Mining Engineering Technician

Program Title – Mining Engineering Technician

Program Delivery
Full-Time Distance Learning (two 2-week on-site field schools mandatory)

Program Codes
Program codes are for September intakes except those that are indicated differently.
NORT – M002 (HL) Haileybury Campus – On site through distance education – Open
NORT – M002W (HL) Haileybury Campus – January intake – Open
NORT – M042 (CH) Distance Learning – Haileybury Campus – Open
NORT – M042W (CH) Distance Learning – January intake – Haileybury Campus – Open
NORT – M037 (KL) On site through distance learning – Kirkland Lake Campus – Open
NORT – M044 (PC) On site through distance learning – Timmins Campus – Open
NORT – M046 (CH) Partnership with Confederation College – Open

Program Specific Information and Forms

Below are requirements or forms relating to this program.

AutoCAD System Requirements (PDF, 99.5KB)
SolidWorks System Requirements (PDF, 92KB)

Other Forms
Request for Student Photo ID – Distance Students
Approval of Invigilation Form
Field School Supplies
Request to Write/Submit a Test, Exam or Assignment on a Different Date
Publicity and Promotion Consent Form

  • Program Description
    The technician is part of the engineering team, involved in all aspects of mining from exploration, planning, development and operation, to mineral extraction and environmental control. This program is offered in a modular distance – education format that allows you to take courses from the comfort of your home, avoid long commutes, minimize accommodation and living costs while studying, maintain your employment, as well as develop sound communication and computer skills. Distance theory education is coupled with yearly field school components which are held at the Haileybury campus during the spring.

    Important Information
    The Mining Engineering Technician program is a blended program combining on-site and distance learning. Students require the use of a personal computer to access course content, submit assignments, and complete online tests.

    It is recommended that students have the following minimum hardware requirements to effectively participate in the program. See system hardware requirements (PDF, 28.41 KB).

    Career Opportunities
    Graduates may find employment as: surveyors, planners, production supervisors, assayers, process operators, metallurgical technicians, exploration or mine geological technicians, government mine inspectors, mine technicians (ventilation, ground control, environmental, projects), and/or sales and technical representatives.

  • I really like the hands on aspect.

    Faheema Velji

    Field school was probably my favorite component of the program. It made for long, hard days but it gives you a clear sense of what you will be doing when you are a mining technician. Here you can talk to your professors. It's a big difference from university, where you're a just a number. At Northern, the experience is a lot more personal. - Faheema Velji, Mining Engineering Technician program


    The program suited my lifestyle...

    ingrid Lahaie

    as I could not attend college full-time or in person on a daily basis. Distance learning was my best option. It took discipline and motivation, and with the help of teachers and available technology. This opportunity allowed me to finish the program while acquiring experience; something that I could not have been able to do while attending college onsite. - Ingrid Lahaie
    Ground Control Technician - Raglan Mine, A Glencore Company


Delivery Method/Experience by Campus

Location: Haileybury Campus
Delivery: Some courses are delivered by on-site face-to-face professors, and most courses are in a web-based format and are completed in a self-guided environment with due dates for assignments and tests. Some professors are available onsite to answer questions related to the web-based courses.

Location: Students may take the program from any location where internet is available.Administered from the Haileybury Campus
Delivery: Courses are delivered in a web-based format and are completed in a self-guided environment with due dates for assignments and tests. Students have phone, email, and blackboard collaborate access to professors who assists with any questions the student might have, and also provide feedback to the assessments the students complete.
Location: Timmins (Porcupine) Campus
Delivery: Some courses are delivered by on-site face-to-face professors, and many courses are in a web-based format and are completed in a self-guided environment with due dates for assignments and tests. Students have phone and email access to professors who assist with any questions the student might have, and also provide feedback to the assessments the students complete.
Location: Kirkland Lake Campus
Delivery: Some courses are delivered by on-site face-to-face professors, and many courses are in a web-based format and are completed in a self-guided environment with due dates for assignments and tests. Students have phone and email access to professors who assist with any questions the student might have, and also provide feedback to the assessments the students complete.
NORT – M046 (CH) Fall
Location: Mining Engineering Technician at the Haileybury School of Mines at Confederation College in Thunder Bay
Delivery: Students are integrated into student life at Confederation College in Thunder Bay. Some courses are taught onsite, face-to-face in a traditional classroom setting, while other are delivered in a video/web-based format with phone and email access to professors who assist with any questions the student might have and also provide feedback to the assessments the students complete.

