Mining is an industry marked by technological change and challenge. Employers seek graduates who are highly motivated and able to adapt to a variety of conditions. For those who choose such a challenging career the rewards are excellent.

The technician is part of the engineering team, involved in all aspects of mining. The opportunities range from exploration, planning, and operation, to mineral extraction and environmental control.

This broad-based program is offered in a modular format allowing students to maintain their employment, as well as undertake exciting studies in mining. Distance education is coupled with lab courses and field school components to create a flexible learning experience.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of Northern College's Haileybury School of Mines, of whom there are over 2,000, work in every aspect of mining all over the world. Jobs range from surveyor, planner, and production supervisor through to mine manager. Those employed in mineral extraction work as assayers, process controllers, metallurgical technologists, to mill superintendents. Many graduates are employed by explosive, chemical and equipment firms as sales and technical service representatives. Due to the integrated curriculum, all graduates are prepared to shift laterally in a mining company as priorities and economic realities dictate. As well, they are well placed to rise in the corporate world and to work internationally.

Admission Requirements

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

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Program of Studies

Semester I
CM1903-A Communications I
MA1100 Math I
MI1003 Geology - Mineralogy I
MI1013 Surveying I
MI1033 Introduction to Mining
CH2033 Chemistry I

Semester II
CM2903-A Communications II
MA2104 Math II
MI1032 Mining Physics (half semester)
MI2002 Effective Supervision I
MI2004 Geology – Mineralogy II
MI2013 AutoCAD I
MI2043 Mining II
Field School (Surveying II, Mineralogy and Geology III)
EL1003 Elective

Semester III
MA3033 Math III
MI3033 Mining III
MI3043 Surveying III
MI3053 Mining Economics
MI3163 Geology – Mineralogy IV
EL1003 Elective
Safety and Loss Control

Semester IV
MA4013 Math IV (Statistics)
MI4004 Geology – Mineralogy V
MI4033 Mining IV
MI4043 Mineral Processing II
MI6044 Mine Ventilation
MI6053 Ground Control
Environment
Field School (Mineral Processing II, Surveying IV, Mineralogy and Geology VI)

Mining Engineering Technician is now available through distance education and includes a field school component

For program information:
Patricia Hamilton
Program Coordinator
705-672-3376 ext. 8829
hamiltonp@northern.on.ca