A report by Postmedia explained how the growing demand for qualified professionals in Canada’s mining industry has sent students flocking to mining programs like those offered at U of T Engineering.

Canada’s mining industry has seen a business boom in the past 10 years, with the country producing more than $50-billion worth of minerals in 2011. That’s more than double of the amount in 2001.

According to the Postmedia report, the continued growth in the sector has resulted in a greater demand for mining engineering graduates, with an estimated 100,000 new workers needed over the next decade.

U of T Engineering is among those engineering schools actively addressing that need. It is home to the Lassonde Institute of Mining, which houses graduate programs in mining engineering, while undergraduate students can take advantage of the Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program. In September, a new Mineral Resources undergraduate certificate will be launched for students.