Contact Information
mining@northern.on.ca

Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, U)
Grade 12 Math (C, U) (MCT4C preferred; MAP4C is accepted with a minimum GPA of 60%)
Grade 12 Chemistry (C, U) recommended
Grade 12 Physics (C, U) recommended

Or equivalent

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details. Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading on any of Northern College’s campuses.

Semester 1
MI1003 Mineralogy and Geology I
MI1013 Surveying I
MI1033 Introduction to Mining
CH1033 Chemistry
MA1100 Mathematics I
CM1903-A Communications I – Model A
GN1033 – Health & Safety

Semester 2
MI1032 Mining Physics (half-semester course)
MI2002 Effective Supervision I
MI2004 Mineralogy and Geology II
MI2013 AutoCAD I
MI2043 Mining II (Surface Mining)
MA2104 Mathematics II
CM2903-A Communications II – Model A
*Field School I:
MI3043 Surveying II, MI3163 Mineralogy and Geology III
The Mining Engineering Technician program requires two Field School components to be completed on-site in Haileybury. The Field Schools are typically two weeks in length and take place in May.

Semester 3
MI3002 Safety and Loss Control (half-semester course)
MI3033 Mining III (Underground Mining)
MI3093 Surveying III
MI4004 Mineralogy and Geology IV
MI6053 Ground Control
MA3033 Mathematics III
GN2133 Law and Ethics

Semester 4
MI1004 Mineral Processing I
MI3053 Mining Economics (half-semester course)
MI3083 Environmental Principles (half-semester course)
MI4083 Mineralogy and Geology V
MI6044 Mine Ventilation (half-semester course)
MA4013 Mathematics IV (Statistics)
IN4052 AutoCAD II
EL1103 Gen Ed Elective I
*Field School II: The Mining Engineering Technician program requires two Field School components to be completed on-site in Haileybury. The Field Schools are typically two weeks in length and take place in May.
MI4013 Surveying IV, MI4043 Mineral Processing II, MI4093 Mineralogy and Geology VI

Semester 1
MI1003 Mineralogy and Geology I
This course is a prerequisite for MI2004 and MI3163.
The geology of the Precambrian, Palaeozoic and Cenozoic eras is introduced in this course. Students are introduced to mapping techniques and the “art” of visualization. Topics include basic geological structures, historical geology and physical processes such as glaciation. Mineralogy is introduced through the physical properties of minerals.

MI1013 Surveying I
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of mining surveying. Basic measurement and calculation techniques are introduced. Principles of measurement theory, error propagation and error analysis are also introduced. The course objective is to give students transferable generic surveying skills and concepts that have application no matter what technology they encounter. Co-requisite: MA1100 Mathematics I

MI1033 Introduction to Mining
This course is a prerequisite for MI2043 and MI3033.
This course discusses the origin and history of mining and its contributions to ancient and modern civilizations. Students are introduced to basic geological and mining terminology, mineral reserve estimation, the mining sequence and to some of the legal requirements governing mining activities. Co-requisite: MA100 Mathematics I

CH1033 Chemistry
Recommended Co-Requisite: MA1100. This course is a prerequisite for MI3083 and MI6044.
This is a course in general chemistry designed to provide a fundamental background for students to understand chemical concepts and to appreciate the applications and implications of chemistry in technology and society.

MA1100 Mathematics I
This course covers basic algebra properties, graphing the straight line, basic geometry and trigonometry, and solving a system of equations algebraically. This course also covers vector addition by components and by the cosine and sine laws.

CM1903-A Communications I – Model A
This course is a prerequisite for CM2903A.
Communications I is a practical course designed to help strengthen both oral and written skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of learning methods and communication formats. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions and style. Students will also develop discipline-specific documents as well as learn the basics of portfolio assembly and presentation.

GN1033 Health & Safety
This course introduces the student to health and safety in their home, in society and within an occupational setting. Students learn about the social and personal benefits of safe work practices and the methods to best prevent accidents or injuries. Students will review the role, right and responsibilities of an individual in today’s health and safety conscious world. Students also learn how to read and interpret the Occupational Act and Regulations.

Semester 2
MI1032 Mining Physics (half-semester course)
This is a half-semester course. This course is a prerequisite for MI6044.
This course reviews concepts of metric and British systems of units, conversions, vectors, statics, motion, force, work, and energy. The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the basic principles of physics that have application in many of the technologies associated with mining, geology and metallurgy. Prerequisite: MA1100 Mathematics I. Co-requisite:MA2104 Mathematics II

MI2002 Effective Supervision I
This course is a prerequisite for MI6044. This course briefly reviews the history of the managerial concept and discusses organizations and modern managerial functions. Students are introduced to the roles and duties of supervisors in modern organizations and some of the legal requirements and liabilities associated with supervisory activities.

