School of Mining and Geosciences
School of Mining and Geosciences
School of Mining and Geosciences
Overview
The BSc Mining Engineering degree consists of 4 years of full-time study in the School of Mining and Geosciences (SMG) at Nazarbayev University. Students are required to complete 250 ECTS credits, in 8 semesters, which satisfies requirements stipulated by the Bologna Process and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) for Undergraduate Degrees. The program is designed to educate and train students to perform the various functions exercised by mining engineers including planning, designing, operating and closing mines in a safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible and financially viable manner. The program consists of introductory courses such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering fundamentals, along with some required national courses, such as Kazakh language and History of Kazakhstan.
Additionally, Introduction to Natural Resource Extraction and Fundamentals of Geology are required courses for all SMG students to be taken within the first two semesters. The final two years cover the primarily mining courses which will be supported by practical laboratory components, field trips, as well as computer aided software design packages to equip the students for the industry’s needs. Final year courses cover complete design and feasibility study of a mining project which aims to bring together the full range of disciplines offered in Mining Engineering. Furthermore, Mine Design Project I and II aim to develop the student’s research and design skills, to build foundation knowledge on a particular mining industry related problem and to propose and investigate possible solution(s) for mining engineering problems.
Testimonial
Meruyert Khudaibergen
Major: BSc Mining Engineering
Graduation Year: 2023
Graduation Year: 2023
Being an alumna of Nazarbayev University opened doors for me that I could never have imagined. I graduated from NU in 2023 with a Bachelor's in Mining Engineering. Studying at a university with a strong and supportive faculty, an exceptional educational foundation, and surrounded by highly motivated people made my choice to study at NU an easy one.
The privilege of learning from top professionals in both academia and industry provided me with the necessary knowledge for the 'real world.' The professors not only supported us academically but also played a crucial role in our personal growth by mentoring and encouraging us. While learning how to use different software for Mining Engineering and completing lab work, I couldn't have imagined just how essential this experience would be in the future. Moreover, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Research Assistant for nearly three years, participate in multiple field trips to visit mines, and intern with leading mining companies. This experience played a vital role in helping me secure a position as a Mining Engineer with a British consulting company, where I could apply all the skills I gained during my studies and excel in my new role.
Studying at Nazarbayev University gave me the opportunity to learn the latest industry trends and ignited my passion for Mining Engineering.
The privilege of learning from top professionals in both academia and industry provided me with the necessary knowledge for the 'real world.' The professors not only supported us academically but also played a crucial role in our personal growth by mentoring and encouraging us. While learning how to use different software for Mining Engineering and completing lab work, I couldn't have imagined just how essential this experience would be in the future. Moreover, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Research Assistant for nearly three years, participate in multiple field trips to visit mines, and intern with leading mining companies. This experience played a vital role in helping me secure a position as a Mining Engineer with a British consulting company, where I could apply all the skills I gained during my studies and excel in my new role.
Studying at Nazarbayev University gave me the opportunity to learn the latest industry trends and ignited my passion for Mining Engineering.
General information
- Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
- Language: English
- Delivery mode: Full time, on-campus
- Duration: 4 years
- Total ECTS credit: 250
Program Aims
The program mirrors the mission of the School of Mining and Geosciences by aiming:
- To equip students with the advanced level technical skills, tools, and knowledge needed within the mining industry.
- To develop the conceptualization skills of students in mining systems for operation of existing or development of new mines.
- To train engineers to solve complex engineering problems within the mining industry using their analytical, intellectual, and critical thinking skills.
- To conduct research to expand knowledge and technology to ensure safe, environmentally friendly, and economically viable prospection and extraction of minerals.
Key Advantages
- 95%+ job placement rate within 1–2 months of graduation1
- Internships with major companies: KazMinerals, ERG, Kazzinc, etc.2
- Hands-on experience at real mining sites and underground operations across Kazakhstan3
- Access to modern labs and industry-standard software: Datamine, Micromine, Rocscience4
- Active student community and involvement in mining-related competitions and global conferences5
- Focus on digital transformation and automation in mining (robotics, AI tools, simulation)6
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will be able to:
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
What Will You Learn?
- Complete Mine Planning & DesignFundamentals of open-pit and underground mine design using real-world data.
- Geomechanics, Ventilation & Sustainable MiningBasics of rock mechanics, airflow control, and environmental responsibility.
