Mining Engineering & Management
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As one of only fourteen programs nationwide, the Mines mining engineering degree combines cutting-edge automation and technology with hands-on training. Students operate industry-grade equipment, work with professional mine rescue teams, and gain experience at sites like the Sanford Underground Research Facility, where they can survey more than a mile underground.
With 100% job placement and starting salaries averaging $84,800, graduates are in high demand by global companies such as Kiewit, Cargill, and Freeport-McMoRan. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mining and Similarly Named Engineering Programs, the program prepares students to lead in industries spanning automotive, energy, and aerospace while advancing the sustainable future of mining.
Department Overview
Students in the Department of Mining Engineering and Management gain practical experience both in and out of the classroom. Through organizations such as the Mine & Safety Rescue Team, Mining & Mucking Team, Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), and the International Society of Explosives Engineers, they build technical skills, develop leadership, and connect with industry professionals. These groups provide opportunities for live mine rescue drills, national competitions, and hands-on training that prepare students for real-world challenges in the field.
SME is a national organization representing companies and individuals in mining, metallurgy, and exploration. Website: www.smenet.org
Student Organization: SME/Drill & Crucible
Email: SME@mines.sdsmt.edu
URL: https://sdsmt.presence.io/organization/american-society-of-mechanical-engineers-asme
Faculty/Staff Advisor: Dr. Andrea Brickey, Andrea.Brickey@sdsmt.edu
The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) was formed in 1974 as a professional society dedicated to promoting the safety, security and the controlled use of explosives in mining, quarrying, construction, manufacturing, demolition, aerospace, forestry, avalanche control, art, automotives, special effects, exploration, seismology, agriculture, law enforcement, and many other peaceful uses of explosives. With more than 4,600 members from 90 countries and with 34 Chapters in the US, Canada, and South America, the Society is recognized as a world leader in providing explosives technology, education, and information, and promoting public understanding of the benefits of explosives. In addition, ISEE, with individual members acting as resources, has consistently been at the forefront of efforts to address legislation and regulation on the use of explosives at the international, federal and state level.
Student Organization: Society of Explosive Engineers (International) [ISEE]
Email: ISEE@mines.sdsmt.edu
URL: https://sdsmt.presence.io/organization/international-society-of-explosive-engineers
Faculty/Staff Advisor: Dr. Purushotham Tukkaraja, PT@sdsmt.edu
Placing second in 2016 at the international Mining & Mucking Games, our mining team consistently shines on the international stage. The competition originated to honor the lives of miners who died in the Sunshine Mine fire disaster, to build camaraderie between mining students, and to preserve old-fashioned mining methods.
The competition is made up of seven events including:
- Jackleg: drilling into a vertical rock or concrete face using a pneumatic jackleg drill;
- Handsteel: drilling a hole or holes into a 36″ thick block of concrete, using a four-pound sledge hammer and a 7/8 inch wide steel chisel;
- Survey: reporting coordinates using an old fashioned vernier transit, a plumb bob, and a 50-meter steel tape;
- Gold Pan: panning five bbs from a one-pound coffee can of dirt and rock;
- Swede Saw: sawing through a 6x6 inch piece of pine timber with a 36 inch bow saw;
- Trackstand: setting up and tearing down a five meter section of track, including sleepers, rail, connecting plates, and bolts;
- Mucking: pushing an empty ore cart down a 75-foot section of track and back, then
shovel "muck" (rock, clay sand, and mud) into the cart until full, then pushing the
ore cart down and back again.
Faculty/Staff Advisor: Dr. Ivy Allard, Ivy.Allard@sdsmt.edu
Founded in November 2013, The Mine Safety and Rescue Group trains offsite at a mine rescue chamber housed with industry partner RESPEC and with the Sanford Underground Research Facility rescue team in Lead, SD.
Faculty/Staff Advisor: Mr. Mark Bowron, Mark.Bowron@sdsmt.edu
Have more questions?
Dr. Robert Hall