About FEMP
The Federation of European Mineral Programs is a not-for-profit foundation established to support the education of MSc level students in the field of mineral engineering. There is a global shortage of highly educated mineral engineers and FEMP aims to help bridge this gap through scholarships and industry collaboration.
The increasing demand for raw materials is putting even more pressure on human resources, as is the increasing sophistication within the minerals industry as it moves from low to high tech and implements more sustainable business practices.
The programs organized by the partner institutions are collectively called EMMEP (European Mining, Minerals and Environmental Programs).
In 2021, FEMP celebrated the 25th anniversary of the European Mining Course. In celebrating this milestone, we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our partner institutions, the amazing support of our industry partners and the fantastic students who have completed their MSc through FEMP.
With over 850 talented individuals completing their MSc over the last 25 years, our alumni are already spread across the globe helping to lead the mining industry. It is our hope and ambition that FEMP will continue to help develop these future industry leaders as they face the challenges of the industry, utilizing the experience and skills gained during their MSc.
It is also worth reflecting on how the FEMP programs have been evolving throughout these 25 years, as partner universities have joined and left our educational activities.
Today, FEMP has a number of initiatives that will build on this great foundation. Some of these initiatives are already being implemented with the aim of increasing the involvement of our alumni and our industrial partners. The active participation of our industrial sponsors and alumni will therefore remain an essential part of FEMP's activities.
We are also working hard to help change the perception of the industry from a dirty low-tech industry to the essential high-tech industry that it is; we believe this is an important step in attracting today's youth to the industry and building a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
Our Mission
FEMP supports high quality education in Europe for the future leaders of the mining and related raw materials processing industries.
Our Vision
FEMP is the central point of collaboration between industry and universities in Europe, where the brightest minds are given the necessary tools to enable the mining industry to thrive.
Apply now for EMC
Established in 1996
and strengthening ties between industry, students and academic partners
In 1996, Aalto University, Imperial College, RWTH Aachen and TU Delft took the initiative for a joint Mining Engineering curriculum, the “European Mining Course” (EMC). Students from the participating universities formed a group of 15-20 students and followed courses over an eight-month period.
The success of the EMC led to the introduction of a second course in September 1998, the European Mineral and Recycling Engineering Course (EMREC), a non-degree exchange program including courses in mineral processing, metallurgy and recycling.
These were followed by the EMEC (European Mineral Engineering Program) and the EGEC (European Geotechnical and Environmental Course), which were full triple degree programs.
In order to ensure the continuity and survival of mining and mineral engineering education programs in Europe, the Federation of European Mineral Programs (FEMP) was founded in 1999 with a network of 35 companies and institutions in 12 countries on 3 continents.
Since 2001, industry partners have contributed over 2 million euros in support of more than 850 students from 40 countries.
FEMP’s mission is to strengthen the ties between industry, students and academic partners by ensuring the availability of affordable, high quality educational programs. We provide outstanding international programs that develop professionals capable of shaping the future of the global minerals industry.
In 2021, the European Mining Course celebrated its 25th anniversary.
In 2022, Montanuniversität Leoben joined the partnership to provide the latest EMC cohort with the highest quality mining education.
In 2023, a renewed EMC triple degree program was established with Aalto University, RWTH Aachen University and Montanuniversität Leoben.
Prof. Mikael
Rinne
Prof. Bernd Lottermoser
Prof. Dr. Nikolaus August Sifferlinger
Prof. Dr. Rodrigo
Serna
John
Vaassen
Yannick
Feldmann
Diversity Policy
FEMP and the European Mining Course are fully compliant with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies of the partner universities.
Please refer to the individual university websites for details of their specific policies and activities.
Aalto University is a multidisciplinary research university founded in 2010 through the merger of three leading universities in Finland (Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics, and University of Art and Design Helsinki). The main campus of Aalto University is located in Otaniemi, Espoo, a neighboring city of the capital Helsinki.
Aalto University has about 20,000 degree-seeking students. The students are supported by about 5000 employees, 380 of whom are professors.
RWTH Aachen University is one of the largest technical universities in Germany and one of the most renowned in Europe. More than 560 professors and approximately 10,270 research and support staff are responsible for the education and research training of 47,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including 14,160 international students.
Teaching and research are characterized by an international, innovative and interdisciplinary approach and close links with industry.
Montanuniversität Leoben researches and teaches for a better tomorrow. We turn innovative ideas into sustainable reality. Our actions are based on five core values that guide and influence everything we do: energy efficiency, climate neutrality, sustainability, zero waste and circular design.
Our university stands for first-class student education in all bachelor’s and master’s programs and for excellence in research and science in our three areas of competence – advanced resources, smart materials and sustainable processing.