Students

“Mining? Do we still do that?”

Mention the word “mining” to the average individual today and their imaginations will likely conjure outdated images from a bygone era. Some will even ask: “Mining? Do we still do that?”

Consider:

  • The computer chips in our PCs and laptops are made from silica, which is a mined material.
  • Dentists heavily rely on mined metals platinum, gold and silver for crowns and fillings, as well as fluorite for toothpaste.
  • Mined minerals and metals such as zinc, antimony and lead are necessary to produce the batteries used in everyday electronics.
  • There would be no fertilizer to grow grass, plants or crops without the mining of phosphates.
  • Coal powers America by providing over 50% of its electric production and supplies the world with today’s fastest growing energy source.
  • Windmills require 500 lbs. of mined rare earth materials to generate one megawatt of electric energy.
  • Iron minerals and coal are the key ingredients in steel production which is required for infrastructure growth in developed and developing countries like China, India and Brazil.
  • Every year— 37,687 pounds of new minerals must be provided for every person in the United States to make the things we use every day.*

So, yes, we still do that…and everyday life in the world as we know it depends on it.

*This information comes from the Mineral Information Institute.

Why Mining Engineering?

Safe, effective and responsible mining relies on intelligent, skillful practitioners who can operate highly sophisticated mining devices. A bachelor’s degree in mining engineering provides such an education, equipping students to enter prominent industries with significant earning potential.

Consider:

  • The average starting salary for a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering is $64,552*—a starting salary that ranks as the third highest nationwide.
  • A mining engineering degree opens up numerous career paths with mineral corporations, federal and state agencies and engineering firms.
  • Mining engineers stand to advance quickly in their career due to a high number of retirees within the next 5-10 years.
  • The diversified needs within the mining industry means students can choose a specialty from a variety of interests, whether mine design, excavation or safety.
  • Responsible mining of the earth’s resources requires engineers who can employ environmentally sound practices.

Top salaries, plenty of opportunity in a strong field, and a part in safely and responsibly delivering our needed natural resources…why not mining engineering?

*Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers 2009-2010 Salary Survey

Why Mining Engineering at UK?

Consider:

  • The University of Kentucky Department of Mining Engineering is one of only 13 such programs in the nation.
  • Get hands-on experience through summer internships with real mining companies throughout the country.
  • Students who earn scholarships and participate in the summer internship program can graduate from UK debt free.
  • Student organizations, national conferences and research field trips provide incredible opportunities for national and even international travel.
  • Small class sizes of approximately 15-25 students per class allow for individual attention from faculty members.
  • Companies come to our campus to recruit you for summer internships and full-time employment.
  • Summer employment opportunities pay anywhere from $10,000-$15,000 per summer and employers often cover travel and lodging expenses.

The Department of Mining Engineering at UK offers a unique education filled with stimulating classes, fascinating travel destinations and economically unbeatable internships—and that’s all before graduating debt free and landing a salary of over $60,000* per year. This is one program every student with an interest in engineering should seriously consider.

*National Association of Colleges and Employers 2009-2010 Salary Survey.

Future Students