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Mining Engineering Technician

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Mining Engineering Technician

  • Program Code: 3A6
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Natural Resources & Industrial Trades
  • Area: Natural Resources
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: OPEN
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • C
    Corner Brook - On Campus - September 2026

It’s elemental.

Newfoundland and Labrador is among the top 10 mining jurisdictions in the world1, making the versatile mining engineering technician a highly-sought after employee in this industry, right here at home.

Mining engineering technicians support mining engineering and geological teams. They assist in conducting geophysical surveys and analyzing the data to identify potential mineral exploration opportunities. They collect and evaluate mineral deposits to assess contaminants in soil and groundwater, and direct and facilitate other essential geological and geophysical fieldwork.

Mining is one of the industries expected to experience the largest increase in employment during the 2015 to 2025 period. As of 2022, Mining Industry NL estimated about 8,000 jobs in the mining sector and expects to increase to 12,000 in the next couple of years, unearthing a steady demand for skills in the mining sector. The province aims to be a top producer in additional mineral commodity markets as new mineral resources are identified such as lithium, salt, and critical rare earth elements.

That means now’s the time to dig into this career! The Mining Engineering Technician program will challenge you to explore why and how things work in this dynamic field and find innovative solutions to mining challenges. You will be qualified for work in the fields of mineral resources exploration, in the operations of surface or underground mines, and in mine/quarry production. Or you may discover you like specialized areas such as mine surveying, ground control, mine ventilation, mine safety, field explorations, mine geology, or mine planning. 

Whatever features of mining that surface to pique your interest, you’re going to rock this career!
 


 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Developed “from the ground up” to ensure alignment with Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) requirements
  • Field trips to one or more mines in the province for hands-on activities and field demonstrations
  • Eligibility for membership in the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador (AETTNL) and similar associations across Canada
  • With two years of progressive work experience, become eligible to receive the designation of Certified Technician (C. Tech) upon completion of a Professional Practice and Ethics Exam

DID YOU KNOW?

  • With multiple producing mines in the province, several metal and non-metal commodities are produced, including iron ore, nickel, copper, cobalt, and gold.
  • As a significant contributor to the national mineral commodity market, Newfoundland and Labrador provides over 45% of Canada’s iron ore shipments and 26% of Canada’s nickel shipments.
  • According to the Newfoundland and Labrador Government’s Labour Market Outlook 2025, over the 2019 to 2025 period, the number of workers [across industries] is expected to increase by approximately 12,000 (or 4.5 per cent).2
  • The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador plans to open five (5) new mines by 2030 with a goal of boosting direct employment from 4,800 to 6,200. 
  • Government also aims to increase annual exploration expenditures to $100 million to expand the NL share of annual mineral shipments from 6.4% to 10% of the Canadian total.
  • The workforce is diversifying and increasing participation of women from 15% to 30%. 

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the Mining Engineering Technician program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills to be able to:

  1. Conduct geophysical surveys and analyze geophysical profiles and maps
  2. Create and interpret geological maps and cross sections for mineral exploration, in collaboration the exploration teams
  3. Perform field procedures appropriate for the acquisition of geological and geochemical data
  4. Assist in the evaluation of mineral deposits
  5. Collaborate to identify geologic formations, structures, and processes
  6. Assist in managing the mine development and production processes for both underground and surface mines
  7. Perform project management activities within a mining exploration and mine development context.

CERTIFICATIONS

Students in the Mining Engineering Technician program will be required to complete certifications in the following areas prior to the start of Semester 3:

  • Standard First Aid/Heart Start
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (for Land)
  • ATV Safety Training
Students should be aware that additional fees may apply for external certifications.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Students in the Mining Engineering Technician program are required to purchase the following equipment at their own expense:

  • Rain gear
  • Hi Visibility Vest
  • Field clothes
  • Shop Coat
  • Hard Hat
  • Safety Glasses
  • Rubber Boots
  • Steel Toe Boots
  • Backpack
  • Sylva compass
  • Padlock
  • Scientific Calculator

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for admission to the Mining Engineering Technician program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
 
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced:  2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic:  2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science (4 credits) two of which must be selected from:
Biology: 3201
Physics: 3204
Chemistry: 3202
Earth Systems: 3209
Note: The remaining two Science credits to be chosen from the highest Science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math (60% MINIMUM) MA1040, MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
a. Introductory Biology: BL1025, BL1026
b. Introductory Chemistry: CH1035, CH1036
c. Introductory Physics: PH1055, PH1056
Note: It is strongly recommended that College Transition students who intend to enroll in Engineering Technology programs complete both of the Chemistry courses and both of the Physics courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 Fall Cr Le La
CH1165 Applied Chemistry for Mining 4 3 2
GE1110 Geology I 3 2 2
MA1700 Mathematics 4 3 2
CM1400 Technical Report Writing I 3 3 0
SU1130 Mine Surveying I 3 1 5
MT1115 Introduction to Mining 3 3 0
MC1850 Spreadsheet Applications 1 0 2
Note: 
Students may apply for an exemption from MA1700 Mathematics provided they meet the following criteria:
  • Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201
Or
  • A pass in both high school Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200
And
  • A 50% in CNA’s math exemption test
         
Semester 2 Winter Cr Le La
GE1210 Geology II 4 3 3
EG1235 Engineering Graphics & CAD 2 1 3
MA1101 Advanced Mathematics 5 5 0
CM1401 Technical Report Writing II 3 3 0
SU1230 Mine Surveying II 3 2 4
MT1210 Mining Methods 3 2 2
         
Semester 3 Intersession Cr Le La
FT1235 Mineral Resources Field Camp 0 0  2 wks
MA1530 Statistics 2 2 1
MT2430 Mineral Processing 5 4 2
Mining Engineering Technician students will complete MA1530 Statistics and MT2430 Mineral Processing before going out to complete FT1235 Mineral Resources Field Camp.
         
Semester 4 Fall Cr Le La
GE2100 Geological Fieldwork 3 2 3
GE2210 Exploration Geophysics 3 2 3
GE2520 Digital Map Making 1 0 2
MT2130 Mine Layouts and Planning 3 2 3
MT2320 Mine Equipment & Safety 3 3 1
MT2450 Mine Blasting Techniques 3 3 1
         
Semester 5 Winter Cr Le La
GE2310 Intro to Structural Geology 4 3 2
GE2410 Mineral Resource Evaluation 4 3 2
MT2700 Ground Control 3 3 1
MT2110 Industrial Hygiene for Mines 3 3 1
MT2155 Mining Ethics 3 3 0
PR3150 Project Management & Financial Analysis 4 4 0

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades $1,301.00 (per semester) $625.00 (per semester)
Exceptions for Industrial Trades
Heavy Equipment Operator $1,927.00 (per semester) $129.00 (per week)
Commercial Driver $1,927.00 (per semester) $129.00 (per week)
All Other Industrial Trade Programs $88.00 (per week) $88.00 (per week)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades $4,685.00 (per semester) $2,344.00 (per semester)
Exceptions for Industrial Trades
Heavy Equipment Operator $5,311.00 (per semester)
$354.00 (per week)		 $354.00 (per week)
Commercial Driver $5,311.00 (per semester)
$354.00 (per week)		 $354.00 (per week)
All Other Industrial Trade Programs $313.00 (per week) $313.00 (per week)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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