- Mining Software ApplicationsIntroductory training in Datamine, Rocscience, and Micromine.
- Fieldwork & LabsOn-site experience at Kazakhstan’s mining operations + lab work.
Curriculum
Electives
- Engineering Economics
- Mine Risk Management
- Mining and Environment
Handbook
Core modules
The list of core modules
This is an introductory course to natural resources extraction and research methods. The course is designed to provide students with an overview of geology, mining and petroleum engineering, and their significance for the society. The course will equip the students with the fundamental knowledge of geological processes and mining and petroleum operations covering areas across the entire mineral industry value chain. This includes exploration, evaluation of assets, main components of mining and petroleum operations, post-processing, operational health and safety, risk assessment, environmental impact, and the latest technological advancements towards more efficient and sustainable operations. In addition, the course will introduce students to research methodology considering ethical principles. By the end of the course, the students are expected to acquire essential knowledge towards undertaking comprehensive studies in their selected program of study related to natural resource extraction industries.
Course learning outcomes
1. Characterize the basic concepts of geological processes and mineral exploration.
2. Classify best practices in mining operations across the entire value chain, mineral processing, mine health and safety and risk assessment, and sustainability and efficiency of mining operations.
3. Acquire knowledge of petroleum systems and E&P best practices, including differentiation of rock classifications, reservoirs, reservoir fluids, and recovery mechanisms.
4. Contrast the interplay between exploration, production, and mid-stream operations.
5. Outline the research process, research methodology, research methods, and research ethics.
Course learning outcomes
1. Characterize the basic concepts of geological processes and mineral exploration.
2. Classify best practices in mining operations across the entire value chain, mineral processing, mine health and safety and risk assessment, and sustainability and efficiency of mining operations.
3. Acquire knowledge of petroleum systems and E&P best practices, including differentiation of rock classifications, reservoirs, reservoir fluids, and recovery mechanisms.
4. Contrast the interplay between exploration, production, and mid-stream operations.
5. Outline the research process, research methodology, research methods, and research ethics.
This introductory course to Geology will cover the following topics: the Solar System; formation, differentiation, and present structure of the Earth; the mantle, the oceanic crust and plate tectonics; the continental crust; rivers and oceans; origins and evolution of life; climate change; natural resources. Important minerals, rocks, and fossils will be progressively introduced in the course with respect to their geologic context.
Course learning outcomes
1. Outline Earth history, structures and describe various physical and geomorphological processes using plate tectonic theory.
2. Explain the basic concepts of stratigraphy and interpret maps with geological and structural information included.
3. Classify and identify types of minerals and rocks igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in nomenclature, composition and formation.
4. Describe the geology and resources of Kazakhstan.
Course learning outcomes
1. Outline Earth history, structures and describe various physical and geomorphological processes using plate tectonic theory.
2. Explain the basic concepts of stratigraphy and interpret maps with geological and structural information included.
3. Classify and identify types of minerals and rocks igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in nomenclature, composition and formation.
4. Describe the geology and resources of Kazakhstan.
This course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and its applications in petroleum/mining engineering and basis of engineering thermodynamics and its application to a range of problems of relevance to practical engineering. Basic principles of static and dynamics of fluid such as pressure calculation, principles and governing equations of fluid flow, Bernoulli equation, fluid flow in pipes, and dimensional analysis are covered in the fluid mechanics part. In the thermodynamics part, the nature and operating principles of energy flow in systems encountered in engineering, basic thermodynamic principles and laws of physics to analyze and predict performance of idealized forms of thermodynamic systems, and principles of phase equilibrium in two-component and multiple-component systems are discussed and covered.
Course learning outcomes
1. Use properties of substances and basic concepts of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
2. Derive conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy.
3. Apply conservation equations to solve complex engineering problem.
4. Solve fluid flow in pipes complex engineering problems.
Course learning outcomes
1. Use properties of substances and basic concepts of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
2. Derive conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy.
3. Apply conservation equations to solve complex engineering problem.
4. Solve fluid flow in pipes complex engineering problems.
The subject of Strength of Materials aims to study material’s ability to resist external forces without breaking. Strength of Materials is the foundation for Engineering design courses. The course covers material behavior, stresses, strains and deformations with simple applications in engineering designs. Topics to be chosen from: elastic and elastic-plastic behavior; plane stress and strain; principal stress and strain; bending and shearing stresses in beams; Mohr's circle; deflections of beams; torsion of solid and hollow circular sections; and analysis of simple statistical indeterminant beams. Students shall develop critical thinking skills to be able to develop an analysis that leads to a suitable solution(s) to structural (statics) real life problems using force and stress analysis.
