Mineral Engineering Course Duration

Four-year progression

The first year covers Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, computing, graphics and workshops. The second year develops mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, materials processes and measurement.

The third year commonly covers mineral beneficiation, comminution, separation, dewatering, process calculations, plant design and environmental management. The final year includes electives, internship and a major project.

Laboratory workload

Students may perform sampling, sieve analysis, crushing and grinding tests, liberation studies, gravity or magnetic separation, flotation and settling or filtration work. Reports should include feed characteristics, operating parameters, mass balance, recovery, grade, uncertainty and safety.

Internship

Internships may occur in mines, mineral-processing plants, steel or non-ferrous operations, cement works, coal preparation plants, laboratories, consultancies or environmental teams. Defined technical work and supervision matter more than the company name.

Major project

Projects can optimise grinding or classification, compare separation routes, analyse plant losses, improve water recovery, characterise tailings, model a flowsheet or evaluate recovery from secondary resources. Scope should match available samples, equipment, safety controls and time.