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Read the full noticeSchool of Science and Technology
B.Sc. Geology and Mining
Programme Overview
The Geology and Mining programme at the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh (UAST) consists of a comprehensive undergraduate education in the scientific study of the Earth, its mineral resources, and the responsible extraction and processing of those resources for economic development. For students in the programme, a core learning objective is building and demonstrating foundational competencies in Earth systems science, mineral exploration, mining methods, mineral processing, geospatial technologies, environmental stewardship, and sustainable resource governance through the successful completion of rigorous coursework, field investigations, laboratory analyses, industrial internships, and a capstone innovation project. Students are also eligible for accelerated professional pathways, including postgraduate research, industry leadership, and entrepreneurial ventures in the extractive sector.
Programme Distinctiveness
A Curriculum Benchmark Internationally
The UAST Geology and Mining curriculum is benchmarked against leading geology and mining programmes at institutions including Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Colorado School of Mines, Curtin University, Camborne School of Mines, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and University of the Witwatersrand, while addressing mineral exploration, sustainable mining, and critical mineral development challenges specific to Nigeria and Africa.
A Programme Rooted in National Priorities
While maintaining international standards, the programme equips graduates to address Nigeria's most pressing geological and mining challenges: mineral exploration and resource evaluation, sustainable mining operations, mineral processing and value addition, environmental impact assessment and mine closure, artisanal and small-scale mining formalisation, critical minerals for the energy transition, mining governance and community development, and digital transformation of the extractive sector.
Integrated with National Academic Standards
The programme is structured around the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), with a distinctive 30% UAST proprietary component that substantially strengthens competencies in modern mineral exploration technologies, mining methods and mine development, engineering geology and geotechnics, mineral processing and beneficiation, artificial intelligence and digital mining, mine planning and design, mine safety and occupational health, petroleum and critical minerals, climate change and environmental impact assessment, smart mining technologies and automation, mining law and governance, mineral resource consultancy and project management, and capstone innovation.
The UAST Advantage: Professional Competencies
Graduates of this programme acquire competencies in:
- Earth Systems and Mineral Resources
- Modern Mineral Exploration Technologies
- Mining Methods and Mine Development
- Mineral Processing and Beneficiation
- Engineering Geology and Geotechnics
- Digital Mapping, GIS and Geological Data Literacy
- Artificial Intelligence, Remote Sensing and Digital Mining
- Mine Planning, Design and Mineral Economics
- Mine Safety, Occupational Health and Risk Management
- Critical Minerals and Energy Transition
- Climate Change, Environmental Impact Assessment and Mine Closure
- Smart Mining Technologies and Mine Automation
- Mining Law, Policy, Governance and Community Development
- Mineral Resource Consultancy, Project Management and Investment Analysis
Programme Structure
The programme is delivered over four academic years (100–400 Levels) and comprises UAST proprietary courses complementing the NUC 70% core curriculum.
Year One: Foundations
- Introduction to Earth Systems, Mineral Resources and Mining
- Digital Mapping, GIS and Geological Data Literacy
- Sustainable Mining, Environment and Society
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Geosciences
Year Two: Core Technical Competencies
- Modern Mineral Exploration Technologies
- Mining Methods and Mine Development
- Engineering Geology and Geotechnics
- Mineral Processing and Beneficiation
Year Three: Advanced Mining and Digital Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence, Remote Sensing and Digital Mining
- Mine Planning, Design and Mineral Economics
- Mine Safety, Occupational Health and Risk Management
- Petroleum, Energy and Critical Minerals
- Climate Change, Environmental Impact Assessment and Mine Closure
Year Four: Professional Integration and Leadership
- Smart Mining Technologies and Mine Automation
- Mining Law, Policy, Governance and Community Development
- Mineral Resource Consultancy, Project Management and Investment Analysis
- Advanced Field Internship, Mine Design and Capstone Innovation Project
Career Pathways
UAST Geology and Mining graduates are prepared for careers in:
Mineral Exploration Companies
Exploration geologists, project geologists, and exploration managers
Mining Operations
Mine geologists, production geologists, and mine planning professionals
Mineral Processing and Beneficiation Plants
Processing engineers and metallurgists
Environmental Consulting Firms
Environmental impact assessment, mine closure planning, and rehabilitation specialists
Government Regulatory Agencies
Mining cadastre, environmental regulation, and mineral policy development
Geotechnical and Engineering Geology
Infrastructure projects, slope stability, and foundation design
Petroleum and Energy Sector
Petroleum geology, energy minerals, and critical minerals assessment
Consultancy and Project Management
Feasibility studies, investment analysis, and mining advisory services
Research and Academic Institutions
Geoscience research and postgraduate studies
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Support
Formalisation, technical assistance, and community development
International Development Organizations
World Bank, UNDP, and African Development Bank mining programmes
Fast-Track and Professional Pathways
Qualified students are eligible for accelerated pathways, including:
Industrial Training (SIWES)
- Supervised internships in exploration companies, mining operations, and government agencies
Professional Certifications
- Preparation for certifications in GIS, mineral resource estimation, mine safety, and environmental management
Field Research
- Supervised geological mapping, exploration surveys, and mine site investigations
Postgraduate Pathways
- Progression to M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Geology, Mining Engineering, Mineral Economics, Environmental Geoscience, and related disciplines