Master's in Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining

An exciting opportunity to study Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining as a two-year master’s programme, either in geosciences or mining engineering, in an excellent infrastructure and close connection to the mining industry.

Programmes are among the few programmes in the world to cover the whole mining value chain from exploration to mining, concentration, refining and closure.
Mining engineering student explorers the mining process on a screen.

Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining, Master's programme in Geosciences or Master's programme in Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing and Geophysics

Degree titles

Master of Science or Master of Science (Technology)

Study places

25 for Geosciences and 25 for Mining Engineering

Duration of studies

2 years

Scope

120 credits

Teaching method

On campus

Next application period

8-22 January 2025

Programme profile

Top reasons to study Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining

  • A rare opportunity to study high level education covering the whole mining value chain.
  • University of Oulu is ranked within the global top 76-100 universities in Mining & Mineral Engineering in Shanghai Ranking´s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024.
  • Excellent, cutting-edge infrastructure available for research and education - the latest software and machinery.
  • Shared courses in geosciences and engineering, including both theory and practice.
  • Work-life related studies in close cooperation with the mining industry. Internship and thesis opportunities offered to students.

Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining is one of the few programmes in the world which cover the whole mining value chain from exploration to mining, concentration, refining and closure.

The faculty has close collaboration with the industry and teaching is provided by highly experienced and internationally well-regarded teachers. The Oulu Mining School is involved with many high-level EU projects which focus on innovation, developing new methods and refining existing processes.

The unit also has a unique, fully operational small-scale refinery for teaching purposes.

Should I choose Geosciences or Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing and Geophysics?

Oulu Mining School offers two Master’s programmes under the same title: one in Geosciences, another in Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing and Geophysics. How to choose the right programme for you? Here are some tips.

In Geosciences applicants are expected to have sufficient background in geology (60 ECTS credits) as well as basic skills in petrographic microscopy.

In Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing and Geophysics, engineering mathematics courses in Calculus, Differential Equations and Matrix Algebra are required to be completed, either before applying or at the beginning of studies. Your previous degree can be in engineering or natural sciences: geophysics, geosciences, physics, or chemistry.

Applicants can apply to both programmes but need to prioritize their choice.

Core skills and competence

Excellent skills in and understanding of sustainable use of mineral resources and principles of sustainable mining and beneficiation, including:

  • Theoretical studies in geosciences and engineering
  • Economical and environmental aspects of mining
  • Hands-on practice in the well-equipped Oulu Mining School Research Centre and in the field
  • The latest modelling and simulation education related to the topics
  • Instrumental skills in mineral analytics.

Five specialisation options to choose from

Two in Geosciences

Economic Geology focuses on characterisation of mineral deposits and geological processes behind their genesis, forming a basis for mineral exploration.

Quaternary and Superficial Geology covers a wide range of sub-disciplines including glacial geology, sedimentology, ore prospecting techniques, and hydrogeology.

Three in Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing and Geophysics

Mining Engineering covers a wide range of topics, including geotechnique, mining technologies, analysis of production capacity, and financing.

Mineral Processing deals with the processes to economically separate valuable minerals from the ores.

Applied Geophysics concentrates on the basic phenomena in geophysics and how to apply the knowledge, for example in mineral exploration, mapping and management of natural resources, and in environmental and engineering studies.

Programme structure and courses

Career opportunities

Job opportunities exist in all fields related to the mining cycle including:

  • Mineral Exploration
  • Mining
  • Mineral Processing
  • Rock Engineering in both industry and research.

You are a great fit for our programme if

An ideal candidate for the Master’s in Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining is academically versed in geology or mining engineering, with a passion for sustainable mining practices. The candidate possesses a background in either geological sciences or mining-related engineering.

This individual is driven by a commitment to environmental management and innovation in the mining sector and is eager to engage with the industry through internships and collaborative projects, aiming to contribute to the mining cycle from exploration to closure. With aspirations to impact the field positively, the candidate is culturally aware and equipped to address global challenges in mineral industry.

Admissions criteria

Read about eligibility and admissions procedure for each degree option, detailed information available at Studyinfo.

Welcome to Oulu Mining School

The programme is committed to fighting climate change and providing students with social skills and cultural awareness in different cultural and socioeconomic contexts related to mining in in addition to technical engineering expertise.