Luleå University of Technology

MSc in Georesources Engineering

This two-year master's program in resources engineering is unique in Europe and provides the students with cutting-edge knowledge in georesources engineering, geometallurgy, and processing of primary mineral ore resources and secondary resources from metal recycling.

The future and sustainability of our societies are critically linked to the availability of raw materials, and to the efficiency of all processes involved throughout their life cycle. There is a critical need, particularly in Europe, to educate engineers bridging the gap between georesources, secondary resources, and advanced processing technologies.

Description

Europe’s leading technical universities with a long tradition in these areas are co-operating in this program. Through a joint European collaboration, Luleå University (Sweden), Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany), Université de Liège (Belgium), and the Université de Lorraine (France) together with local industrial partners are creating a unique competence network - EMERALD - with the objective to provide world-leading education and research in resources engineering.

The master's program is 2 years (120 ECTS) and consists of specially designed courses at the partner universities. Each student is traveling between the participating universities, studying with them, and finally choosing where he or she wants to write the master thesis. The master's program begins with the first term at the University of Liège, which is also responsible for the admission process. The University of Nancy (2nd term) is responsible for training in advanced knowledge of georesouces modeling. During the 3rd term, the universities in Germany and Sweden are responsible for training in geology, mineral resources, and mineral processing as well as metal recycling. The third term involves the selection between two directions – primary resources (Luleå) or secondary resources (Freiberg).

The program aims to find the right balance between knowledge of resources, i.e. ores and secondary materials (geology, resource characterization, ore reserve calculation, modeling, thermodynamics, and processing technology, i.e. mineral processing and recycling (crushing, grinding, separation, leaching, and waste management). The program comprises a broader view of the life cycle assessment of mineral resources and the potential for urban mining. The program also includes professional seminars that illumine the strategic, economic, environmental, and social challenges of modern mining as well as a summer school.

The geometallurgical perspective on georesources is central to the program. Modern teaching with project-based learning and fieldwork is used. Students who fulfill graduation requirements will be awarded the following degrees: Master in Geosciences Engineering (Sweden), Master en Géosciences: planètes, resources, environment (France), Ingénieur Civil des Mines et Géologue (Belgium) The selection of candidates is a joint process between the partner universities. These and local industrial partners can provide opportunities for research and internships. The master's program is intended for candidates with at least a bachelor's degree (180 credits) in engineering, with basic knowledge of geology. Also, a master's degree in geology with work experience is suitable background.