to ensure efficient and safe extraction of minerals.
● Geotechnical Engineer: Analyzes soil, rock, and underground conditions to ensure the stability and safety of mining structures and operations.
● Drilling and Blasting Officer: Manages and executes drilling and blasting activities to break rock efficiently and safely for mineral extraction.
● Health and Safety Officer: Ensures compliance with safety regulations and implements safety programs to protect workers in the mining environment.
● Environmental Management Officer: Oversees environmental protection measures, including waste management and land rehabilitation, to minimize the environmental impact of mining activities.
● Technical Services Manager: Leads the technical services team, providing support and expertise in mine planning, surveying, and resource estimation to optimize mining operations.
● Health, Safety, and Training Manager: Develops and manages health and safety programs and training initiatives to promote a safe working environment in the mine.
● Mine General Manager: Oversees all aspects of mine operations, including production, safety, and financial performance, ensuring the mine operates efficiently and profitably.
Rounding Up
A Master’s degree in Mining Engineering in Australia can set you up on a lucrative career path with high future gains and great growth potential. Aside from becoming a part of a large and growing industry, you will also gather incredible technical knowledge. The mining industry is indispensable to the Australian economy, contributing significantly to the country’s exports and GDP. Graduating from one of Australia’s top universities with a world-class degree in mining engineering can be a transformative decision for your career and future.
