Mining, Oil and Gas, also known as Mining and Petroleum Engineering, include all operations involved in the exploration, evaluation and extraction of minerals, metals, petroleum and fossil fuels from earth. Mining studies investigate mineral resources and are responsible for planning and supervising the construction of mines. Petroleum and Gas studies teach how crude oil and gas reservoirs are evaluated and appropriate ways of executing drilling operations.
You will learn about all phases of extraction, from discovery, feasibility studies, optimisation of extraction, construction and maintenance of mines and wells, to the safety of the crew and evaluating effects on the environment. Mining and Oil experts are also the ones who have to decide when a mine or well is no longer safe to use or is depleted and needs to be closed down.
Typically, students and graduates of Mining, Oil and Gas degrees choose a particular specialisation such as raw materials, processing, reservoirs, drilling and completion, production, mine management, and more. Studies are connected to other disciplines such as Geology, Sustainibility and Resource Management.
Oil engineers spend a good amount of time in offices and laboratories, but also at mining or drilling sites. They need to be able to make accurate estimations about amounts of oil available in deposits, and evaluate constuction, extraction and transportation costs. Their job can involve extensive travelling.
Graduates and professionals in Mining, Oil and Gas work in the extraction industry, but also in research and development, legal advising, education, manufacturing and machinery design, or managerial positions. Example roles include mine manager, drill planner and designer, technical service manager, production engineer, government inspector, petroleum attorney, investment analyst, chief executive.
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