The Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology program focuses on geology, mining methods, exploration technology, surveying, and computer applications for mining operations and mineral explorations. Students learn hands-on science and engineering skills, and complete an industry-standard report during the second year of the full-time program.

We also offer a variety of part-time studies courses.

Mining is a cornerstone industry of many communities throughout BC and Canada and it is a major contributor to our economy. Canada is recognized as a world leader in mineral exploration and mining, and our expertise is exported around the world to help discover, develop, and operate mines.

As one of the largest users of high-technology equipment and applications, the mining industry requires practitioners who have the skills necessary to keep up with these advances. Virtually all technical jobs within mining and mineral exploration, including geology, engineering, mineral processing, environmental assessment and surveying, require post-secondary education.

If you are interested in a varied work environment, in the office, lab or field, and like solving scientific problems, this program will appeal to you. Take the Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology program, the only program of its kind in Western Canada.

The mining industry is a diverse industry with a wide range of employment opportunities. Graduates have obtained employment in BC, elsewhere in Canada, the US and internationally. Jobs are located at mine sites, in remote exploration camps, in offices and labs. Jobs include working in the engineering, geology, surveying, blasting, environmental, mineral processing or management departments at mines, with geology crews in exploration, with engineering consulting companies, and at assay labs. Additionally, there are positions in technical sales and support with companies such as mining-related computer software developers, and blasting and equipment manufacturers. Some graduates have started their own consulting companies.

Some more benefits you can look forward to upon graduation:

Registration as Professional Technologist – The program provides you with the necessary qualifications and academic requirements for registration as a professional technologist with ASTTBC.
Transfer to university – You are fully qualified to enter the work force with your diploma. However, if you wish to pursue further studies toward a university degree, you are able to complete a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering at BCIT. There are also transfer options available to other universities.
Employees are in demand – The mining and exploration industries are facing a shortage of well qualified professionals owing to an aging and retiring population. Thus new graduates, such as technologists, will continue to be in demand. More information on employment opportunities in the minerals industry is contained on the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MIHR) website.
Job opportunities – Some of the companies that have recently hired our graduates are:
Canadian Natural
Copper Mountain Mining Corp. – Copper Mountain Mine
Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Ltd. – Ekati Mine
Dyno Nobel – Blasting Agent Supplier
Golder Associates – Geotechnical Consultants
JDS Energy & Mining Inc.
Lafarge – Texada Island Quarry
New Gold – New Afton Mine
NorZink
Pacific Blasting and Demolition – Blasting and Demolition Contractor
Rio Tinto – Diavik Diamond Mine
Taseko Mines Ltd. – Gibraltar Mine
Teck Resources Ltd. – Highland Valley Copper Mine
Thompson Creek Metals – Endako Mine
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for th