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A ROADMAP FOR MINERALS PROCESSING EDUCATION
Most universities eliminate Mining and Metallurgical Engineering
programs
Others (continue to) question why they have a “School of Mines”
Survivors, circa 2000, such as CSM, SDSM&T and MT Tech:
w Rename courses (e.g., Mineral Processing becomes Particulate
Processing)
w Change program names (e.g., Metallurgical & Materials Engineering)
w Get creative with research (e.g., energy, recycling and waste/water
treatment)
Universities use research to meet bottom line and become “Pro-
Material” advocates
MT Tech MatSci PhD is created but includes minerals (and metals) as
materials
In the USA, only 7 programs remain that teach Mineral Processing and
Extractive Metallurgy and only 13 programs remain in Mining Engineering.
Furthermore, mineral processing and extractive metallurgy can reside in
different departments around the world, including:
1. Metallurgical (and Materials) Engineering
2. Mining (and Minerals) Engineering
3. Chemical (and other Process) Engineering
All of these are reasonable homes for minerals processing, but each presents
issues relating to delivery of curriculum. For example, programs in metallurgy/
materials engineering schools will be particularly strong in materials science,
programs in mining engineering departments are likely to be weak on
chemistry. Chemical engineering programs will be weak in mineralogy and
chemical engineers often struggle with comminution science.
This also presents corresponding challenges in the accreditation of courses
by professional bodies.
Montana Tech: Perspectives of a Small 147
Specialty School