Course learning outcomes
1. Recongise physical phenomenon in the context of strength of materials.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the structural mechanics theory for deformable bodies.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between loads, member forces and deformations and material stresses and strains.
4. Calculate the deformation (deflection, elongation etc.) of structural elements.
Course learning outcomes
1. Recongise physical phenomenon in the context of strength of materials.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the structural mechanics theory for deformable bodies.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between loads, member forces and deformations and material stresses and strains.
4. Calculate the deformation (deflection, elongation etc.) of structural elements.
This course helps students to have a general vision of various mineral processing units. It will introduce different methods for particle size reduction (comminution unit: crushing and milling) and particle size classification to meet mineral liberation. After that, various mineral beneficiation methods (gravity and magnetic separation, froth flotation) will be discussed. At the last stage, dewatering and tail management will be explained.
Course learning outcomes
1. Indicate the essential effects of mineral processing on reducing energy consumption.
2. Describe primary assessments of the ore benefit and mining cost (Net smelting return).
3. Explain mineral liberation and the importance of comminution unit.
4. Explain various mineral separations based on particle properties.
5. Develop a general understanding from dewatering units and essential effect of water recycling.
6. Review mineral processing flowsheet and mass balancing.
Course learning outcomes
1. Indicate the essential effects of mineral processing on reducing energy consumption.
2. Describe primary assessments of the ore benefit and mining cost (Net smelting return).
3. Explain mineral liberation and the importance of comminution unit.
4. Explain various mineral separations based on particle properties.
5. Develop a general understanding from dewatering units and essential effect of water recycling.
6. Review mineral processing flowsheet and mass balancing.
The course has been organized by ore deposit type with an effort to integrate aspects of geodynamics, tectonics, petrology, mineralogy and physical chemistry which are important to establish genetic models for ore deposits. Examples from Kazakhstan are used as case studies for the laboratories when this is possible.
Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss the geological processes and physico-chemical conditions leading to the formation of ore deposits.
2. Describe the behavior of trace elements in geological processes and their transport by geologic fluids.
3. Identify the important ore-forming minerals.
4. Formulate conceptual genetic models for ore deposits.
Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss the geological processes and physico-chemical conditions leading to the formation of ore deposits.
2. Describe the behavior of trace elements in geological processes and their transport by geologic fluids.
3. Identify the important ore-forming minerals.
4. Formulate conceptual genetic models for ore deposits.
This course in mineralogy will provide the students with the necessary fundamentals which are required for following courses in petrology and geology of ore deposits.
Course learning outcomes
1. Understand basic concepts of crystal symmetry, crystal systems and mineralogy.
2. Recognize the major-rock forming minerals in hand specimens and under the microscope.
3. Construct thin-sections independently of mineral or rock samples.
4. Identify and describe the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks with the appropriate nomenclature.
Course learning outcomes
1. Understand basic concepts of crystal symmetry, crystal systems and mineralogy.
2. Recognize the major-rock forming minerals in hand specimens and under the microscope.
3. Construct thin-sections independently of mineral or rock samples.
4. Identify and describe the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks with the appropriate nomenclature.
The course introduces the applications of surveying and geographic information systems (GIS) and CAD methods to mining. It then presents geodetic data collection methods for open pit and underground mines (drones, global positioning systems (GPS), total station instruments) and ). Data, once collected, are processed in a GIS and CAD for manipulating and mapping, including: utilizing geospatial and CAD software for data processing; input and representation of data (quality and management); storage and manipulation of geospatial data; cartographic and map design; geospatial data analytics, interpretation of the resulting mine maps. Principles of surface and underground survey practice utilizing drones, GPS, total station. Post-processing of total station measurements in geodetic software and representation of produced coordinates, distances, angles etc. in GIS and CAD environments for further geometric measurements, map making and data analytics. Staking-out of design coordinates will also be demonstrated.
