Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Program Coordinator / Professor
Program Overview
Live and learn in one of the world’s mining centres
Located in the heart of the mining industry in Sudbury, Ontario, our industry-experienced faculty prepares you to become an active member of mining engineering teams responsible for a wide range of projects in this dynamic and ever-changing industry. You’ll explore surveying, drafting, design, mine safety, geological and geotechnical fieldwork, ventilation, ground control, mine planning, and more.
The program includes experiential learning activities at the end of first year where you will gain a broader understanding of the various aspects of mining engineering as well as communication and leadership skills. Upon graduation, you may choose to continue your studies in the Mining Engineering Technology (MNTY) advanced diploma program.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Gain a solid foundation in surveying, geology, AutoCAD, mine development, mine ventilation, and more
- 10-day field school at the end of the second semester
- Field trips to mine sites and/or mining suppliers when available
- Networking opportunities including the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Student Night event
- Graduates can seek membership with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to become certified as a C.Tech. (Certified Technician)
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C is highly recommended)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
Recommendations
- Any grade 12 physics (C) or (U)
- Any grade 12 chemistry (C) or (U)
- Computer competency in relevant software
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
Semester 1 | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
CHM 1206 | Chemistry for the Geosciences | 3 | in this course, students will learn the fundamental of atoms, elements and compounds and how they relate to crystal structure. Students will be exposed to practical applications of chemistry including mineral processing and refining techniques. Laboratory work will be linked to the mining mineral sector. |
ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 | in this course, students will acquire foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for effective communication across various contexts. The course will enhance students’ communication abilities, encouraging them to think critically about the quality of secondary research sources and uphold academic integrity. The course content will meet the specific needs of various programs, aligning with professional fields of practice. Notably, there is no required textbook; instead, students are encouraged to approach the course with a willingness to learn and think critically. |
GEO 1100 | Geology I 1 | 4 | in this course, students will discover mineralogy; igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; weathering and erosion; and the earth's internal structure. In the hands-on lab component of this course students will learn to identify at least 50 main rock and ore forming minerals. |
MTH 1050 | Algebra I | 3 | in this course, students will apply basic mathematics to the solution of problems involving physics and engineering technology to classify real numbers into rational and irrational and to simplify binomials, trinomials, and polynomials. They will solve right angle triangles using trigonometric functions and resolve vectors into components. Students will calculate areas and volumes of different shapes using geometry rules and interpret word problems to represent systems of equations. They will compose and solve systems of equations using different techniques. |
MNG 1101 | Introduction to Mining 1 | 3 | in this course, students will acquire a basic understanding, and be able to describe primary operating functions, processes, and equipment utilized in Canadian surface and underground mining operations. Students will examine a number of common ore extraction and mine development techniques and will demonstrate that they understand basic mining industry concepts and terminology. Students will be able to solve simple grade control problems, productivity rates, and three dimensional problems. |
MNG 1130 | Surveying I – Mining | 4 | in this course, students will explore the use and care of various surveying equipment and instruments, theory and measurement of horizontal distances, theory and practice of differential levelling using various types of levels, theory and measurement of horizontal and vertical angles using theodolites, format for recording field notes and related calculations, errors and corrections in surveying, determining azimuths, bearings and coordinates, and an introduction to total stations. |
One General Education course. 2 | 3 | ||
Credits | 23 | ||
Semester 2 | |||
ENG 1754 | Technical Communication | 3 | in this course, students will develop their technical communication skills by preparing reports, letters, memos, email messages, and presentations. Students will also complete a résumé and application letter to assist them with their employment search and create a workplace plan to foster thoughtful professional development. |
GEO 1212 | Geology II 1 | 3 | in this course, students will be introduced to geologic time, structural geology, topographic and geologic maps, earth structure, and Sudbury area geology. The lab component of this course includes exercises related to the same topics, in addition to lab identification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. |
MTH 1250 | Algebra II | 3 | in this course, students will build on their mathematical skills to solve oblique triangles and vectors using trigonometric functions such as sine and cosine. They will apply algebraic laws to solve problems involving radicals and logarithms. Students will solve quadratic equations using a variety of algebraic techniques. They will develop the skills of interpreting, formulating, and solving word problems in various real-world and engineering technology applications. |
MNG 1200 | Mining Methods 1 | 4 | in this course, students will investigate common surface and underground mining methods including development required and production aspects of each method. Hardrock and soft rock methods will be covered. Students will be introduced to coal mining and novel methods for both underground and surface operations (as time permits). |
