From competitive student teams to hands-on field trips, our programs offer real-world experiences, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable adventures that enrich your education and prepare you for your future in mining engineering.
UBC Mining Engineering Undergraduate Club
The UBC Mining Engineering Undergraduate Society (MUGS) is a vibrant, student-run community for members of the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at UBC.
We proudly promote participation in the global, dynamic mining industry, while enhancing student life with academic support and networking opportunities right here on campus.
From our national competition teams—UBC Mine Rescue and Canadian Mining Games—to our annual professional development events featuring real industry sponsors and alumni, our executive team is fully committed to bringing the best of UBC Mining to you. Let us show you why we rock!
Student Teams & Competitions
Canadian Mining Games
This annual national competition showcases students' mining knowledge and problem-solving under real-world scenarios, with industry sponsors designing events and connecting with participants. In 2025, UBC celebrated back-to-back overall victories at the 35th Canadian Mining Games at Université Laval, earning first place across multiple disciplines (Open Pit Mine Design, Tailings/Closure Management, Drill Handling) and podium placements in many others—including Mine Rescue and Underground Mine Design.
UBC Mine Rescue
Founded in 2012, UBC Mine Rescue is Canada’s first student-led mine rescue team. Members develop first aid, rope rescue, and disaster response skills through intensive training and competition participation—always putting safety first.
International Mining Games
The International Collegiate Mining Competition aims to keep “old-fashioned” mining techniques alive, these games teach students the value of team harmony and solidarity through physical and mental challenges! Teams and industry leaders from Australia, USA, Canada, Germany, and the UK come together for this fierce competition!
In March 2025, UBC participated in the 47th International Mining Games at King Edward Mine in the UK. Our team placed 3rd overall in the Co-Ed competitions! Placing 2nd in Jackleg, Track Stand and Hand Steel!
Goodman Gold Challenge
The Goodman Gold Challenge is an international mining investment competition for undergraduate students. The annual competition is a great way for 4 students (1 team) to explore the financial aspect of mining along with the physical. It is also a great way for UBC students to interact with students from international universities and expand their network. In 2023, the competition saw teams coming from different countries and making impactful presentations. The team led by UBC Mining with two students from the Sauder School of Business at UBC was declared the winners.
Undergraduate Field Trip
Each year, our graduating class organizes a national or international research trip to gain valuable industry insight and explore mining on a global scale.
These trips allow students to:
Visit active mine sites and operations
Meet with industry leaders and professionals
Learn about diverse mining practices and technologies
Experience new cultures and strengthen class connections
Over the years, students have traveled across the world, from Australia to Zambia, Chile to Indonesia, Peru to South Africa, gaining first-hand knowledge of how mining is approached in different geological, economic, and cultural settings.
Explore the map below to see some of the countries our students have visited on past field trips.
Past field trips, including detailed reports and locations, are available below.
Explore Field Trip Resources View UBC Student Safety Abroad Policy Detailed Reports and Locations