Course learning outcomes
1. Recall the fundamentals of utilizing GIS software for data processing.
2. Identify how to store and manipulate geospatial data.
3. Explain cartographic and map design.
Course learning outcomes
1. Recall the fundamentals of utilizing GIS software for data processing.
2. Identify how to store and manipulate geospatial data.
3. Explain cartographic and map design.
This core course is a pre-requisite for other courses covering the engineering applications of soil and rock mechanics including rock breakage, ground control, and surface mine design and underground mine design. Hence, the course aims to establish a framework for understanding the fundamental principles governing the response of geo-materials (soil and rock) to applied loads.
Course learning outcomes
1. Explain most aspects of the fundaments of the mechanical behaviors of rock and soil including: typical stress-strain curve of rock, constitutive laws, pore pressure, seepage, strength (uniaxial, biaxial, triaxial and shear) failures, soil compaction, phase relationship of soils.
2. Determine the physical and mechanical properties of soil and intact rock in a laboratory setting with ISRM and ASTM standards.
3. Determine in-situ rock mass and discontinuity properties.
4. Plot a stereographic projection (stereonet) of structural data and interpret the results.
5. Apply appropriately Hoek-Brown and Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria to solve basic problems related to rock and soil mechanics.
6. Evaluate stress distribution around excavations using the analytical method and numerical methods (Rocscience software).
7. Characterize rock mass using the RMR and the GSI systems.
8. Analyze basic mine design problems such as slope stability, mine pillar design and underground excavations stability.
Course learning outcomes
1. Explain most aspects of the fundaments of the mechanical behaviors of rock and soil including: typical stress-strain curve of rock, constitutive laws, pore pressure, seepage, strength (uniaxial, biaxial, triaxial and shear) failures, soil compaction, phase relationship of soils.
2. Determine the physical and mechanical properties of soil and intact rock in a laboratory setting with ISRM and ASTM standards.
3. Determine in-situ rock mass and discontinuity properties.
4. Plot a stereographic projection (stereonet) of structural data and interpret the results.
5. Apply appropriately Hoek-Brown and Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria to solve basic problems related to rock and soil mechanics.
6. Evaluate stress distribution around excavations using the analytical method and numerical methods (Rocscience software).
7. Characterize rock mass using the RMR and the GSI systems.
8. Analyze basic mine design problems such as slope stability, mine pillar design and underground excavations stability.
Economic analysis presents a structured approach to understanding natural resource industries. The focus of this course is on the market mechanism and its demand-supply model. Students learn both the theory and its applications to analyzing natural resource markets. Specifically, topics include market equilibrium, prices, costs, and government regulation. Students apply economic models to understand how resource markets are impacted by the business cycle, economic growth, emerging technologies, and climate policies.
Course learning outcomes
1. Analyze resource consumers, producers, and markets.
2. Assess the influence of costs and market structure on resource prices and profits.
3. Evaluate economic impacts of new technologies and climate policy on resource industries.
Course learning outcomes
1. Analyze resource consumers, producers, and markets.
2. Assess the influence of costs and market structure on resource prices and profits.
3. Evaluate economic impacts of new technologies and climate policy on resource industries.
Analysis of elements of surface mine operation and design of surface mining system components with emphasis on minimization of adverse environmental impact and maximization of efficient use of mineral resources. Major topics which will be covered are: Elements of Surface Mine System and Design, Surface Mining Methods, Open Pit Mining Method, Design, and Planning, Final Pit Limit Determination; Open Pit Slope Stability and Slope Design; Drill & Blast Design in Open Pit Mining; Haul Road Layout and Design; Unit Operation and Equipment Selection; Mine Reclamation and Waste Dump Design; Introduction to Surface Mine Design Tools.
Course learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the definitions and terminologies of surface mining.
2. Explain and differentiate between different surface mining methods.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of major design components of surface mining.
4. Implement commonly used surface mine design practices.
5. Outline the current industrial applications of various surface mining methods.
6. Describe the commonly used surface mine design tools.
Course learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the definitions and terminologies of surface mining.
2. Explain and differentiate between different surface mining methods.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of major design components of surface mining.
4. Implement commonly used surface mine design practices.
5. Outline the current industrial applications of various surface mining methods.
6. Describe the commonly used surface mine design tools.
The extraction of mineral resources and their delivery (to the processing plants or consumer markets) requires supporting services and cost effectivecost-effective material handling. The course will cover fundamentals of mine services: mine power supply, mine maintenance and mine drainage. The materials handling section of the course will cover the types and selection of equipment and materials handling methods. Continuous and cyclic loading and transportation systems for surface and underground mining operations will be analyzed including: shovel-truck systems, draglines, conveyors, rails, hoisting, and auxiliary equipment. Calculations of cycles and systems´ capacities will be undertaken.