MNG 1202 | Mine Engineering Graphics | 3 | in this course, students will explore the hands-on use of computer-aided drafting using AutoCAD. Student will have the opportunity to construct and modify drawings, explore the use of layers, dimensioning, hatching, and the creation and use of blocks and or symbols. Using AutoCAD, students will design and produce course-standard mining related drawings. |
MNG 1230 | Surveying II – Theory | 3 | in this course, students will progress through a logical continuation of the contents of Surveying I. Students will cover locating and installing survey stations in 3-D; traverse and coordinate calculations in 3-D; determination of irregular areas; field determination and plotting of profiles and cross-sections; cross-sectional area and quantity determination; contours; introduction to electronic distance measurements; computer applications for various survey projects. Students will also examine line and grade, drill hole layout and pick-up, and raise location with control. |
MNG 1231 | Surveying II – Lab | 3 | in this course, students will progress through a logical continuation of the contents of Surveying I. Students will cover locating and installing survey stations in 3-D; field determination and plotting of profiles and cross-sections; cross-sectional area and quantity determination; contours; line and grade, drill hole layout and pick-up, and raise location with control. |
MNG 1114 | Mineral Resources Field Camp | 2 | in this course, students will work individually and in groups to apply a broad range of problem-solving skills learned during the first two semesters of the program. All 1st year mining students attend ten (10) days of intensive field exercises to be held in the two weeks following the end of the Winter semester. Attendance at all projects is mandatory. Safety will be foremost in the completion of all projects. Projects will take place at various locations on and off campus. NOTE: To be eligible to complete this course, students must complete (pass with 50%) MNG1200 Mining Methods, GEO1212 Geology II, MNG 1231 Mine Surveying (LAB), MNG 1230 Mine Surveying (Theory), and MNG 1202 Mine Engineering Graphics, AND be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.0. |
Credits | 24 | ||
Semester 3 | |||
GEO 2305 | Geological Fieldwork 1 | 5 | in this course, students will acquire skills necessary for field and underground mapping, including: use of Brunton and Silva compasses, pacing, plotting, sketching, layout and use of a field grid, use of maps and/or photos for control, and use of GPS for navigation and location. Students will learn to to draw finished maps and interpret sections manually, and to prepare a simple geological report. This course involves the solution of two and three dimensional problems related to mineral exploration and mine development. |
MTH 2325 | Technical Math III | 3 | in this course, students will differentiate descriptive statistics from inferential statistics and identify types of data and measurement levels of variables. They will summarize data using measures of central tendency and measures of variation and will organize data by representing them in frequency distributions graphs, histograms, frequency polygons, and ogives. Students will find the probability of an event using classical and empirical probability. They will define five steps used in hypothesis testing to state the null and alternative hypothesis by finding critical values for the z test and will compute the correlation coefficient and find the line of best fit (the regression line). |
MNG 2301 | Mining Health and Safety 1 | 3 | in this course, students will develop a working vocabulary and understanding of exposure, risk, and safety terms and the role and importance of occupational health and safety in the mineral resource industry. The course will give an overview of the laws and regulations governing health and safety in Ontario and Canada and methods to mitigate the risks to work safely. Students will be exposed to established systems currently in use within the industry including WHMIS, the 5-point safety system, risk and hazard evaluations and other safety training modules (as available), and industry best practices. Group activities will include practical applications of loss control, hazard recognition, and JHA documentation. |
MNG 2303 | Mine Equipment 1 | 3 | in this course, students will be introduced to mine mobile and fixed plant equipment (including conveyors). The importance of workplace safety and preventative maintenance will be emphasized. Students will be introduced to various mining equipment (including BEV), recognition of hazards, safety standards, and procedures related to mine equipment. Students will access various equipment simulators as available. |
MNG 2340 | Technical Computer Applications 1 | 3 | in this course, students will learn to use a variety of software in technological applications. Students will cover topics including transfer of data between applications; advanced internet search techniques; advanced word-processing techniques for technical purpose; advanced spreadsheet applications; design, construction and editing of technical drawings and illustrations using graphics design software. Students will convert geological field maps to digital maps using scanning and digitizing technology; complete and integrate geological interpretation into digital maps and sections; and prepare digital components of a simple geological field report. |
MNG 2341 | Mine Layouts and Planning 1 | 4 | in this course, students will apply mining and surveying knowledge to produce working layouts for production and development openings typical of most mines through the use of CADD based techniques. Students will examine mine engineering procedures and selected industrial problems and will be be provided with an introduction to elements in the mine planning process. An introduction to various Mine Modelling software will be made, as available. The Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario (with Regulations for Mines) will be examined as it applies to this key area. |
One General Education course. 2 | 3 | ||
Credits | 24 | ||
Semester 4 | |||
