London – 22 February 2021: Women in Mining UK 2019-2020 Camborne School of Mines Scholarship – Sarah Mojuetan
Written by Sarah Mojuetan
After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, I decided to take the bold step of applying for a Master’s Degree. I was inspired to study mining through my interest in gemstones, which are solid minerals, and what they can be used for (particularly jewellery making). With this interest identified, coupled with guidance from family members, I decided to study Mining Engineering.
The next step was searching out universities that offered Mining Engineering at the Master’s level and this led me to discover the Camborne School of Mines (CSM), University of Exeter. I sent out my application and I gained admission to start the course in September 2019. This was a very exciting moment because not only was I accepted to my preferred choice but I soon found out that the Camborne School of Mines is the only institution in the UK that offers Mining Engineering at the Master’s level. This was truly a lifetime opportunity.
The next step was to secure funding for my studies. Thus, I searched for scholarships and came across the Women in Mining UK Scholarship, which is awarded to two exceptional aspiring women who seek to study at the Camborne School of Mines. I submitted my application, and one of the best days in my life was when I found out I had been awarded one of the scholarships. Gaining this scholarship fuelled my conviction of pursuing a Mining Engineering career and I’m forever grateful to Women in Mining UK and the CSM Trust that generously donate to the cause.
CSM has a world-class geoscience and mining department and it was a lifetime opportunity to be under the tutelage of such well-seasoned lecturers. Whilst pursuing my Degree, I soon realized that the importance of Mining Engineering cannot be overemphasized because without it, we would lack most of the mined materials needed to improve the quality of our lives. From the construction of roads, houses and hospitals to assembling automobiles, computers and satellites, and all the other many goods consumers enjoy – mining matters.
I found the different modules I enrolled in (such as Geomechanics & Excavation, Mineral Processing, Economics & Environment, Mine Planning & Design) to be both interesting and challenging. Mining Engineering is heavily dynamic and as part of the course, I and my colleagues went on a visit to Poldark Mine, Cornwall. During this visit, we were split into groups and asked to use the Q-system to classify the rock mass and provide support recommendations for the excavations mapped at the underground mine. Also, as the curriculum and teaching methods at CSM are closely aligned to the modern mining industry, we were taught how to use Deswik Software for planning and designing mines efficiently. In addition, I and my colleagues gained hands-on laboratory experience performing mineral processing techniques such as gravity separation and froth flotation.
Last but certainly not least, it was fantastic to meet students from different parts of the world who are also passionate about mining and want to pursue a career in this industry.
Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Camborne School of Mines and I am eagerly looking forward to what’s next!