Doctor of Philosophy in Energy and Mineral Engineering- Mining and Mineral Process Engineering

The Mining and Mineral Process Engineering option focuses on the aspects of geological, civil, mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering, together with business and management skills, that are integrated in the challenge of extracting minerals from the Earth. Mining engineers are involved in all stages of the process: from exploring for new mineral deposits and deciding if they can be mined economically, through designing and constructing mines at and below the ground, to managing and operating mines, to preparing raw mineral products for manufacturing or energy industries.
In order to prepare students for this profession, course work and research opportunities specific to mining engineering include: computer applications, environmental control, geomechanics and rock mechanics, health and safety, innovative mining systems, materials handling, mine equipment maintenance, mine management, mine planning and reclamation, monitoring and control, operations research, surface mining, underground mining, and ventilation. Interests cover coal, metal, and nonmetal mining.

Mineral Process Engineering is concerned with the extraction and purification of valuable commodities from the earth. The raw materials produced by mining are highly impure and must be upgraded before they are of use to society. The refining of mineral commodities involves a broad variety of problems, mostly associated with the production, handling and separation of solid particles. Particle systems are also critical to many of the processes and products of modern industry: materials, chemicals and electronics as well as minerals. Mineral processing engineers are at the forefront of the development of the science and technology of particle systems and many of the techniques and procedures used in mineral processing find direct application in other areas.

GRE AND TOEFL/IELTS SCORES
We encourage applicants to provide any Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from the last 5 years, if available. Although not required, submitting GRE scores is highly recommended if you want to be considered for funding assistance by all faculty.
All international applicants whose first language is not English or who have not received baccalaureate or master's degrees from an approved institution in which the language of instruction is English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) examination (these scores are required before review of an application can proceed). A TOEFL score of 550 on the paper test, a score of 213 on the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 on the Internet test is required for admission. On the Internet version, a minimum score of 19 is required on the speaking portion. The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.
Evaluation Criteria:
Applications are evaluated on the quality of evidence presented that speaks to an applicant's ability to succeed in graduate coursework and in the research environment. Other aspects of the review include evidence for persevering through challenges and working well in team environments.
Statement of Purpose:

The statement of purpose should be a 23-page single-spaced document with 1-inch margins and 11- or 12-point font. The objective of this document is to explain why you want to pursue a graduate degree in Energy and Mineral Engineering and why you believe you will be successful.

Applicants should consider answering the following questions in the statement of purpose.
How has your work, research, educational or other life experiences have prepared you for graduate study in this program? What qualities in yourself do you feel are most responsible for your past academic success and your current preparation for graduate school?
What specific research is of interest to you and how would our program enable you to pursue your goals?
What are your goals after you complete your degree, and how will our graduate program help you achieve your immediate and longer-term career objectives?
What mentoring or teaching experiences have you had? What groups or teams have you been engaged in and had a change to lead (extracurricular, occupational, research, etc.)? What were those leadership experiences, and how have those experiences impacted your professional development and career plans?
Resume or CV (Curriculum Vitae):

This single document should outline the applicant's professional and educational experience. This document should generally be no more than 2-3 pages long. Longer CVs should only be provided when the applicant has extensive research and publication experience.
Applicants should ensure that experience relevant to academic success, technical expertise, research efforts and achievements, along with mentorship, teaching, or leadership success are described in this document.
Letters of Recommendation:
All applicants must provide three (3) letters of recommendation. These letters should be submitted by the application deadline. Failure to receive the letters in time may delay the consideration of your application.

Letters must be uploaded by each of your referees via the GRADS electronic portal. Reference letters can come from a mix of letters from individuals in academia and/or industry who can elaborate on your potential to be successful in the EME academic and research environment.
Academic Transcripts:
Applicants are required to electronically upload copies of transcripts (or equivalent documents for institutions outside the U.S., e.g., degree/study certificates, diplomas, etc.) from all post-secondary institutions attended, in the language of instruction (and copies of an official English translation if English is not the language of instruction).