Spotlight on the RNF Professional Degree in Underground Resource Development

Training in 3 words

• Development and sustainable management of mineral resources
• Mining industry
• Exploration/Exploitation/Rehabilitation

In-depth, applied knowledge of French Guiana's natural resources

To meet the needs of Guyana's mining industry, which lacks the local expertise needed to structure itself and ensure the sustainable management of resources, and against a backdrop of emerging international-scale industrial projects, the RNF-VALORESS Licence Pro will open its doors at the start of the 2017-2018 academic year. It will only open every 2 years thereafter to avoid overloading the market.

The aim of this degree is to train senior technicians to meet the needs of industry and society in terms of the development and sustainable management of mineral resources (mining and quarrying industries), particularly gold mining. Benefiting from close collaboration with the Guianese mining sector, they are trained in geology applied to the exploration and exploitation of subsoil resources, in the geology of the mining environment in Guiana and in the rehabilitation of sites in tropical environments.

Training geared to the field, for better integration into the world of work

The course focuses on practical skills, know-how and professional immersion to ensure optimum integration. A close link with the professional world has been established: tutored projects are supervised by professionals, 3-month internships in companies are compulsory, 60% of the teaching is given by professionals, and the teaching programme has been developed in consultation with professionals.

The course accepts only 16 students to ensure better follow-up. It is organised into two semesters totalling 520 hours of teaching, including 60% of practical and practical work, to provide a more hands-on approach. The practical and practical work is based on practical work in the field and in the laboratory, as well as situational exercises and site visits. A total of 60% is taught by lecturers from the professional world (organisations and industry), some of which is taught in English, an essential foreign language in this field. A project supervised by a tutor from the professional world and a 12-week work placement in a professional environment complete the course. A series of conferences will also give students the opportunity to talk to professionals in the sector.

Trained geological technicians are field professionals, capable of describing the characteristics of the subsoil and organising, administering and controlling a research, study or mining site. Their skills include:

• Collection, description and processing of geological, geotechnical, topographical and environmental data and analysis of their reliability.
• Construction and updating of summary documents (maps, GIS, sketches, databases) including mastery of digital tools (2D and 3D)
• Expertise in surface and subsurface prospecting techniques.
• Support for monitoring exploration and production sites.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards (environment, mining law, workplace safety) and their application.
• Coordination of site rehabilitation and revitalisation

Rapid integration into the world of work

This fast-track professional diploma prepares students for high-paying jobs in the field. It offers students many prospects for the future, including the possibility of international careers.

Its graduates will be able to enter the mining industry and, more generally, the extractive industries, which are high-potential industries of the future. This degree aims to train for the following professions

• Mining prospector
• Field geology technician
• Design office geology technician
• Laboratory geology technician
• Students with the best records can continue their studies at Master's level.