The Master in Mining and Geo-Environmental Engineering has been awarded the international EUR-ACE quality label. This certifies MEMG as a high-quality programme which meets the international standards for professional engineering education at the masters level. [+ info]

 

The present study cycle was accredited by A3ES.

MEMG is the second study cycle (master) in mining engineering at FEUP.
It aims at the capacitation of a mining engineer with a design profile, able not only to operate but also to design a mining system in its full complexity.

Academic Profile

MEMG is a second study cycle in mining engineering, designed following Bolonha's model, which integrates into FEUP's academic profile:

1. Licenciatura em Engenharia de Minas e Geoambiente, first cycle, licenciate level, 3 years and 180 ECTS, covering basic technical training.
2. Mestrado em Engenharia de Minas e Geoambiente, second cycle, master level, 2 years and 120 ECTS, technical consolidation.
3. Doutoramento em Engenharia de Minas e Geo-Recursos, third cycle, PhD level, 3 years and 180 ECTS, technical and scientific high level development.

This master study cycle is arranged in two academic years:

• The first year deals with exploration processing and environmental impact conceptual synthesis along with advanced knowledge in rock mass characterization and in mineral processing (60 ECTS).
• The second year further enhances advanced knowledge in mining technologies and management; two elective curricular units enable to suit the student's path to her dissertation theme.(30 ECTS).
• The study cycle concludes with a publicly presented dissertation, where the student applies the acquired skills and knowledges to an applied or theoretical research theme (30 ECTS, exclusive semester).

Objectives

Mining systems are very complex, being natural, social, environmental and technological hybrids. They also are physically and economically huge, having very relevant environmental, social and political impact. Thus, the understanding of present and future mining needs:

• the proficiency in technological and scientific common engineering tools;
• a deep understanding of the geological domain and processes, from the mineral micro scale to planetary scope;
• knowledge of mining technologies, in the broadest sense of prospection, extraction, processing, environmental integration, trading and closure;
• the ability to read the systemic mine .

This broad supporting knowledge is needed in order to deal with mining technology and its complex primary material.

The present study cycle aims at concluding the academic training of a mining expert who knows, understands, operates and designs in all these dimensions.

It grounds upon an adequate knowledge of earth and basic sciences, common and mining engineering technologies, provided by a prior graduate study cycle. It adds the conceptual tools for a systemic grasp of mining, construing integrating views of the mining production cycle.

 

Professional Abilities

The master (second cycle) level is the first which, in the design framework of FEUP mining academic profile, possesses full professional capacity.

Upon concluding this study cycle, the mining engineering master:

• knows, understands, designs and operates over every mining technology dimension (prospecting, extraction, processing, environmental integration, closure) in a technical and scientific solid way, and from an holistic design point of view;
• displays personal skills, in the understanding and resolution of new, unfamiliar problems, in a broad mining engineering context;
• delivers technical, social and ethical judgment, presenting her reasoning and conclusions;
• is autonomous but integrates into multi-disciplinary teams;
• professionally applies knowledge and skills, identifying, studying and innovatively solving problems;
• understands the need for lifelong learning.

Thus, she will be abble to engage, coordinate or design:

• metallic or non-metallic mine exploitation;
• industrial and ornamental quarry exploration;
• industrial, mineral and spring water exploration;
• energetic minerals exploration such as coal, oil, shale-gas, natural gas and uranium;
• excavation associated with construction or public works, such as pits, tunnels, caves;
• mining environmental impact and rehabilitation;
• decontamination and recovery of soil, subsoil and aquifers;
• recycling of mining life cycle products, from a circular economy point of view.

Employment Prospects

Professional market for graduates is mainly:

• Mining exploration;
• Mineral resources processing;
• Mining environment assesment, control and remediation;
• Research and development in mineral resources;
• Government management and supervision of public works and mineral resources exploration;
• Local environment;
• Mining and environmental consulting;
• Territorial planning;
• Education.

Information

Accreditation

The present study cycle was accredited by A3ES, in 2016, unconditionally and for a period of 6 years.
It was also accredited by EUR-ACE in 2012, valid until 2019.

Aplications

MEMG is small admitting only 20 students per academic year.
Candidates must have a suitable engineering bacground, namely:

• Holders of Licenciatura em Engenharia de Minas e Geo-Ambiente da FEUP.
• Holders of a engineering first degree or legally equivalent academic degree, deemed adequate by the scientific committee.
• Holders of an academic, scientific and professional engineering curriculum deemed adequate by the scientific committee.

Aplication procedure: Application

Mobility

The connection of FEUP to foreign universities through mobility programs (ERASMUS with several European universities and Program MOBILE with several Brazilian universities) has allowed the exchange of students, being possible that the curriculum for a semester can be fully replaced by an equal period abroad.

Comments

Mining studies have been present in University of Porto and its engineering school since 1885, whereby the current study profile results from a permanent, consistent, prudent but also up to date evolution.

Contacts

Paula Lima
tel: + 351 220413163
minas@fe.up.pt

Mining Engineering Department

General information

Study Plan

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas