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PHD in Mining Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad
Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Mining Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad Dhanbad?
This Mining Engineering PhD program at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad focuses on advanced research and innovation in mining science and technology. It addresses the evolving challenges of the Indian mining sector, emphasizing sustainable practices, resource optimization, and digital transformation. The program is distinguished by its strong research infrastructure and industry-relevant projects crucial for India''''s mineral-dependent economy.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Tech/M.E. or B.Tech/B.E. graduates in Mining Engineering seeking deep specialization and research careers. It attracts professionals aiming to solve complex industry problems, contribute to academic advancements, or lead R&D initiatives in Indian mining companies. Candidates with a strong aptitude for research and analytical problem-solving are best suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue high-impact careers in academia, R&D divisions of major Indian mining PSUs like Coal India, Vedanta, and MNCs operating in India. They can become senior researchers, consultants, or faculty. Entry-level salaries range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 30+ LPA for experienced specialists in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop a Strong Research Foundation- (Initial 1-2 years (including coursework))
Engage deeply with coursework, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of advanced mining principles. Actively participate in seminars, read foundational papers, and critically analyze existing research to identify knowledge gaps relevant to current Indian mining challenges.
Tools & Resources
IIT (ISM) Central Library resources, Scopus, Web of Science, departmental seminars, research groups
Career Connection
Builds analytical skills and domain expertise, essential for formulating a robust research proposal and for future roles as R&D specialists or academicians.
Cultivate Effective Literature Review & Proposal Writing- (Year 1-2)
Systematically review relevant Indian and international literature using digital libraries and citation management tools. Develop a clear and concise research proposal outlining the problem statement, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes, with a focus on real-world applicability in India.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley, Zotero, Grammarly, institutional research proposal guidelines, supervisor mentorship
Career Connection
Crucial for academic success (thesis approval) and for grant writing or project proposals in industry or research institutions.
Network with Peers and Faculty- (Throughout the program, particularly Year 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental activities, research group meetings, and student conferences. Engage in discussions with faculty and senior PhD scholars to gain insights, seek feedback, and build a collaborative academic network within the Indian research ecosystem.
Tools & Resources
Departmental workshops, research group sessions, student organizations, internal conferences
Career Connection
Fosters interdisciplinary understanding, opens doors for future collaborations, and provides mentorship for navigating academic and professional paths.
Intermediate Stage
Master Research Methodology and Data Analysis- (Year 2-4)
Apply appropriate research methodologies, whether experimental, simulation-based, or field-oriented, relevant to the Indian mining context. Develop proficiency in advanced data analysis tools and statistical methods to interpret complex datasets generated from mining operations or lab experiments.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB, Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, SciPy), ANSYS, FLAC3D, R, statistical software, departmental labs
Career Connection
Essential for conducting rigorous research, producing publishable results, and highly valued in data-driven roles in mining R&D.
Seek Industry Collaboration and Field Exposure- (Year 2-4)
Actively seek opportunities for industry collaboration, either through joint projects with mining companies or by conducting field visits to active mine sites in India. This exposure helps validate theoretical models, gather real-world data, and understand practical constraints.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor''''s industry contacts, departmental industry liaison cells, mining company websites, site visit permissions
Career Connection
Provides practical relevance to research, enhances problem-solving skills for industrial applications, and builds crucial industry contacts for future employment.
Present and Publish Research Findings- (Year 2 onwards)
Regularly present research progress at national and international conferences (e.g., SME, IIME), and aim to publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. Focus on contributing to the body of knowledge with relevance to global and Indian mining challenges.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX, Microsoft PowerPoint, academic writing workshops, journal submission platforms (e.g., Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis), conference proceedings
Career Connection
Builds a strong academic profile, enhances communication skills, and is a prerequisite for academic positions and highly regarded in industrial research.
Advanced Stage
Efficient Thesis Writing and Defense Preparation- (Final 1-2 years)
Systematically organize research findings into a coherent thesis document, adhering to institutional guidelines. Prepare meticulously for the thesis defense, anticipating questions and clearly articulating contributions, particularly those relevant to Indian mining advancements.
Tools & Resources
Institutional thesis templates, academic writing guides, mock defense sessions, supervisor and committee feedback
Career Connection
Successful thesis completion is the primary output, demonstrating comprehensive research capability, critical for securing academic or advanced R&D positions.
Develop Grant Writing & Project Management Skills- (Final 1-2 years)
Explore opportunities to assist supervisors in writing research grant proposals to Indian funding agencies (e.g., DST, SERB, Ministry of Mines). Learn the intricacies of project planning, resource allocation, and budget management for research initiatives.
Tools & Resources
DST/SERB guidelines, project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana), mentor guidance
Career Connection
Essential for independent research careers in academia or leading R&D projects in industry, enabling funding acquisition and successful project execution.
Engage in Mentorship and Outreach- (Final 1-2 years)
Mentor junior PhD students or undergraduate researchers, sharing expertise and guiding their initial research steps. Participate in departmental outreach programs to disseminate research findings to a broader audience, highlighting the societal impact of mining engineering in India.
Tools & Resources
Departmental mentorship programs, technical clubs, science fairs, public lectures
Career Connection
Develops leadership and communication skills, enhances personal branding, and contributes to the academic community, beneficial for future faculty roles and industry leadership.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.Tech/M.E. or equivalent degree in Mining Engineering with a minimum CGPA of 6.5 or 60% marks (Valid GATE/NET score preferred). OR B.Tech/B.E. in Mining Engineering with a minimum CGPA of 8.0 or 75% marks (Valid GATE score required). A relaxation of 5% marks or 0.5 CGPA in minimum eligibility criteria is permitted for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (for Master''''s degree entry) or 4 years (for Bachelor''''s degree entry), with a maximum duration of 7 years (research-oriented).
Credits: Minimum 16 credits for coursework (for B.Tech entry) or 8 credits for coursework (for M.Tech entry). Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MNG 501 | Mine Design | Elective | 3 | Mine evaluation, Production planning, Surface mine design, Underground mine design, Mine infrastructure |
| MNG 502 | Geo-mechanics & Rock Engineering | Elective | 3 | Rock mass classification, Rock strength properties, Underground excavation design, Slope stability, Ground improvement techniques |
| MNG 503 | Mine Environment | Elective | 3 | Mine ventilation, Mine gases, Mine drainage, Dust control, Noise pollution, Environmental impact assessment |
| MNG 504 | Mineral Processing & Coal Preparation | Elective | 3 | Comminution, Sizing, Gravity concentration, Froth flotation, Magnetic & electrostatic separation, Dewatering |
| MNG 505 | Mine Management & Systems Engineering | Elective | 3 | Mine project management, Productivity management, Safety management, Quality management, Operations research in mining, Decision making |
| MNG 506 | Mine Surveying & Geomatics | Elective | 3 | Principles of surveying, Advanced surveying techniques, GPS, GIS, Remote sensing, Mine mapping |
| MNG 507 | Mine Health & Safety | Elective | 3 | Occupational health hazards, Accident prevention, Risk assessment, Emergency preparedness, Safety legislation, Human factors in safety |
| MNG 508 | Mine Mechanization & Automation | Elective | 3 | Surface mining equipment, Underground mining equipment, Automation in mining, Robotics in mining, Digitalization in mines |
| MNG 509 | Advanced Mine Planning | Elective | 3 | Strategic mine planning, Financial modelling, Optimization techniques, Geo-statistical methods, Software applications in planning |
| MNG 510 | Blasting Engineering & Rock Fragmentation | Elective | 3 | Explosives properties, Blasting theory, Blast design, Fragmentation analysis, Ground vibration control, Underwater blasting |
| MNG 511 | Rock Slope Engineering | Elective | 3 | Slope stability analysis, Failure mechanisms, Monitoring, Remedial measures, Numerical modeling, Risk assessment |
| MNG 512 | Underground Space Technology | Elective | 3 | Tunneling methods, Cavern excavation, Support systems, Ground control, Urban underground space, Ventilation and safety |
| MNG 513 | Computational Geo-mechanics | Elective | 3 | Numerical methods, Finite element method, Distinct element method, Boundary element method, Software applications, Case studies |
| MNG 514 | Coal Bed Methane & Unconventional Gas | Elective | 3 | CBM geology, Exploration, Production technology, Well drilling, Gas processing, Environmental aspects |
| MNG 515 | Mine Closure & Post Mining Land Use | Elective | 3 | Mine closure planning, Reclamation, Rehabilitation, Socio-economic aspects, Environmental monitoring, Sustainable land use |
| MNG 516 | Advanced Mine Ventilation | Elective | 3 | Ventilation network analysis, Fan selection, Airflow control, Fire & explosion prevention, Computer aided ventilation design, Ergonomics |
| MNG 517 | Strata Control in Underground Mines | Elective | 3 | Ground pressure, Support types, Cavability, Caving mechanics, Monitoring, Numerical modeling |
| MNG 518 | Numerical Methods in Mining | Elective | 3 | Finite difference method, Finite element method, Boundary element method, Optimization algorithms, Simulation techniques, Software application |
| MNG 519 | Surface Mining Technology | Elective | 3 | Surface mine planning, Stripping ratio, Equipment selection, Haulage systems, Bench design, Environmental management |
| MNG 520 | Underground Mining Technology | Elective | 3 | Room & Pillar, Longwall mining, Cut & Fill, Sub-level caving, Support systems, Mechanization |
| MNG 521 | Coal Beneficiation & Utilization | Elective | 3 | Coal quality, Washability studies, Jigging, Flotation, Dry beneficiation, Coal utilization |
| MNG 522 | Industrial Minerals & Non-Metallic Mining | Elective | 3 | Industrial minerals, Exploration, Mining methods, Processing, Market applications, Environmental issues |
| MNG 523 | Marine Mining | Elective | 3 | Marine mineral resources, Exploration techniques, Subsea mining systems, Environmental impact, Regulatory framework |
| MNG 524 | Mine Information Systems | Elective | 3 | Data acquisition, Database management, GIS in mining, Remote sensing, Mine automation, Decision support systems |
| MNG 525 | Reliability Engineering in Mining | Elective | 3 | Reliability concepts, Maintenance strategies, Failure analysis, Life cycle costing, Spares management, System safety |
| MNG 526 | Risk & Hazard Management in Mines | Elective | 3 | Hazard identification, Risk assessment techniques, Risk mitigation, Emergency planning, Safety culture, Legal compliance |
| MNG 527 | Mine Finance & Economics | Elective | 3 | Investment analysis, Project evaluation, Valuation, Taxation, Mineral economics, Market dynamics |
| MNG 528 | Sustainable Mining Practices | Elective | 3 | Environmental management systems, Social responsibility, Resource efficiency, Renewable energy in mining, Carbon footprint, Closure planning |
