The world is racing to power a greener future, but one big question remains: how can we extract the critical minerals needed for clean energy without harming the planet? By 2040, global demand for these minerals is expected to quadruple, making responsible resource development more urgent than ever.
Earning an advanced degree in geological and mining engineering opens the door to being part of this global effort. It means using science and strategy to safeguard the planet while meeting the world’s increasing energy demands. That’s what Koffi Félix Ekra set out to do when he joined the Master of Earth and Energy Resources Leadership (MEERL) programme at Queen’s University.
“I joined MEERL to move from a technical position into management,” he says. “The programme aligns perfectly with my vision for a more sustainable mining industry in Africa. It has changed how I approach my work — encouraging environmentally responsible exploration and greater awareness of stakeholder interests.”
Today, Ekra is an exploration manager at Thor Explorations Ltd, a mineral exploration company based in Senegal.
Through the Master of Earth and Energy Resources Leadership, you’ll gain the knowledge and leadership skills to address complex global resource and sustainability challenges. Source: Queen’s University
Queen’s University — located in Kingston, Ontario, about 250 kilometres from Toronto — tackles some of the world’s toughest challenges. As one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, Queen’s is recognised globally for academic excellence, innovation, and graduate employability. It is ranked among the top 10 universities in Canada and sixth worldwide for sustainable impact.
This global standing is what first attracted Ekra to Queen’s. “Queen’s reputation as one of the best universities in the world and its strong alumni network drew me to the programme,” he says.
Within the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering — ranked among the top three geology departments in Canada by Maclean’s — the MEERL programme stands out for its focus on sustainability and leadership. It trains you to manage the balance between resource development, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
Through seven core courses, you’ll explore the entire resource lifecycle from four perspectives: business strategy and innovation, economics, law and policy, and stakeholder engagement. Each area builds both technical understanding and leadership confidence, preparing you to guide teams, shape policy, and lead change in mining, energy, and environmental fields.
You can round out the programme with three or four elective courses, where you’ll have the chance to study the energy or mineral lifecycle in depth, take part in a field course, or complete a sector-focused project.
What makes MEERL unique is its interdisciplinary approach. The curriculum combines geoscience, engineering, business, policy, and communication, equipping you with the tools to make informed, strategic decisions about how the world sources and utilises its resources. The programme also emphasises systems thinking — helping you understand the trade-offs between environmental, social, and economic factors that shape the future of energy and mining.
The Master of Earth and Energy Resources Leadership programme integrates geoscience, engineering, business, policy, and communication, equipping you to make strategic, informed decisions on resource use. Source: Queen’s University
This holistic expertise is one that graduates carry into their careers. Just ask Nancy Manchak, a Senior Engineer at ATCO a one-stop provider of integrated energy, housing, transportation, and infrastructure solutions. “MEERL was an incredible experience, with the perspectives and knowledge gained through the programme proving invaluable to my career,” she says. “Each course brought a new facet to the overall resource conversation, and the professors and staff were deeply dedicated to helping students maximise their experience. I aim to keep the interdisciplinary mindset instilled through MEERL at the forefront of my mind in both my work and volunteer roles.”
If you’re a working professional, the programme is built to fit around your commitments. Delivered primarily online and part-time, it gives you the flexibility to study from anywhere while joining in-person sessions on campus in Canada. This format enables you to apply what you learn immediately in your current role, thereby creating a strong connection between theory and real-world practice. As you progress, you’ll see your new knowledge enhancing your expertise and driving greater impact in your workplace.
As the cohort is small and close-knit, you’ll benefit from personal mentorship and meaningful discussions. Live webinars offer opportunities to further connect with professors who are industry leaders and classmates from around the world, while discussion boards extend those conversations between sessions.
Armed with a MEERL degree, graduates find themselves highly sought after by leading in companies such as Tourmaline Oil, BGC Engineering, and Enbridge. Employers recognise that Queen’s graduates don’t just bring technical expertise; they bring a deep understanding of sustainability, leadership, and strategic thinking that sets them apart in the global market.
This reputation for excellence is something the faculty takes great pride in. “We are incredibly proud of our MEERL graduates and the impact they are making around the world,” says Dr. Lyn Anglin, Academic Director and Instructor of MEERL. “We see our alumni at the forefront of driving positive change, advancing sustainability and shaping the future of the sector.”
Learn more about the programme here.
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