Mining Engineers work in mining and mineral extraction facilities. They are in charge of coordinating and supervising all the activities in the mine regarding digging, extracting, and transporting minerals out of the mine.
Mining Engineers specialize in designing, developing, and testing machines, techniques, and processes for harvesting geological material. Besides it, mining engineers can develop innovative technologies that will enable automated and autonomous mining operations, creating a safe working environment for miners in remote operating centers.
Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering is a four-year program that provides knowledge and skills in mineral deposit assessment, mine feasibility, and mine development by applying techniques in natural and applied sciences and mathematics. The program is designed to educate and train the students to perform the various functions exercised by mining engineers including planning, designing, operation and closing mines in safe, sustiable, environmentally responsible and financially viable manners.
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.
General information
Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
Language: English
Delivery mode: Full time, on-campus
Duration: 4 years
Total ECTS credit: 240
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 graduation
1
Internships with major companies: KazMinerals, ERG, Kazzinc, etc.
2
Hands-on experience at real mining sites and underground operations across Kazakhstan
3
Access to modern labs and industry-standard software: Datamine, Micromine, Rocscience
4
Active student community and involvement in mining-related competitions and global conferences
5
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:
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
An ability to 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
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
An ability to 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
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
What Will You Learn?
Complete Mine Planning & Design
Fundamentals of open-pit and underground mine design using real-world data.
Geomechanics, Ventilation & Sustainable Mining
Basics of rock mechanics, airflow control, and environmental responsibility.
Mining Software Applications
Introductory training in Datamine, Rocscience, and Micromine.
Fieldwork & Labs
On-site experience at Kazakhstan’s mining operations + lab work.
Curriculum
Year 1
Semester 1;Semester 2
Calculus I;Fundamentals of Geology
Physics I for Scientists and Engineers with Laboratory;Calculus II
Introduction to Natural Resources Extraction;Kazakh Language
General Chemistry I with Laboratory;Physics II for Scientists and Engineers with Laboratory
Rhetoric and Composition or History of Kazakhstan; Rhetoric and Composition or History of Kazakhstan
Year 2
Semester 1;Semester 2
Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics;Programming for Engineers
Engineering Mathematics III (Differential Equations and Linear Algebra);Applied statistical methods
Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics;Technical writing
Strength of Materials;Minerals Processing
Kazakh Language II;Ethics
Year 3
Semester 1;Semester 2
Mineralogy: Statics and Dynamics; Rock Breakage
Fundamentals of Geomechanics;Underground Mining Systems and Design
Mine Surveying and GIS;Surface Mining Systems and Design
Geology of Ore Deposits;Resource Estimation
Resource Economics and Project Evaluation ;Mine Services and Materials Handling
Year 4
Semester 1;Semester 2
Mining Geotechnical Engineering; Coal Mining
Mine Planning;Core Course in Business
Mine Ventilation;Mine Design Project II
Technical Elective 1;Technical Elective II
Mine Design Project I;Health, Safety and Sustainability in Mining