Course learning outcomes
1. Characterize the role and application of mine support services in mine operations.
2. Evaluate the performance characteristics of various types of equipment used in mining operations.
3. Classify the efficiency of various transportation systems for specific mining operations.
4. Select materials handling systems with respect to other activities and the operation of the mine.
Course learning outcomes
1. Characterize the role and application of mine support services in mine operations.
2. Evaluate the performance characteristics of various types of equipment used in mining operations.
3. Classify the efficiency of various transportation systems for specific mining operations.
4. Select materials handling systems with respect to other activities and the operation of the mine.
This course the course aims to provide the students with fundamentals of underground mining systems and design. The course contents are as follows: review of the unit operations and underground mining equipment; selection, design, and development of most suitable underground mining systems based upon the physical and the geological properties of mineral deposits (metalliferous); underground development, auxiliary operations, equipment selection and cost estimates. Mine design tools will be introduced.
Course learning outcomes
1. Select the most appropriate underground mining method.
2. Analyze the main component of underground development requirements.
3. Develop a detailed costing model for underground mining.
4. Generate an underground mine design using commercially available mining software.
5. Identify underground development and production planning steps and modelling.
Course learning outcomes
1. Select the most appropriate underground mining method.
2. Analyze the main component of underground development requirements.
3. Develop a detailed costing model for underground mining.
4. Generate an underground mine design using commercially available mining software.
5. Identify underground development and production planning steps and modelling.
Mineral Resource Estimation lays the foundation for the mine planning process. It emphasizes the importance of geological inputs in defining reliable resource and reserve estimates, which are used to develop mine plans, final mine design and feasibility. The course applies various techniques to resource estimation and reporting according to the international standards including conventional and modern geostatistical methods. A variety of public-domain and commercial software will be used for a series of laboratories.
Course learning outcomes
1. Define and model the estimation domain for different type of deposits.
2. Analyze the grade in each domain and considering the behavior of the grades on the contact.
3. Describe the different method of sampling in mining engineering from exploration to excavation and mineral processing stages.
4. Identify the different type of categorization methodology based on the JORC code.
5. Report a resource based on different types of international standards.
Course learning outcomes
1. Define and model the estimation domain for different type of deposits.
2. Analyze the grade in each domain and considering the behavior of the grades on the contact.
3. Describe the different method of sampling in mining engineering from exploration to excavation and mineral processing stages.
4. Identify the different type of categorization methodology based on the JORC code.
5. Report a resource based on different types of international standards.
The course covers the principal methods of rock breakage used in mining including mechanical mining, drilling and blasting. Mechanical mining includes the rock cutting principles, cutting with picks and discs, effect of tool wear, impact breakage and ripping, assessment of rock cuttability and boreability, also, includes machine rock interaction and influence of parameters on mechanical rock breakage. Drilling includes the methods of drilling used in mining application. Blasting includes the chemistry of explosives and mechanics of explosive-rock interaction, selection of explosives, explosive charging techniques; and initiation and delay systems, blast design principles for surface and underground mines.
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe geotechnical properties of rocks related to rock breakage.
2. Evaluate the fundamentals of rock breakage techniques.
3. Analyze the pros and cons of rock breakage techniques.
4. Learn rock cutting principles and assessment of rock cuttability.
5. Select the most appropriate methods of rock breakage and drilling given rock conditions.
6. Design blast rounds for surface and underground mining operations including drill hole layout and blast initiations.
7. Apply fundamental principles of rock breakage to the design and selection of safe and efficient mining and civil engineering projects.
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe geotechnical properties of rocks related to rock breakage.
2. Evaluate the fundamentals of rock breakage techniques.
3. Analyze the pros and cons of rock breakage techniques.
4. Learn rock cutting principles and assessment of rock cuttability.
5. Select the most appropriate methods of rock breakage and drilling given rock conditions.
6. Design blast rounds for surface and underground mining operations including drill hole layout and blast initiations.
7. Apply fundamental principles of rock breakage to the design and selection of safe and efficient mining and civil engineering projects.
