Ph.D.

Mining Engineering

Version: October 2016

 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

Welcome candidates!
Embarking on a PhD is a wonderful experience at the crossroads
of fundamental sciences and engineering.

It is your first step as a researcher oriented to following a career

in Academia or the Industry, both on the public or private sector.

Your original research is the core of your PhD. Your thesis will
be carried out under the guidance and supervision of your thesis
director and sometimes a co-director.

During your studies, you will also have the opportunity to be

involved in teaching activities. Teaching is a fundamental part of
learning.

A PhD will help you to strength and develop from language and
communication, to management and leadership skills preparing
you for your future career.

During your studies, remember to use these opportunities!

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

1. Introduction
Mining is essential to our everyday lives and its vital for
our future. Several technologies rely on the mining
extraction of cooper, gold, lithium, and others. From
batteries, medical equipment’s, hybrid vehicles to new
renewable sources of energy, mining resources are
critical for the sustainable development of
transportation, housing, and others consumer’s
products. Mining is also the most important economic
activity in Chile, and its industry is also referent to
rest of the industry worldwide.

Chile is also a referent for the mining industry

worldwide. El Teniente is the largest underground mine
in the planet and a large expansion is in progress.
Chuquicamata is facing one of biggest engineering
challenges ever known: a transition from the largest
open pit in the world to one of the biggest underground
mining system. The industry is also facing costs
increase, lower grades, climate change, and restriction
on the use of water. Society is also asking for more
environmental-friendly metallurgy process.

These new challenges require experts with the highest

qualified academic standards The PhD in Mining
Engineering program is an opportunity for those
interested on developing the mining industry of the
future. Our graduates will have a broad understanding
of the mining process, and will be able to lead scientific
research and technological development applied to the
mining activity. The student will have the opportunity
of specializing on one of the following areas:

• Ore reserve estimation,

• Rock mechanics,
• Design, planning and mining technology,
• Automation and robotics for the mining industry,
• Geo-metallurgy.

Image: Big mining operations in Chile (2016)

Modified from Consejo Minero
www.consejominero.cl

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

2. The doctoral program

The Doctoral Program in Mining Engineering
prepares high-level specialists who master their
research area within the Mining Engineering field and
are capable of developing scientific and technological
knowledge and original research applied to mining. The
areas considered are defined by the strengths of the
faculty staff and include each of the activities of the
mineral extraction process. In particular, doctoral Beauchef 850
candidates will follow:

• Ore Body Evaluation,

• Rock Mechanics,
• Mine Design,
• Mine Planning
• Mine Technology,
• Automation and Robotics for Mining and,
• Geo-Mine-Metallurgy Beauchef 851

Each of these areas will include issues of the environment, sustainable development, and
community relations as essential elements of the training program. In particular, the courses
Mining Sustainability (MI5051) and Waste Handling in the Mining Industry (MI71D) will be part
of the doctoral program, providing to the doctoral candidate relevant aspects of the mentioned
subjects.
It is expected that the research carried out in these areas extends and deeps the knowledge and
produces a significant impact on the industry. For this reason, it is considered to receive applicants
with diverse backgrounds, whose motivation is to apply their knowledge to the mining industry.
Graduates of the program will be qualified to lead and conduct research and development in
universities, agencies and companies in the mining area, exercise academic work and act as
specialist consultants for companies in the field of mining, with high levels of excellence and
generating developments and technology that enhance the mining industry

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

3. Application
Students wishing to apply for Doctoral programs offered by the Faculty of Physical and
Mathematical Sciences, must have a bachelor or master degree in a similar area, granted by a
national or international university certifying a solid background in the specific area of the doctoral
program. The Academic Committee of the Ph.D. program will review each application taking into
account the candidate’s background.
The application to the Ph.D. program is through the Graduate School of the Faculty of Physical
and Mathematical Sciences:

Deadline Program start

1
Apply here May Spring Semester (August)
October Fall Semester (March)

Applicants have to submit all their educational records at the moment of application, including:

• Resume
• Certified translation of Bachelor's and/or Master's diploma into English if not
originally in Spanish or English.
• Official certificate of the Academic Record or Grades from all academic institutions of
higher education you list in your application (after and not including high-school). English
or Spanish translation are required during application.
• Motivational letter
• Two letters of recommendation.
If required, prospective candidates might be interviewed by the Academic Committee to known
their research interest and their motivation.

