Welcome to the School of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering!
Human societies, throughout their evolutionary history, have been inextricably linked to the extraction and utilisation of mineral resources. In each industrial revolution, the change in production and consumption patterns led to a rapid increase in the demand for mineral resources. For example, in the USA, the use of steam engines in the first industrial revolution resulted in an increase in coal consumption of about 180 times, from 100,000 tonnes in 1800 to 17.5 million tonnes in 1860, an increase that continued in the second industrial revolution, reaching 584 million tonnes in 1920. Today (based on the latest available data for 2022), the EU’s domestic per capita consumption of mineral resources amounts to about 11.1 million tonnes (of which 70% non-metallic minerals, 23.5% fossil fuels and 6.5% metals). For the near future, a decrease in demand for fossil fuels is expected but a significant increase (two to four times) for mineral resources such as aluminium, copper, silicon, lithium, cobalt, zinc and rare earths used in clean energy technologies (renewable energy, electric vehicles, batteries, etc.). Secondary production of metals from scrap and waste will not be able to meet the growing demand and it is estimated that hundreds of new mines will be needed.
At the School of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering, our shared vision is dedicated to actively addressing societal needs through the lens of sustainability, responsible resource management, and a profound respect for local communities. We are committed to delivering contemporary education and spearheading pioneering research, all while seamlessly integrating our rich tradition with the transformative dynamics of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Our recently reformed curriculum is designed to equip our students with a deep understanding of the principles of geological sciences, mining technology, petroleum engineering, geotechnology-geotechnical engineering, metallurgy, materials technology and environmental engineering, and to prepare them for an exciting career in an industry that has underpinned human civilization over time, with an emphasis on the fields of Energy, Circular Economy and Environment. By combining theoretical foundations with experiential learning, our students acquire the acumen and proficiency necessary to comprehend and effectively resolve complex challenges. This approach empowers them to navigate the dynamic landscapes of both professional and technological realms, fostering adaptability. Our educational paradigm nurtures socially responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to an evolving world where the once-delineated lines between cultures and economies are progressively fading away.
However, we are more than just an educational and research entity. We are a vibrant and inclusive community, a hub of diverse people and ideas, where the dreams and ambitions of its members – teaching, research, laboratory and administrative staff and students – can flourish in an academic culture based on the principles of dialogue, cooperation, interaction and mutual respect. A community for those bold enough to conceptualise the use of mineral resources throughout the production chain, maintaining a profound reverence for the delicate equilibrium of our planet. We focus on pioneering the production of groundbreaking materials at the nanoscale, repurposing various forms of waste to recover high value-added materials and energy, making megacities sustainable by leveraging underground space, restoring ecosystems disrupted by human activities. This community is designed for individuals endowed with creativity, resourcefulness, and critical thinking – individuals who aspire to devise solutions for the myriad interdisciplinary challenges confronting our world today.
Once again, we welcome you and invite you to explore our website. As you browse it, you will discover a wealth of information about our curriculum, our facilities and the remarkable achievements of our faculty members. Feel free to contact us with any questions or queries.
It will be a pleasure to be part of your academic and professional adventure!