The vision of the Mining Engineering Department is to prepare men and women to assume active leadership roles in industry, satisfying present and future needs of a global society through the development and implementation of revolutionary technologies for the extraction of mineral resources, and construction of underground structures in a socially responsible, economically viable, and environmentally sound manner. Mining Engineering Mining engineers seek to supply society's demand for minerals in the most efficient manner while protecting the environment. While present mineral deposits are being depleted, mineral demands are increasing, requiring continual improvements of mining methods.
Surface mines employ the largest machines in the world.
Underground mines, which are commonly fully mechanized and are as deep as two and one-half miles, provide many challenges for mining engineers, such as the need for air conditioning. New methods including solution mining and bacterial leaching are employed. Mining methods and equipment are also used outside the mining industry, removing earth and rock. Mining engineers' responsibilities require a broad knowledge of basic sciences and an understanding of engineering and economic principles. Communication skills and a comprehension of social factors are also important, since engineers often assume managerial functions, coordinating and supervising the work of more-specialized engineers and scientists.