Mining Engineering Unit

Teaching, research and expertise in mining engineering at UMONS

The Mining Engineering Unit provides a large part of the teaching programme for future Mining and Geology Engineers, starting from the 3rd Bachelor to the 2nd Master. The disciplines cover the whole value chain of the mining sector s.l., from engineering geology, rock mechanics, mining and quarrying, reservoir engineering and drilling technologies, to mineral processing and recycling, or even processing of polluted soils.

The training programme is directed towards field applications, with frequent industrial visits. Particularly, the mining trip is one outstanding activity in this programme, organised in an international and multidisciplinary context. A strong focus is also given to projects, making a major asset in the training.

Research activities mainly focus on geomechanics and mining. In rock mechanics, constitutive laws for geomaterials, stability of workings, rock destructibility and the relationships between geology and rock mechanics are the main topics. They combine experimental work in laboratory and in situ with numerical simulations (finite elements, finite differences, distinct elements). In mining, research are performed in terms of design and planning of operations (Gems, Surpac) and in the understanding of rock mass fragmentation by explosives.

In addition to teaching and research activities, the Mining Engineering Unit also participates to expertises, technical studies and industrial projects in Belgium or abroad, which contributes to keep constant connexion with industrial partners.

Contact person

Fanny DESCAMPS
Fanny DESCAMPS
Bâtiment Joncquois
53, Rue du Joncquois
7000 Mons
+32(0)65 37 45 17