The concept of Geomechanics is being applied in the excavation of rocks to develop mines, tunnels, caverns and even petroleum fields. Nowadays mining companies like CIL, UCIL, HCL, and others are creating a new position in the field of “Geomechanics” and will recruit persons specially trained in this field. Minerals and ores are being extracted from deep below the surface are subjected to high in‐situ stress conditions. Planning for safe extractions of ores, designing dimension of excavations like large caverns for powerhouse, storage space for LNG, hydroelectric and vehicular tunnels, dams, etc. and monitoring of ground behaviour is the key to the success of any projects. Similarly, are being built where persons with Geomechanics background will be highly required for planning and execution of such large projects. A recent conversation with ONGC reveals that the need for Geomechanics is felt as never before. In order to satisfy the current infrastructural needs and growing industry demands, the M. Tech in Geomechanics for Mineral and Energy Resources (GMER) program under the aegis of the Department of Mining Engineering at IIT Kharagpur intends to offer this course. The program is designed to provide in‐depth knowledge in the fundamentals, design, analysis and implementation of solutions for modern-day problems. The well‐defined structure of course work and a yearlong thesis work provides in‐depth knowledge of concepts to students. At the end of this course, the students will be in a position to find a suitable position in Academia/ Industry/Higher education.
This course is divided into four semesters and to get the M. Tech degree in GMER each student have to clear 91 credits. During the first two semesters, students have to attend the theory and laboratory classes. The classroom teaching is divided into core and elective subjects, details of which are given below. The students will pursue an M.Tech project in the second year of their studies i.e. in 3rd and 4th semester. The project can be pursued in IIT Kharagpur, or in the relevant organization in India or abroad. Competitive paid internship up to one year in industry after completion of the 2nd semester that will lead to his/her M.Tech thesis.