Diploma in Mining Engineering
The Diploma in Mining Engineering is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in mining methods, mineral extraction, mine surveying, rock mechanics, mine ventilation, mineral processing and mine safety. Offered at Taita Taveta University, the programme prepares students for technical roles in the mining and mineral processing industry.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 201,567 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers mining engineering fundamentals, surface and underground mining methods, mine surveying, rock mechanics and ground control, drilling and blasting, mine ventilation and environment, mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, mine safety and legislation, mine machinery, engineering mathematics, geology for mining and industrial attachment. Students develop both technical and practical mining engineering skills.
Kenya's mining sector is growing with the expansion of mineral exploration and extraction activities, particularly in Taita Taveta County known for gemstone and industrial mineral mining. The programme responds to the need for trained mining engineering personnel who can support safe and efficient mineral extraction operations.
The programme is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, workshop sessions, mine visits, field trips to operating mines, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in mining operations, surveying and mineral processing through practical sessions and attachment at mining companies.
Graduates pursue careers as mining engineering technicians, mine surveying assistants, mineral processing assistants and mine safety officers in mining companies, quarrying operations and mineral processing plants. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Science in Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering at TTU.
Prospective students should have interest in geology, engineering and extractive industries. The programme is suitable for students seeking technical careers in the mining and mineral processing sector.
What you study
8 subjects- Mining Engineering Fundamentals and Mining Methods
- Mine Surveying and Rock Mechanics
- Drilling, Blasting and Mine Machinery
- Mine Ventilation, Environment and Safety
- Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
- Geology for Mining and Engineering Mathematics
- Mine Legislation and Safety Management
- Industrial Attachment and Mining Engineering Project
Modules
8 in the programmeMining Engineering Fundamentals and Mining Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mining engineering principles, mining terminology, surface mining methods, underground mining methods, mine development, mine planning and mineral economics.
Mine Surveying and Rock Mechanics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mine surveying, surveying instruments, mine mapping, rock mechanics, ground control, rock properties, stress and strain, slope stability and ground support.
Drilling, Blasting and Mine Machinery
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers drilling methods and equipment, explosives and blasting, blast design, mine machinery, haulage systems, hoisting, pumping and ventilation fans.
Geology for Mining and Engineering Mathematics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers economic geology, mineral deposits, structural geology, geological mapping, engineering mathematics, mechanics and thermodynamics for mining applications.
Mine Ventilation, Environment and Safety
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mine ventilation, air flow, dust control, mine environment, mine gases, environmental impact of mining, mine safety, risk assessment and mine safety legislation.
Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers mineral processing, comminution, screening, classification, gravity separation, flotation, leaching, extractive metallurgy and mineral processing plant operations.
Mine Legislation and Safety Management
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers mining legislation in Kenya, Mine Health and Safety Act, environmental regulations, mine safety management systems, accident investigation and occupational health.
Industrial Attachment and Mining Engineering Project
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
A three-month industrial attachment at a mining company or mineral processing plant, plus a mining engineering project assessed through a report and presentation.
Specialisations
Surface Mining
Focuses on surface mining methods and operations for careers in open-pit mining.
Underground Mining
Specialises in underground mining methods and ground control for careers in underground mines.
Mineral Processing
Focuses on mineral processing and extractive metallurgy for careers in processing plants.
Mine Safety and Environment
Specialises in mine safety management and environmental compliance for careers as mine safety officers.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on mining methods or rock mechanics, followed by a laboratory practical on mineral processing or mine surveying. Afternoon sessions may include a workshop on drilling and blasting, a field trip to a nearby mine, or a group discussion on mine safety. Students also work on mining engineering projects and prepare for industrial attachment.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| TTU is Kenya's leading university for mining education, located in a mineral-rich region. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study location options. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Science in Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering at TTU. | Mining careers may involve working in remote locations and challenging environments. |
| Kenya's mining sector is growing with increased mineral exploration and extraction activities. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
TVET 67,189/yr self-spons (NENAP). TTU diploma fee & private unverified.
Students can access HELB loans. TTU may offer internal bursaries for deserving students. Mining companies may offer sponsorships for students in mining programmes.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
6 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant certificate in engineering or mining-related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Taita Taveta University.
Including Taita Taveta University.
Including Taita Taveta University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering mining methods, surveying and rock mechanics.
Laboratory and Workshop Practical Assessment
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of practical skills in mineral processing, surveying, drilling and blasting through practical examinations.
Mining Engineering Project
Project30% of the mark
A project on a mining engineering topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment at a mining company or mineral processing plant.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Taita Taveta University, School of Mines and Engineering.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesMining Engineering Technician
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 200,000
Supports mining operations, assists with mine planning, monitors production and ensures safety compliance in mining companies.
Mine Surveying Assistant
Low demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 170,000
Assists with mine surveying, maintains mine maps, monitors ground movement and supports surveying operations in mines.
Mineral Processing Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 180,000
Supports mineral processing plant operations, monitors processing equipment and assists with quality control in mineral processing plants.
Mine Safety Officer
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 190,000
Monitors mine safety compliance, conducts safety inspections, investigates incidents and supports safety training in mining operations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as mining engineering technicians, mine surveying assistants and mineral processing assistants in mining companies and mineral processing plants.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Mining engineering is just about digging holes in the ground.
Mining engineering involves complex calculations, geology, rock mechanics, ventilation design, mineral processing and safety management using scientific and engineering principles.
There are no mining jobs in Kenya.
Kenya has active mining operations for gemstones, industrial minerals, soda ash, fluorspar and titanium, with growing exploration creating demand for mining technicians.
Mining engineering is dangerous and unsafe.
Modern mining engineering emphasises safety management, risk assessment and environmental protection, with strict legislation governing mine operations.
A diploma in mining engineering limits you to one location.
Mining engineering skills are transferable across countries and mineral types, with opportunities in East Africa and beyond.