MI2004 Mineralogy and Geology II
This course is a prerquisite for MI3163 and MI4004. This course is the continuation of the study of minerals including native elements, sulphides, arsenides, and some oxides. Also physical geology is studied with topics including maps, an introduction to air photos, mineral exploration, processes affecting and forming the earth, and some qualitative geochemical analysis. Prerequisite: MI1004 Mineralogy and Geology I

MI2013 AutoCAD I
This course first introduces conventional drafting equipment (T-square, set-squares, scales, etc.), and proper lettering and 3-view drawing techniques. The majority of the course focuses on the basic drawing, editing and display commands for AutoCAD. Practical assignments for mining students relate to plotting survey plans, digitizing mine plans and drill-hole layouts. On-site students will use AutoCAD LT 2010 while distance students will be required to download the most recent educational version available from AutoDesk.

MI2043 Mining II (Surface Mining)
This course introduces basic engineering principles used for the design and development of surface mines. The various types of methods and material handling systems used in the exploitation of surface mines are also discussed. This course is a prerequisite for MI3053 and MI3083. Prerequisites: MI1033 Introduction to Mining and MA1100 Mathematics I

MA2104 Mathematics II
This course is a prerequisite for MI3053, MI6044, MA3033, and MA4013.
This course covers exponents and radicals, the quadratic equation, ratio, proportion and variation, exponentials and logarithms, and vector addition by components and by the cosine and sine laws. Prerequisite: MA1100 Mathematics I

CM2903-A Communications II – Model A
This course is a prerequisite for CM2903A.
Communications I is a practical course designed to help strengthen both oral and written skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of learning methods and communication formats. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions and style. Students will also develop discipline-specific documents as well as learn the basics of portfolio assembly and presentation.
*Field School I: MI3043 Surveying II, MI3163 Mineralogy and Geology III
The Mining Engineering Technician program requires two Field School components to be completed on-site in Haileybury. The Field Schools are typically two weeks in length and take place in May.

MI3043 Surveying II (Field School I)
This course is a prerequisite for MI4013.
The survey course is project oriented with the objectives of making the student familiar with differential leveling methods, the operation and care of optical theodolites, as well as the application of basic underground surveying procedures and calculations. Prerequisite: MI1013 Surveying I

Recommended Co-Requisite: MI3043. This course is a prerequisite for MI4093.
This course extends the study of fundamental mineralogy as learned in the first year, into the systematic study of the principal mineral families (especially silicates), as well as introducing crystallography and petrology. Students are also introduced to graphical methods in structural geology. A course in hydrology will be covered concurrently. Prerequisite: MI1003 Mineralogy and Geology I

Semester 3

MI3002 Safety and Loss Control (half-semester course)
This is a half-semester course. This course examines the concepts of Safety and Loss Control in organizations. Students will review the elements of a well-designed Occupational Health and Safety program, the principle of due diligence, the basic causes of accidents and/or injuries as well as practices used to identify, control and evaluate hazards in the workplace.

MI3033 Mining III (Underground Mining)
This course is a prerequisite for MI3053, MI3083, and MI6044.
This course starts with a review of basic mining nomenclature, calculations, processes, planning and guiding tools and other activities performed at the exploration & evaluation stages of the mining sequence. Next, rules-of-thumb and basic engineering principles used for the design, development and exploitation of underground mines are introduced. Various types of underground mine development openings, mining methods, rock breakage and material handling systems used in underground mining are also discussed. Prerequisites: MI1033 Introduction to Mining, MA1100 Mathematics I and MI6053.

MI3093 Surveying III
This course is a prerequisite for MI4013.
The survey course is project oriented with the objectives of making the student familiar with differential leveling methods, the operation and care of optical theodolites, as well as the application of basic underground surveying procedures and calculations. Prerequisite: MI1013 Surveying I

MI4004 Mineralogy and Geology IV
This course is a prerequisite for MI4083. This course is designed to continue field mapping techniques, specifically on a detailed grid, as well as traverse mapping. Concurrently, students will cover a course in Exploration Geochemistry (concepts, practical computer exercises and limited field work), as well as be introduced to GPS systems. Advanced topics in Plate Tectonics will also be introduced. These skills will be practiced in Mineralogy and Geology IV. Prerequisite: MI2004 Geology – Mineralogy II

MI6053 Ground Control
This course covers intact rock properties, rock mass characteristics and classification. Other topics include: geo-technical data collection, rock stress distribution and failure, induced stresses around openings, underground opening and pillar design, rock reinforcement and support, ground support systems, such as mesh, bolt, cable and shot Crete, and ground system design. Prerequisites: MA1100 Mathematics I. Recommended Co-Requisite: MI3033 Mathematics III.