Mining geotechnical engineering is a major field in the Mining Engineering discipline. This course is designed to enable students to develop capabilities to conduct geotechnical analyses and designs for both surface and underground mining operations. It aims to cover the practical applications of the principles of geomechanics. Hence, the pre-requisite for this course is the MINE 302 (Fundamental of Geomechanics) course. The course contents include: Rock mass classifications and applications, Rock slope engineering and slope stability analysis, Rockburst and seismicity, Pillar stability and design, Excavation stability and caving mechanics, Ground support systems, analysis, and design (Rock bolts, shotcrete, backfill, etc.), Application of numerical methods, Instrumentation and monitoring. The course will incorporate fieldwork (geotechnical mapping) as well as the use of geotechnical software such as Rocscience to analyze and design a wide range of geotechnical structures.
Course learning outcomes
1. Identify the major geotechnical applications in mining systems.
2. Collect geotechnical data, characterize rock masses and determine rock mass design data.
3. Have a working knowledge of basic measurement and computational tools used in geomechanics design.
4. Analyze and design openings encountered in Mining and Civil applications.
5. Design underground excavations including support and reinforcement methods.
Course learning outcomes
1. Identify the major geotechnical applications in mining systems.
2. Collect geotechnical data, characterize rock masses and determine rock mass design data.
3. Have a working knowledge of basic measurement and computational tools used in geomechanics design.
4. Analyze and design openings encountered in Mining and Civil applications.
5. Design underground excavations including support and reinforcement methods.
The course deals with the theoretical principles and practical methodologies associated with mine planning. The course presents principles of surface and underground mine planning and valuation applicable to metalliferous and coal mining projects. Students will be introduced to basic manual procedures, computer applications or algorithms/methods, and mathematical modelling. Students will be expected to complete a mine planning project with emphasis on pit optimization, long term production scheduling and financial technical modelling.
Course learning outcomes
1. Identify the mine planning process.
2. Describe the role of feasibility studies.
3. Optimize an open pit and underground mine.
4. Perform mine scheduling and production planning.
5. Optimize cut-off-grade.
6. Perform a sensitivity and risk analysis.
Course learning outcomes
1. Identify the mine planning process.
2. Describe the role of feasibility studies.
3. Optimize an open pit and underground mine.
4. Perform mine scheduling and production planning.
5. Optimize cut-off-grade.
6. Perform a sensitivity and risk analysis.
This course covers the provision of a safe underground working environment through appropriate ventilation practice. Fundamentals of mine ventilation, including control of gas, dust, temperature, and humidity; ventilation network analysis and design of mine ventilation systems. Sustainable mining practices as well as governmental health and safety regulations will be discussed. At the end of the course, it is expected that students have a comprehensive knowledge about mine ventilation and get familiar with basic concepts and definitions in this area.
Course learning outcomes
1. Estimate mine ventilation network for design mine ventilation systems.
2. Assess the concept of safe underground working environment by suitable ventilation practice and criticize mine ventilation response to mine gas and dust control.
3. Critically audit mine ventilation network and mine atmosphere management and communicate the findings.
Course learning outcomes
1. Estimate mine ventilation network for design mine ventilation systems.
2. Assess the concept of safe underground working environment by suitable ventilation practice and criticize mine ventilation response to mine gas and dust control.
3. Critically audit mine ventilation network and mine atmosphere management and communicate the findings.
This course is devoted to surface and underground coal mining systems and design
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe surface coal mining systems and design.
2. Describe underground coal mining systems and design.
3. Calculate overall costing and manpower requirements as well as production analysis.
4. Identify health and safety regulations for coal mining and how to account for these in coal mining.
5. Design a real case coal mining project.
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe surface coal mining systems and design.
2. Describe underground coal mining systems and design.
3. Calculate overall costing and manpower requirements as well as production analysis.
4. Identify health and safety regulations for coal mining and how to account for these in coal mining.
5. Design a real case coal mining project.
Fundamentals of managing the occupational safety and health aspects of a mining operation. Includes tracking of accident and injury statistics, risk management and tools, developing a safety and health management plan, meeting regulatory requirements, training, safety audits and accident investigations, mining laws. Definition and brief history of sustainable development. Implication of sustainable mining into mining projects and industry. Examination of sustainable development principles relevant to mining and current best practices and continuing challenges. Legislative requirements, industry standards, and experience for sustainable mining.
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe the fundamentals of managing the occupational health and safety aspects of a mining operation.