Even though is not mandatory, we strongly encourage candidates to contact one of the Faculty
members 2 (Page 12) before applying. You may ask to your potential supervisor information about
research opportunities and funding. Send an e-mail including a CV and a brief description of your
research interest.

1
https://ucampus.uchile.cl/m/fcfm_postgrado_postulacion/
2
http://www2.minas.uchile.cl/department-of-mining-engineering/faculty/126224/full-time

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

Additional information/ documents might be asked for foreign students including:

• Certificate of Academic Record with a table and its equivalent with the Chilean system.
The grade scale in Chile goes from 1,0 to 7,0.

• Once you are accepted, you have to provide a certified translation of your Bachelor's
and/or Master's diploma into Spanish endorsed by the Chilean Foreign Ministry or
Ministry of Education (in Chile) or the Chilean Consulate in your origin country.
Accepted foreign students must apply at the corresponding Chilean Consulate for a student visa
before arriving. It is very important that you deal with the immigration formalities before
entering Chile and to prepare several documents. A tourist visa will not be accepted.

You can find information about the Chilean consulates and Embassies around the world in the
following link:
http://chile.gob.cl/en/consulados/

4. Selection of Applicants
A committee will evaluate and make a decision on your application, taking into account:
• Academic Degree:
Students with Bachelor and/or Master will be evaluated
Admission is
according to their work experience and proven ability to carry out
competitive, so
research. The Committee may choose to recommend you to
please carefully
enroll in the Master program instead (Mining or Extractive
prepare your
Metallurgy).
application.
• Research Interests
• Recommendation letters
• Work Experience:
Eventually, professional experience, both in research or the industry, will be considered as
an asset.

The Program Committee will consider the previous formation of the student and they will validate
the subjects which contents are covered by courses that the candidate has previously approved.
In special cases, the Program Committee may require an admission exam to those applicants whose
background cannot be duly countersigned in connection with the admission requirements and
selection criteria mentioned above. In particular, it shall apply to applicants whose
degrees/diploma are slightly related with the main discipline of the Program.
A maximum number of students enrolled is not contemplated, but the Program Committee should
ensure maintain adequate student/professor ratio, in order to ensure the necessary counseling,
dedication and guidance required in this educational level.

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

5. Research areas
Rock Mechanics, Mine Design, and Mine
Technology This area tackles problems associated with
mine design, considering the geo-mechanical conditions
of the rock. In particular, it addresses issues of
fragmentation processes, rock deformation, rock
excavation, and mass selective underground mining.

Ore Body Evaluation This area considers

characterization, geological and geo-metallurgical modelling,
estimation and geo-statistical simulation of categorical and
continuous variables and its link to subsequent stages of the
operation, planning and mine design.

Mine Planning The main research topics are related

to optimization and scheduling of mine reserves,
considering design, operational and geo-metallurgical
restrictions.

Automation and Robotics for Mining This

research area aims to integrate automation technologies
and robotics to mining, considering how this affects the
design and operation.

Geo-Mining-Metallurgy This research area focus on

the integration of the geological characterization and the
physical and chemical processes of mining and
metallurgical stages. The integrated view allows a better
understanding of the consequences and effects of any
change in these stages.

All these areas may have participation in ATMC, CSIRO Chile, and/or other centers
associated to the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Mathematics.

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

6. Program Characteristics
The Ph.D. in Mining Engineering Program has a regular duration of 4 years (maximum duration
is 10 semesters) and it considers a curricular structure that includes:
• Mandatory courses (30 credits)
• Formative mandatory courses (24 credits). These courses will depend on the student's area
of research, as well as their previous training.
• Elective courses (18 credits) defined within the specialization areas.
• A Qualification Exam, according to the procedures defined in the General Rules of
Graduate Studies of the University of Chile.
• A Thesis (120 credits): must be an individual research, which must represent an original,
creative and relevant contribution to Mining Engineering, its topic must be approved by
the Academic Committee of the program and by the Faculty Graduate School.
The curriculum considers a total of 192 credits, understanding as a credit an hour working week
for a semester. It is expected that students on a full time can pass their courses in 3 semesters and
during the third semester start their thesis work. In the case of part-time students, the time will be
longer, estimated at four to five semesters to complete the courses. The Academic Committee of
the program may approve one or more of these courses, according to the background of each
student.