MA3033 Mathematics III
This course further extends the study of technical applications of mathematics. Topics include: exponential and logarithmic functions, empirical equations, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, solutions to different systems of equations, and plane analytic geometry. Prerequisite: MA2104 Mathematics II

GN2133 Law and Ethics
This course provides a basis for legal and ethical issues of importance to graduates and specifically covers torts, professional liability and contract law. Its goal is to begin preparing the student for professional designations and/or examinations.

Semester 4
MI1004 Mineral Processing I
This course is a prerequisite for MI4043

MI3053 Mining Economics (half-semester course)
This course reviews basic financial mathematics and introduces the concepts of discounted cash flows, rate-of-return, sensitivity and risk analyses. Evaluation of equipment replacement alternatives, including “buy versus lease” and the effects of taxation and capital expenditure depreciation on mine project cash flows are also discussed. This is a half-semester course. Prerequisites: MI2043 Mining II (Surface Mining), MI 3033 (Underground Mining) and MA2104 Mathematics II

MI3083 Environmental Principles (half-semester course)
This is a half-semester course. Prerequisites: CH1033, MI2043, and MI3033.
This course briefly reviews potential environmental impacts of mining. Students are also introduced to environmental regulatory requirements, best practices, monitoring and reporting.

MI4083 Mineralogy and Geology V
Prerequisite: MI4004. This course is a prerequisite for MI4093.
This course extends the study of fundamental Mineralogy into the systematic study of the principal rock-forming mineral families (especially silicates and secondary silicates), including properties and uses, as well as introducing petrology. Students will learn to identify major rock types. Also, students will be introduced to geochemical exploration and hydrology.

MI6044 Mine Ventilation (half-semester course)
This course briefly reviews fundamental design principles of underground mine ventilation such as air flow and resistance estimation, fan selection and mine air quality. Students are also introduced to mine ventilation monitoring, control techniques and legislated requirements. This is a half-semester course. Prerequisites: MI3033 Mining III (Underground Mining), CH1033 Chemistry, MI1032 Mining Physics, and MA2104 Mathematics II.

MA4013 Mathematics IV (Statistics)
This is an introductory course in statistics with applications to mining and geology. Topics include: construction of frequency distribution, tendency of variation measures, descriptive statistics, probability rules and distributions, sampling and estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression and correlation analyses, non-parametric tests and basic geostatistics. Prerequisite: MA2104 Mathematics II

IN4052 AutoCAD II
Description: N/A

EL1103 Gen Ed Elective I
*Field School II: The Mining Engineering Technician program requires two Field School components to be completed on-site in Haileybury. The Field Schools are typically two weeks in length and take place in May.

MI4013 Surveying IV, MI4043 Mineral Processing II, MI4093 Mineralogy and Geology VI

MI4013 Surveying IV
Recommended Co-requisites: MI4043 and MI4093.
In this second survey field school course, practical hands-on underground skills and calculations are emphasized. Topics include total station basics and data transfer, underground surveying, shaft plumbing, control survey and a star shot.

MI4043 Mineral Processing II (Fieldschool)
Recommended Co-requisites: MI4013 and MI4093.
Students will act as helper in the operation of a 300 TPD precious mill in Cobalt belong to SMC (Canada) Ltd. and on site in the mill at the Haileybury School of Mines. Students will become familiar with all components of a crushing plant, mill and tailings disposal system.

MI4093 Mineralogy/Geology VI
Prerequisite: MI4083. This course is designed to continue field mapping techniques, specifically on a detailed grid, as well as traverse mapping. Additional work in GPS will be completed, particularly as an introduction to the Garmin and Trimble GPS packages/systems. This course extends the study of fundamental Mineralogy, as learned in First Year, into the laboratory study of hand specimens of oxides, chlorides, fluorides, carbonates and the principal mineral families (especially silicates) and rocks.

Download the complete Articulation Agreement list for Universities and Colleges (PDF, 113KB).

You can also visit OnTransfer. This site provides information and resources to help students and potential students find their way through Ontario’s postsecondary system.