2. Apply risk assessment tools to anticipate, identify, evaluate and control mine hazards.
3. Implement procedures using risk management principles and processes appropriate to tasks for mine occupational, operational, economic and environmental risks in accordance with sustainable mining.
4. Demonstrate understanding of sustainable development principles relevant to mining.
5. Interpret and apply legislative requirements, industry standards, and best practices for sustainable mining.
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe the fundamentals of managing the occupational health and safety aspects of a mining operation.
2. Apply risk assessment tools to anticipate, identify, evaluate and control mine hazards.
3. Implement procedures using risk management principles and processes appropriate to tasks for mine occupational, operational, economic and environmental risks in accordance with sustainable mining.
4. Demonstrate understanding of sustainable development principles relevant to mining.
5. Interpret and apply legislative requirements, industry standards, and best practices for sustainable mining.
The Capstone Design Project I is intended to be a team final year project along with the Capstone Design Project II. It provides a team of senior year students with the opportunity to conduct research work where students will implement, and integrate their previously learned skill-sets and techniques from the petroleum engineering curriculum to execute a research study related to their interest under the supervision of one faculty member in the department. The capstone project will be examined by a faculty team.
Course learning outcomes
1. Develop a research proposal and research plan for a given research problem.
2. Produce relevant literature review by sourcing local and international information.
3. Produce a professional research report, which would include appropriate referencing style, research questions and expected outcomes.
4. Develop an appropriate research methodology and implementation plan.
5. Assess the risk for the implementation of the research project and developed a relevant contingency plan.
Course learning outcomes
1. Develop a research proposal and research plan for a given research problem.
2. Produce relevant literature review by sourcing local and international information.
3. Produce a professional research report, which would include appropriate referencing style, research questions and expected outcomes.
4. Develop an appropriate research methodology and implementation plan.
5. Assess the risk for the implementation of the research project and developed a relevant contingency plan.
The Capstone Design Project I is intended to be a team final year project along with the Capstone Design Project II. It provides a team of senior year students with the opportunity to conduct research work where students will implement, and integrate their previously learned skill-sets and techniques from the petroleum engineering curriculum to execute a research study related to their interest under the supervision of one faculty member in the department. The capstone project will be examined by a faculty team.
Course learning outcomes
1. Propose Research Methodology.
2. Design a field facility, a field operation, or a reservoir development scheme within a set of constrains.
3. Analyze and process the data to investigate design performance with due consideration of economic and health and safety issues.
4. Write a detailed engineering report and make an oral presentation about the project.
Course learning outcomes
1. Propose Research Methodology.
2. Design a field facility, a field operation, or a reservoir development scheme within a set of constrains.
3. Analyze and process the data to investigate design performance with due consideration of economic and health and safety issues.
4. Write a detailed engineering report and make an oral presentation about the project.
Elective Courses
This course covers studies of the interface between mining, mineral processing, metallurgical process engineering and environmental engineering areas. An introduction to environment and environmental pollution. Basic concepts in environmental studies. A review of environmental problems: global warming (greenhouse effect), depletion of ozon layer, acid rain. Environmental pollution: air, water, soil and noise. Assessment of environmental impact. Environmental impacts from mine to metal production: mining, mineral/coal processing and metallurgical activities. Subsidence, blasting induced noise and vibration, dust. Mine waste and tailings disposal: tailing storage facilities (TSF). Acid mine drainage: formation, control and treatment methods. Gold&Silver mining and treatment of cyanide wastes. Postmining activities: reclamation and recreation
Course learning outcomes
1. Recognize the environmental impacts of mining, mineral processing and metallurgical activities.
2. Understand the multidisciplinary nature of environmental issues with the exploitation of the fundamental knowledge of chemistry, mining, mineral processing and metallurgy.
3. Develop an awareness of global environmental issues, contribution of mining related activities to these problems and have a knowledge of potential pollutants, regulatory limits and best practices for waste management, and control of potential environmental impacts.
4. Perform environmental impact assessments to evaluate, control and mitigate potential environmental hazards.
Course learning outcomes
1. Recognize the environmental impacts of mining, mineral processing and metallurgical activities.
2. Understand the multidisciplinary nature of environmental issues with the exploitation of the fundamental knowledge of chemistry, mining, mineral processing and metallurgy.
3. Develop an awareness of global environmental issues, contribution of mining related activities to these problems and have a knowledge of potential pollutants, regulatory limits and best practices for waste management, and control of potential environmental impacts.
