University of Oulu

Master in Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining

Welcome to meet and chat with the University of Oulu students and staff to hear about our English-taught degree programmes, doctoral training and the study experience we offer for you in Finland under the Northern lights.

Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining, Master of Science, (2 years) or Master of Science (Tech.) (2 years)

• High-level education covering the whole mine value chain.
• Shared courses in geosciences and engineering, including both theory and practice.
• Excellent, cutting-edge infrastructure for research and education in close cooperation with the mining industry.

The international master's degree program in Mineral Resources and Sustainable Mining (MRSM) is a two-year program focusing on education in mining-related subjects. The program provides master’s degrees in two fields:

1. Master's program in Geosciences, Master of Science
2. Master's Program in Mining Engineering and Mineral Processing, Master of Science (Technology)

The specialization lines in the field of geosciences are Economic Geology and Quaternary Geology and in the field of engineering sciences, they are Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, and Applied Geophysics. The program will give you excellent skills and understanding of the whole mine value chain and principles of sustainable mining, including:

• Theoretical studies in geosciences and engineering.
• Economical and environmental aspects of mining.
• Hands-on practice in the well-equipped Oulu Mining School Research Centre and in the field.
• The latest modeling and simulation education related to the topics.
• Instrumental skills in mineral analytics.

The two-year program has five specialization options

Economic Geology focuses on the characterization of mineral deposits and geological processes behind their genesis, forming a basis for mineral exploration. Central topics include ore geology, regional geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, mining industry, and exploration. The obtained proficiency can be used in the mineral exploration or exploitation of natural resources in private companies or research institutes.

Quaternary Geology covers a wide range of sub-disciplines including glacial geology, sedimentology, ore prospecting techniques, and hydrogeology. Education is also covering global change issues in the northern hemisphere and the Arctic.

The program will give an in-depth understanding of the properties of glacial sediments and deposits, their genesis, and use for ore prospecting and for geotechnical purposes.

Mining Engineering covers a wide range of topics, including geo-technique, mining technologies, analysis of production capacity, and financing. The expertise can be used in the design and management of metal mines as well as in other operations related to the exploitation of raw materials.

Mineral Processing deals with the processes to economically separate valuable minerals from the ores. Oulu Mining School has a unique, continuous mode in-house concentrating plant that provides an excellent infrastructure for training and education purposes. The environmental aspects of processing, health, and safety in the plants, and collaboration with the mining industry are essential parts of education.

Applied geophysics concentrates on the basic phenomena in geophysics and how to apply the knowledge for example in exploration, mapping, and management of natural resources, and in environmental and engineering studies. In the life cycle of a mine, geophysics plays an important role in all stages: before opening the mine in mineral exploration and resource assessment, during active mining operations in exploration for additional resources and environmental monitoring, and after the closure of the mine in environmental monitoring and mapping of potentially contaminated areas.

Graduating students understand and govern the technical, geological, financial, regulatory, environmental, and social aspects of sustainable mining.

Job opportunities exist in all fields related to the mining value chain including exploration, mining, mineral processing, and other kinds of rock engineering both in the industry and in research.