It’s elemental
Newfoundland and Labrador is among the top 10 mining jurisdictions in the world
[1], making the versatile mining engineering technician a highly-sought after employee in this industry, right here at home.
Mining engineering technicians support mining engineering and geological teams. They assist in conducting geophysical surveys and analyzing the data to identify potential mineral exploration opportunities. They collect and evaluate mineral deposits to assess contaminants in soil and groundwater, and direct and facilitate other essential geological and geophysical fieldwork.
Mining is one of the industries expected to experience the largest increase in employment during the 2015 to 2025 period. As of 2022, Mining Industry NL estimated about 8,000 jobs in the mining sector and expects to increase to 12,000 in the next couple of years, unearthing a steady demand for skills in the mining sector. The province aims to be a top producer in additional mineral commodity markets as new mineral resources are identified such as lithium, salt, and critical rare earth elements.
That means now’s the time to dig into this career! The Mining Engineering Technician program will challenge you to explore why and how things work in this dynamic field and find innovative solutions to mining challenges. You will be qualified for work in the fields of mineral resources exploration, in the operations of surface or underground mines, and in mine/quarry production. Or you may discover you like specialized areas such as mine surveying, ground control, mine ventilation, mine safety, field explorations, mine geology, or mine planning.
Whatever features of mining that surface to pique your interest, you’re going to rock this career!
Program Highlights
- Developed “from the ground up” to ensure alignment with Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) requirements
- Field trips to one or more mines in the province for hands-on activities and field demonstrations
- Eligibility for membership in the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador (AETTNL) and similar associations across Canada
- With two years of progressive work experience, become eligible to receive the designation of Certified Technician (C. Tech) upon completion of a Professional Practice and Ethics Exam
Did You Know?
- With multiple producing mines in the province, several metal and non-metal commodities are produced, including iron ore, nickel, copper, cobalt, and gold.
- As a significant contributor to the national mineral commodity market, Newfoundland and Labrador provides over 45% of Canada’s iron ore shipments and 26% of Canada’s nickel shipments.
- According to the Newfoundland and Labrador Government’s Labour Market Outlook 2025, over the 2019 to 2025 period, the number of workers [across industries] is expected to increase by approximately 12,000 (or 4.5 per cent).[2]
- The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador plans to open five (5) new mines by 2030 with a goal of boosting direct employment from 4,800 to 6,200.
- Government also aims to increase annual exploration expenditures to $100 million to expand the NL share of annual mineral shipments from 6.4% to 10% of the Canadian total.
- The workforce is diversifying and increasing participation of women from 15% to 30%.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Mining Engineering Technician program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills to be able to:
- Conduct geophysical surveys and analyze geophysical profiles and maps
- Create and interpret geological maps and cross sections for mineral exploration, in collaboration the exploration teams
- Perform field procedures appropriate for the acquisition of geological and geochemical data
- Assist in the evaluation of mineral deposits
- Collaborate to identify geologic formations, structures, and processes
- Assist in managing the mine development and production processes for both underground and surface mines
- Perform project management activities within a mining exploration and mine development context.
CERTIFICATIONS
Students in the Mining Engineering Technician program will be required to complete certifications in the following areas prior to the start of Semester 3:
- Standard First Aid/Heart Start
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (for Land)
- ATV Safety Training
Students should be aware that additional fees may apply for external certifications.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students in the Mining Engineering Technician program are required to purchase the following equipment at their own expense:
- Rain gear
- Hi Visibility Vest
- Field clothes
- Shop Coat
- Hard Hat
- Safety Glasses
- Rubber Boots
- Steel Toe Boots
- Backpack
- Sylva compass
- Padlock
- Scientific Calculator
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Mining Engineering Technician program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
Note: Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school
Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from Math 1700. Students must apply for the exemption.
iii. Science (4 credits) two of which must be selected from:
Biology: 3201
Physics: 3204
Chemistry: 3202
Earth Systems: 3209
Note: The remaining two Science credits to be chosen from the highest Science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math (60% MINIMUM)
MA1040,
MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
a. Introductory Biology:
BL1020,
BL1021
b. Introductory Chemistry:
CH1030,
CH1031
c. Introductory Physics:
PH1050,
PH1051
Note: It is strongly recommended that CAS students who intend to enroll in Engineering Technology programs complete both of the Chemistry courses and both of the Physics courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore, international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.