Mining and Resource Extraction for Non-Mining Professionals

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Understand how mining and resource extraction projects are planned, executed, and managed from a systems perspective
• Interpret basic geological, exploration, and mining terminology commonly used in multidisciplinary projects
• Recognize how underground, surface, coal, and petroleum extraction methods influence design, safety, cost, and risk
• Appreciate the role of rock mechanics, material processing, and material handling in overall project performance
• Identify environmental, sustainability, and regulatory considerations that affect engineering decisions
• Communicate more effectively with mining specialists, contractors, and stakeholders

Description
Many engineers and technical professionals work on projects that interface with the mining, energy, or resource sectors without having formal training in mining engineering. Whether supporting infrastructure, processing facilities, power generation, environmental assessments, or project management, a lack of foundational mining knowledge can create gaps in communication, risk awareness, and decision-making.

This course provides a practical, high-level introduction to the mining and resource extraction industry, designed specifically for non-mining professionals. It explains how geological conditions, exploration methods, extraction techniques, processing systems, and material transportation influence engineering design and operational outcomes.

By participating in this course, you will gain contextual understanding and the vocabulary, frameworks, and industry insight needed to collaborate effectively, ask informed questions, and make sound technical decisions when working on or alongside mining and resource-related projects.

Who Should Attend

• Engineers and technologists outside of mining who work on resource‑related projects
• Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and environmental engineers
• Project managers, designers, inspectors, and technical advisors
• Professionals working in infrastructure, energy, utilities, or heavy industry
• Early‑career to mid‑career practitioners seeking broader industry context

Introduction to the mining industry

Geology

• Introduction to geological concepts
• Types of rocks and minerals
• Geological mapping techniques
• Role of geology in mining
• Geological surveys and sampling methods

Exploration Methods

• Introduction to mine planning and its terminology
• Geophysical investigation techniques
• Remote sensing and aerial surveys
• Drilling methods and core sampling
• Data analysis and resource estimation

Underground Mining

• Overview of underground mining
• Different underground mining methods (e.g., room and pillar, longwall)
• Safety measures in underground mining
• Equipment used in underground mining
• Challenges and solutions in underground mining

Surface Mining

• Overview of surface mining
• Key terminology in surface mining
• Types of surface mining methods (e.g., open-pit, strip mining)
• Environmental impact of surface mining
• Equipment used in surface mining
• terminology

Coal Mining

• Introduction to coal mining
• Types of coal and their uses
• Methods of coal extraction
• Environmental concerns in coal mining
• Future trends in coal mining

Petroleum

• Introduction to petroleum exploration and production
• Methods of petroleum exploration
• Drilling and extraction techniques
• Refining and processing of petroleum
• Environmental and economic impacts of petroleum production

Rock Mechanics

• Introduction to rock mechanics and its terminology
• Importance of rock mechanics in mining
• Stress and strain in rocks
• Rock stability and failure analysis
• Testing methods in rock mechanics

Material Processing

• Importance of material processing
• Stages of processing (e.g., crushing, grinding, separation)
• Introduction to extractive metallurgy
• Steel production processes
• Role of processing in electricity generation

Material Handling and Transportation

• Introduction to material handling
• Methods of transporting materials (e.g., conveyors, trucks, pipelines)
• Challenges in material transportation
• Safety measures in material handling
• Innovations in transportation technology

Environmental Concern

• Overview of sustainability in mining
• Environmental impact assessments
• Strategies for minimizing environmental impact
• Waste management and recycling in mining
• Sustainable practices and future directions in the industry