The PhD. degree will not have associated mentions.

a. Courses
i. Common mandatory courses
All students must enroll the common mandatory courses (30 credits):
• MI8130 (6 credits) – Mining Engineering Analysis
• MI8131 (6 credits) – PhD Thesis Seminar
• MI8132 (12 credits) – Research Unit
• MI8133 (6 credits) – Special Topics in Mining

ii. Formative mandatory Courses

Formative mandatory training courses (24 credits) will be defined after agreement between the
Doctoral candidate, the Supervisor, and the Academic Committee.

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

• MI5021 (6 credits) – Mineral Processing Engineering

• MI5022 (6 credits) – Analysis and Simulation of Minerallurgical Processes
• MI5041 (6 credits) – Ore Body Evaluation
• MI5051 (6 credits) – Sustainability in Mining
• MI5071 (6 credits) – Mining Systems
• MI5072 (6 credits) – Simulation of Mining Processes
• MI5073 (6 credits) – Mine Planning
• MI5081 (6 credits) – Mineral Economics
• MI6041 (6 credits) – Geostatistical Simulation
• MI6061 (6 credits) – Numerical Modelling in Rock Mechanics
• MI6071 (6 credits) – Rock Fragmentation in Mining Processes
• MI6072 (6 credits) – Mine Design
Students with equivalent training in Mining Engineering may validate these courses. This
recognition is subject to the decision of the Academic Committee after reviewing the curriculum
of the applicant

iii. Elective Courses

Finally, students will finish their curriculum by completing 18 credits from elective courses. These
courses can be chosen according to the area of specialization followed by the student. The courses
can be selected from 60/70-level courses offered by the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, all of which are potentially eligible.
As a reference it is presented a list of potentially eligible courses:
• MI6061 (6 credits) – Numerical Modelling in Rock Mechanics
• MI6072 (6 credits) – Mine Design
• MI6071 (6 credits) – Numerical Modelling in Rock Mechanics
• MI6041 (6 credits) – Geostatistical Simulation
• MI73E (6 credits) – Research Seminar
• MI71D (6 credits) – Waste Handling in the Mining Industry
• MI73D (6 credits) – Special Topics in Mineral Economics
• MI75D (6 credits) – Advanced Topics in Ore Body Evaluation
• MI75E (6 credits) – Advanced Topics in Mine Planning
• MI75F (6 credits) – Multivariable Geostatistics
• MI75G (6 credits) – Geostatistical Project
• MI74D (6 credits) – Geomechanical Fundamentals of Caving Mining Methods
• MI74E (6 credits) – Avanced Topics in Underground Mining Preparation
• MI74G (6 credits) – Advanced Topics in Caving Mine Design and Planning
• MI75H (6 credits) – Mine Planning Laboratory
• GL6001 (6 credits) – Mass Removals
• GL62A (6 credits) – Geological Models of Deposits
• GF700 (12 UD) – Geophysical Prospecting I
• GF731 (12 UD) – Theoretical Seismology I

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

• EL67E (10 UD) – Electric Machines for the Industry and Mining
• EL708 (10 UD) – Advanced Image Processing
• EL710 (10 UD) – Fundamentals of Mobile Robotics
• EM755 (10 UD) – Fuzzy Sets and Intelligent Systems
• IN640 (10 UD) – Analysis of Transport Systems
• IN643 (10 UD) – Introduction to Data Mining
• IN70L (10 UD) – Logistics and Production
• IN77O (10 UD) – Models and Algorithms Optimization
• MA606 (15 UD) – Graph Theory
• MA740 (15 UD) – Stochastic Processes
• MA774 (10 UD) – Optimization and Dynamic Systems

Elective courses should be related with the candidate’s research area. They can be registered after
an agreement between the Candidate and its Supervisor.
After completing 72 credits, doctoral students must enroll in the Graduate School their
Thesis work. Considering a full-time dedication, a duration of five semesters is estimated

b. Qualification Exam
The Qualifying Exam requirement is to have completed at least 75% of the program courses and
pass the course MI78B - Doctoral Thesis Seminar. As part of this course, a research proposal must
be formulated, conduct the review of the state of the art and have the first results at the conceptual
level of the thesis proposal. These results are obtained during the course MI78C - Research Unit.
The student must present the thesis topic before the Academic Committee of the program and
request date to defend the proposal. If the issue is considered suitable for a doctoral thesis, the
Committee will define the Commission for the qualifying exam and its date.
The test itself is oral in nature, it must be surrendered before a Commission of two Program
Professors and Visiting External Professor, and in it the degree of knowledge that students have
about the area they developed their thesis topic is evaluated. This means that the student must have
a thorough knowledge of systems and mining processes carried out in that area and deploy a broad
understanding of the tools that will allow propose a novel solution to the problem. It will be
evaluated whether the student has the vision and analysis tools to carry out the thesis and is able
to propose innovative solutions of their own creation and develop independent research and high
level.