4. Perform environmental impact assessments to evaluate, control and mitigate potential environmental hazards.
Economic analysis presents a structured approach to understanding natural resource industries. The focus of this course is on the market mechanism and its demand-supply model. Students learn both the theory and its applications to analyzing natural resource markets. Specifically, topics include market equilibrium, prices, costs, and government regulation. Students apply economic models to understand how resource markets are impacted by the business cycle, economic growth, emerging technologies, and climate policies.
Course learning outcomes
1. Assess a project using the discounted cash flow model.
2. Analyze alternatives on a before-tax and after-tax basis.
3. Appraise projects considering inflation, exchange rates, and uncertainty.
Course learning outcomes
1. Assess a project using the discounted cash flow model.
2. Analyze alternatives on a before-tax and after-tax basis.
3. Appraise projects considering inflation, exchange rates, and uncertainty.
Fundamentals of managing the occupational safety and health aspects of a mining operation. Includes tracking of accident and injury statistics, risk management and tools, developing a safety and health management plan, meeting regulatory requirements, training, safety audits and accident investigations, mining laws. Definition and brief history of sustainable development. Implication of sustainable mining into mining projects and industry. Examination of sustainable development principles relevant to mining and current best practices and continuing challenges. Legislative requirements, industry standards, and experience for sustainable mining.
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe the fundamentals of managing the occupational health and safety aspects of a mining operation.
2. Apply risk assessment tools to anticipate, identify, evaluate and control mine hazards.
3. Implement procedures using risk management principles and processes appropriate to tasks for mine occupational, operational, economic and environmental risks in accordance with sustainable mining.
4. Demonstrate understanding of sustainable development principles relevant to mining.
5. Interpret and apply legislative requirements, industry standards, and best practices for sustainable mining.
Course learning outcomes
1. Describe the fundamentals of managing the occupational health and safety aspects of a mining operation.
2. Apply risk assessment tools to anticipate, identify, evaluate and control mine hazards.
3. Implement procedures using risk management principles and processes appropriate to tasks for mine occupational, operational, economic and environmental risks in accordance with sustainable mining.
4. Demonstrate understanding of sustainable development principles relevant to mining.
5. Interpret and apply legislative requirements, industry standards, and best practices for sustainable mining.
Economic analysis presents a structured approach to understanding natural resource industries. The focus of this course is on the market mechanism and its demand-supply model. Students learn both the theory and its applications to analyzing natural resource markets. Specifically, topics include market equilibrium, prices, costs, and government regulation. Students apply economic models to understand how resource markets are impacted by the business cycle, economic growth, emerging technologies, and climate policies.
Course learning outcomes
1. Assess a project using the discounted cash flow model.
2. Analyze alternatives on a before-tax and after-tax basis.
3. Appraise projects considering inflation, exchange rates, and uncertainty.
Course learning outcomes
1. Assess a project using the discounted cash flow model.
2. Analyze alternatives on a before-tax and after-tax basis.
3. Appraise projects considering inflation, exchange rates, and uncertainty.
Where do our graduates work?
- Career opportunities
- Mine planning drill and blast
- Mines inspectorate leasing
- Environmental monitoring
- Engineering procurement and construction
- Project coordination
- Equipment optimization explosives applications
- Investment banking
- Resource/mining analyst
- Project management
- Environmental consultant
- Research and consulting
- Where?Top companies: KazMinerals, Kazzinc, RG Gold, Kazakhmys, Kazzinc, Solidcore resources, Altynalmas, SRK Consulting, ERG and others.
Admissions
Our Contacts
Feel free to write, call, and visit us.
Regarding consultation on admissions
On academic issues
Address:
Address: 53, Kabanbay batyr Ave., Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan.
Phone numbers
+7 (7172) 64 25 84
+7 747 094 02 30
+7 747 094 02 30
Fees and Funding:
For more detailed information about tuition fees, please contact the Bursar's Office:
For more detailed information about tuition fees, please contact the Bursar's Office:
- Phone: +7 (7172) 70 60 32, 70 91 99
- Email: bursars_office@nu.edu.kz
- Office: 1.248B Block 1
- Address: 53, Kabanbay batyr Ave., Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Call or email us:
Admissions Manager (MSc PhD programs):
Admissions Manager (MSc PhD programs):
+7(7172)69-4628