The mission of the Department of Mining Engineering is:

• To prepare students for productive, life-long careers in mining and related industries or disciplines; and to provide knowledge useful for producing the region's mineral resources.
• Educate graduates to work in any area of the mining industry.
• Disseminate newly acquired knowledge via publication of original research.
• Provide professional service to the mining industry and public to assist in the environmentally responsible and safe extraction of mineral resources.
• Inform the public at large about the importance of mining to society.

• Students will gain a quality education upon which they can build a secure future
• Students will be educated in the fundamental and current issues in mining and related industries.
• Students will be able to analyze problems, design tests or experiments, evaluate information, and communicate results both individually and as teams.
• Students will gain a desire for life-long learning and continuing education.
• Students will understand and appreciate the issues of worker safety, industrial hygiene, and environmental responsibility.