Montana Tech Department of Mining Engineering

Mining Engineers design, construct, and manage surface mines, underground mines, and quarries. The Montana State School of Mines was established in 1895 and opened in 1900. In 1900, Butte was the premier mining camp in the US and Tech's mining program focused on hardrock underground mining. Today, however, we train mining engineers in all aspects of mining.

Our objective is to provide a quality education that blends theory and practice to produce a mining engineer who can enter and pursue a successful career in the field of Mining Engineering and is prepared to meet the vigorous demands of natural resource development throughout the world. In addition to a comprehensive engineering background, the program provides training in the mechanics of geologic materials, blasting, materials handling, mine valuation, ventilation, environmental considerations, and the design and operation of surface and underground mines. Tech is the place where theory meets practice.

The Montana Tech Department of Mining Engineering is home to a bachelor's degree and master's degree that lay excellent foundation for the Earth Science and Engineering Ph.D. program. Students study in the nation's only on-campus undergound mine classroom. Mining engineers also have an interest and knowledge of environmental stewardship and mine reclamation— the process of restoring land that has been mined. Our faculty conduct research and projects in conjunction with the Center for Environmental Remediation and Assessment, which works to advance the science for natural resource extraction waste management and decommissioning practices to improve and create new technologies and products which remediate and beneficially reuse waste resources while minimizing impact. 

Mission Statement

The Mining Engineering department prepares students for careers in the global mining industry. Graduates are successful in surface and underground mining of all aspects of the industry including metal, non-metal, coal, aggregates, and other industrial materials.