Major overview
Mining engineering is a profession that is characterised by rapid scientific and industry advancement. Mining engineers typically use the latest technologies to extract minerals from the earth safely and efficiently.
This course is tailored to guide your transition to a career in the global resources sector, equipped to leverage the technological developments that continue to transform industries.
You will learn about emerging mining technology such as robotics, data analytics and machine learning. You’ll also delve into mining economics, gain an understanding of working with Indigenous cultures and learn how to make a positive contribution to sustainable development.
You’ll graduate with the skills you need to extract minerals from underground or open-pit mines.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Mining engineer
- Mine manager
- Mine planner and designer
- Mining company director
- Management consultant
- Operations manager
Industries
- Mining and resources
- Risk analysis and investment
- Research and development
- Government
Professional accreditation and recognition
Curtin's Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally. Graduates also are eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
Why study at Curtin?
Industry recognition
Curtin’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally. Graduates of this course also are eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
Global recognition
Curtin ranks #1 in Australia and #5 in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Industry immersion
Experience Curtin’s world-renowned WA School of Mines, in the heart of Western Australia's Goldfields region.
Hear from our students
"I wanted a career that combines technical skills with hands-on applications. Being immersed in Kalgoorlie’s industry environment, I found opportunities to work at both underground and open pit operations while I was studying, which vastly improved my understanding of the industry and allowed me to apply my knowledge to the practical challenges the industry faces."
Christopher Darmago
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) (Honours)
Major structure
What you’ll learn
In your first year, you’ll complete the Engineering Foundation Year (EFY), learning fundamental concepts and developing skills that are common to all engineering disciplines.
Throughout your second year, you’ll strengthen your knowledge of foundational engineering and study units in geoscience and mining engineering.
You’ll complete your third and fourth years at Curtin Kalgoorlie, where you’ll gain useful exposure to the mining industry.
As your studies progress, there'll be increased emphasis on mining science and technology topics. These include resource estimation, soil and rock mechanics, explosives and rock breakage, materials transport, mining methods, mine planning, project evaluation and the environment.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a major research project and a team design project.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
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