Graduate Certificate in Global Mine Waste Management (GCGMWM)
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Global Mine Waste Management is a unique program for mining industry professionals who want to stay up to date with the latest developments in tailings and mine waste management. Recent high-profile failures of tailings ponds in British Columbia and Brazil underline the vital importance of understanding and implementing best practices in this field. From day one, this part-time certificate enables you to learn from industry leaders and apply the knowledge you’re gaining in your courses to your workplace and mine sites.
What makes the program unique?
- The online learning flexibility allows you to balance your studies and your career – and to immediately begin applying what you’re learning in class to your work as a mining professional.
- The combination of condensed on-campus sessions and online learning also enables professionals working in remote mining operations to pursue graduate coursework in mining engineering.
- Students who complete the certificate have the option of laddering the coursework into masters programs offered by the Mining Engineering Department (master of engineering or master of applied science degree in Mining Engineering).
Program Structure
The graduate certificate program consists of four core courses taken over two consecutive years. Each four-month course consists of a two-week in-person session held at the UBC Vancouver campus and that includes two or three days at a local mining operation. The on-campus sessions bring together industry professionals from across the globe – enabling you to network with your peers and learn best practices from all mining sectors. The course sessions are offered in an online learning environment and are designed so you can continue working full-time while studying.
The 12-credit certificate program provides in-depth knowledge of best practices in mine waste management. Courses in the first year of study focus on advanced mine waste management and site management, while those in the second year explore risk assessment and mine waste management case studies.
Each course is offered in a blended three-part format:
- Part 1: Online learning (two months)
- Part 2: Intensive campus session at UBC (two weeks)
- Part 3: Final project, completed through online learning (six weeks)
All students must complete the following four courses (12 credits):
- MINE 586 (3): Advanced Mine Waste Management
- MINE 587 (3): Advanced Mine Site Management
- MINE 588 (3): Risk Management for Mine Waste Management
- MINE 589 (3): Mine Waste Case Studies
Quick Facts
Program Enquiries
Requirements
Prior Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Mining, Civil or Geological Engineering or a related field or Geosciences.
Other Requirements
Three or more years of industry experience in tailings or mine waste management.
Program Enquiries

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