GEO 2420 | Intro To Structural Geology 1 | 4 | in this course, students will learn to recognize, classify, interpret, and analyze folds, faults, and fractures. In this descriptive study of the structural deformation of rocks, the applied use of structural geology is emphasized. Lab work involves the solution of three-dimensional problems related to mineral exploration and mine development. |
MNG 1015 | Ground Control 1 | 4 | in this course, students will be exposed to a common sense, practical approach to underground mine opening stability. Major emphasis will be on rock mass conditions, opening shape, selection and evaluation of support systems, effect of mining methods and instrumentation. Students will primarily focus on the hard rock underground mining environment dealing with both structural and stress driven opening stability problems and support solutions. Students will utilize available technical software to undertake a variety of practical activities. Open pit support will be covered if time permits. |
MNG 2306 | Mine Blasting Techniques | 3 | in this course, students will prepare to cope with the problems encountered when blasting in the modern mining industry. Students will learn to select explosives and construct blast designs with proper layouts for development and production drilling. Problem solving techniques will allow for the solution of blasting performance problems. Trouble-shooting and adjustment to blast design will use observational methods as well as blast vibration monitoring technology. In this course, students will emphasize the effective use of modern blasting technology to operate efficiently and effectively in the mine environment. |
MNG 2430 | Mineral Resources and Economics 1 | 4 | in this course, students will be introduced to the role of the mine technician in the process of mineral resource valuation. Students will design drilling programs - laying out drill holes, using standard guidelines. Hands on lithologic and geotechnical core logging, interpretation, and presentation of data will be covered. Students will utilize field data to classify and estimate mineral resources following standard industry practices. They will perform mining property valuation on different types and grades of ore deposits. Critical minerals will be investigated. A final project will utilize all the valuation skills learned throughout the course in an economic valuation of a mining project. |
MNG 2440 | Mine Services and Vent I | 4 | in this course, students will examine mine ventilation and basic mine environmental concerns. Workplace environment topics introduced include physical agents, chemical agents, noise, light, heat, humidity, and temperature. Students will be required to reference the Ontario Ministry of Labour's Occupational Health and Safety Act to determine regulatory requirements. Students will also practice mine ventilation and working environment measurement techniques. For mine services students will examine basic fluid statics, fluid dynamics, mine drainage and mine de-watering systems. |
MNG 2436 | Applied Mine Survey and GIS | 4 | in this course, students will review concepts learned in previous surveying courses and enhance skills for the typical mining environment. Students will use the proper methods and procedures to install survey stations, line and grade for development and production, drill hole layout and pick-up, raise location and control, and all the calculations required to complete these various tasks. Students will also apply these survey skills with the use of modern total-stations and GPS equipment. Introduction to LIDAR-based scanners and related computer software applications. Students will also be introduced to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as applicable to mining. Emphasis will be placed on combining various skills acquired in mining technology education to process vector and raster data sets. The relationship between raster and vector data in various geographical co-ordinate systems and datums will be explored. |
One General Education course. 2 | 3 | ||
Credits | 26 | ||
Total Credits | 97 |
- 1
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Course with Lab Component
- 2
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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
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Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Engineering Technology
Imagine a career in a cutting-edge laboratory or inside a mine 5,000 feet below the ground or on-site constructing a skyscraper. At Cambrian, learning isn’t confined to textbooks. From chemical and civil engineering to mechatronics, mechanical, and more, at our School of Engineering Technology, you’ll gain the skills you need to bring a wide range of engineering theories to life.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Web cam and headset
- Personal computer (PC) – Due to the fact program-specific software used by students is not compatible with Apple products, PC are required.
- Windows 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Processor: i7 Intel i7 or equivalent processor – 2.5-2.9 GHz processor (base) – ARM Processors are NOT supported
- Graphics: 2 GB GPU with 29 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant
- RAM: 8 GB of RAM
- Storage: 500 GB HD
- Software: Microsoft Office Suite (include Excel) – All students registered in the program have access to MSOffice free of charge. This can be downloaded directly from Office365 to your PC, using your college email and college password.
Please note, industry-standard software that you will access as part of your program will not be compatible with every device. These minimum technology requirements will allow you to access the software but will not provide the optimal user experience. It is recommended you use a computer with stronger capabilities. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of Assistive Technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended Storage for Assistive Technology: 8 GB of available Hard Drive of Solid State Drive Space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended Audio: Speakers or Headphones for Text-to-Speech and Microphone for Speech Input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
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