The Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering is one of North America’s largest and most advanced centres for mining engineering education and research.
As a founding component of the University of British Columbia, the Department of Mining Engineering—now the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering (NBK Mining Engineering)—is one of the leading mining engineering schools in North America. Since its establishment in 1915, our graduates and faculty have played a significant role in developing the world’s mineral resources, advancing technology, and promoting responsible mining practices.
Mining at UBC offers a broad professional degree program that integrates engineering principles, earth and mineral sciences, mining and mineral processing case studies, health, safety and environmental issues, social sciences, management, economics, and business. This comprehensive approach ensures our graduates have the technical expertise, interdisciplinary perspective, and leadership skills needed to succeed in the global mining industry.
We are committed to a sustainable future, with emphasis on safety as well as environmental and social responsibility. Our programs develop not only technical competence but also ethical leadership and interpersonal skills, enabling graduates to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and engage respectfully with diverse stakeholders, including local mining communities. Students gain valuable real-world experience through opportunities for industry employment, research at working mines, and involvement in cutting-edge projects.
Our People
We are exemplified by the dedication of our faculty and staff, who provide a dynamic, hands-on learning environment for both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to their roles as teachers and mentors, faculty work with graduate students and staff to pursue research across the full spectrum of mining—from technical innovation to social and environmental impact.
Support from alumni, corporations, foundations, students, parents, and friends enables NBK Mining Engineering to conduct leading-edge research, deliver outstanding education, and contribute to social and economic development in Canada and worldwide. Our faculty members are active within the industry through research, consulting, and professional society involvement, and our alumni can be found wherever mines or mineral prospects exist around the globe.
We work closely with the Office of the Ombudsperson for Students and the wider UBC community to ensure a fair, equitable, and respectful environment where all students can learn, work, and thrive.
Our Facilities
Our facilities are specifically designed to ensure that our faculty, staff and students are prepared to meet the demands of the mining industry.
Our instructional building, the Frank Forward building and our research facility, the Coal & Mineral Processing Laboratory, are fully equipped to provide a positive research and educational framework.
About UBC
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and recently recognized as North America’s most international university.
Since 1915, our motto, Tuum Est (It is Yours), has been a declaration of our commitment to attracting and supporting those who have the drive to shape a better world. As a result, UBC students, faculty and staff continue to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo, placing us at the forefront of discovery, learning and engagement. UBC encourages bold thinking, curiosity and initiative, so you can realize your greatest potential.