c. Thesis
The Thesis is the core activity of the Program and consists of an individual research, which must
represent an original, creative and relevant contribution to Mining Engineering or to Engineering

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

Sciences. For the approval of the thesis, a Thesis Committee will be constituted, who will approve
the candidate’s topic theme.
The thesis begins with the approval of the qualification exam and shall be completed within seven
semesters from the date of acceptance of the subject. After this period, the registration of thesis
topic will lose validity. In certain cases, the Graduate School, with the favorable report of the
Doctoral Committee, may authorize an extension.
To ensure a proper progress in research, semester progress reviews will be established through
public presentations of the subject. With this purpose, the student must enroll these courses:
EP91A –EP91B –EP91C –EP91D
The Academic Committee of the program will designate an Exam Committee. This Committee
will be composed by scholars whose specialty is related to the discipline. The supervisor will attend
the exam, but will only have the right to speak. At least two members of the committee must be
external Faculty. The Committee may accept, reject or suggest modifications. In case of refusal,
the Academic Committee of the program may set a new opportunity for the thesis defense.

7. Fees and financial support

a. Tuition
Tuition cost: UF 800 (full program – ask for different payment methods)
The UF value may be consulted at the Banco Central de Chile
(http://si3.bcentral.cl/Indicadoressiete/secure/Indicadoresdiarios.aspx)

b. Financial support
Doctoral candidates working full time in funded research projects will be eligible for scholarships
covering fully or partially the cost of the program.
Each applicant should request his/her thesis supervisor for available funding.
Phone: 56-22978 4505
e-mail: bgordon@ing.uchile.cl

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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering
8. Faculty
Name
Prof. Manuel Caraballo
mcaraballo@ing.uchile.cl
Prof. Raúl Castro R.
rcastro@ing.uchile.cl
Prof. Diana Comte
dcomte@dgf.uchile.cl
Prof. Xavier Emery
xemery@ing.uchile.cl
Prof. Christian Ihle
cihle@ing.uchile.cl
Prof. Willy Kracht
wkracht@ing.uchile.cl
Prof. Javier Ruiz del Solar
jruizd@ing.uchile.cl
Prof. Brian Townley
btownley@ing.uchile.cl
Prof. Javier Vallejos
javallej@ing.uchile.cl
Prof. Tomás Vargas
tvargas@ing.uchile.cl
More information: http://ingenieria.uchile.cl/facultad/cuerpo-academico
Degree Research areas
Ph.D. in Environmental
Environment and
Geochemistry and Mineralogy,
Geometallurgy
Universidad de Huelva, Spain.
Mine Design, Rock
Ph.D. in Mining Engineering.
Mechanics, Mine
U. Queensland, Australia
Technology
Mine Design, Rock
Ph.D. Seismology and Earth
Mechanics, Mine
Sciences, UNAM, Mexico
Technology
Ph.D. Geostatistics, Ecole
Geostatistics, Ore Body
Nationale Supérieure des
Evaluation
Mines de Paris, France
Transport Phenomena, Fluid
Ph.D. Fluid Dynamics,
dynamics, Solid-liquid
Universidad de Chile, Chile
separation
Ph.D. in Mining and Materials
Engineering, McGill Minerals Processing
University, Canada
Doctor Engineer, Technical Automatization and
University Berlin, Alemania Robotics for Mining
Ph. D. Geology, Queens Economic geology,
University, Canada Exploration
Ph.D. in Mining Engineering, Geomechanics, Numerical
Queens University, Canada Modelling, Mine Design
Ph.D. in Electrometallurgy,
Electrometallurgy
Imperial College, UK
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 A guide for prospective Doctoral Students: Ph.D. in Mining Engineering

9. Contact
Dr. Brian Townley
Coordinator of Ph.D. Program in Mining Engineering
Department of Geology -University of Chile
e-mail: btownley@ing.uchile.cl

Barbara Gordon Traeger, M.A.

Head of Postgraduate Office, Department of Mining Engineering -University of Chile
e-mail: bgordon@ing.uchile.cl
Av. Tupper 2069, Santiago de Chile

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