Centre for Mineral Products

The Centre for Mineral Products delivers industry standard and globally recognised qualifications to the mineral products sector.

In partnership with the industry's professional bodies the Centre and its qualifications have been developed to assist Mineral Products employers to fulfil their obligations in relation to the higher educational, training and professional development needs of their workforce.

Working with industry to deliver professional education

The Centre for Mineral Products represents the longstanding commitment that we have to training and development in the mineral products industry.

We are based at the Enterprise Centre in Derby, UK, where we deliver our face-to-face training sessions. These high-quality facilities enable our experienced staff to deliver effective workshops.

We work closely with the key industry bodies and organisations in the industry to develop these qualifications which ensures the content is always relevant to the needs of employers.

Developing the industry leaders of the future

These qualifications are crucial; they can form the foundations in the development of your future leaders:

Centre for Mineral Products - Educating the Future Leaders

View Centre for Mineral Products - Educating the Future Leaders video transcript

Mineral Products courses

  • Minerals Management (Top up) BSc (Hons)
  • Certificate of Credit in Ready Mixed Concrete Technology
  • Certificate of Credit in Construction Materials Technology
  • Certificate of Credit in Clay Drying and Firing
  • FdSc Asphalt and Pavement Technology
  • FdSc Cement Technology
  • FdSc Clay Technology
  • FdSc Concrete Technology
  • FdSc Mineral Extractives Technology
  • Mineral Products Technician Higher Apprenticeship
  • University Certificate in Concrete Technology
  • University Diploma in Asphalt and Pavement Studies
  • University Diploma in Cement Studies
  • University Diploma in Clay Studies
  • University Diploma in Concrete Studies
  • University Diploma in Mineral Extractives Studies
  • University Diploma in Road Surface Treatments

    • Meet the team

    Head of Centre for Mineral Products

    Originally a Mechanical/Mining Engineer with British Coal. He moved to Hanson in 1995 and graduated with a BEng in Quarry and Road Construction from the University of Leeds in 1998.

    During an exceptional career with Hanson, Mark worked in a number of operational and management roles.

    In 2005 Mark joined the IQ as their Educational Lead where his role involved close work with the team at Doncaster College delivering the Industry’s professional qualifications.

    Mark joined the University of Derby in 2007 as the Provision Leader for the Quarry and Asphalt programmes and then became the Head of the Centre for Mineral Products in 2012.

    Mark is a member of the IQ, an associate member of the IAT and, through his postgraduate qualification in learning and teaching, Mark is also a fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

    Contact: m.osbaldeston@derby.ac.uk or +44(0)1332 591763

    Academic Lead for all the Centre’s Asphalt and Pavements Programmes

    Helen graduated from the University of Leeds in 2005 with first-class honours in Architectural Engineering. From there she went on to work in the Aggregate Industries asphalt research and development department, completing a number of projects and her PhD.

    Helen later worked in the field of asphalt recycling and tar remediation before joining TRL in 2012. During her time at TRL, Helen contributed to an international team and undertook work across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

    Since leaving TRL in 2015, Helen has set up her own consultancy, Driven, which allows her to remain an active part of the industry she loves, while also leading the asphalt programmes within the centre.

    Helen is a Chartered Engineer with the IAT (Institute of Asphalt Technology) via the CIHT (Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation), and council member of both the Institute of Asphalt Technology and Institute of Quarrying.

    Helen is programme leader for a number of the Centres Asphalt and Pavement and Materials modules, such as Asphalt Technology, Pavement Solutions and Construction Products Technology.

    Contact: h.bailey@derby.ac.uk or +44(0)1332 597958

    Programme Leader - Higher Apprenticeship, Mineral Products Technology

    David started his career working for British Coal, working at various collieries around the UK. In 1989 he graduated from Leeds University with a 2:1 Honours Degree in Mining Engineering. He then went on to work as a Mining Engineering Consultant for British Coal, Rock Mechanics Technology Ltd and International Mining Consultants Ltd.

    In 2001 David left the mining industry and started a new career initially as a mathematics teacher in secondary schools across the East Midlands, progressing to become an Assistant Headteacher.

    David joined the University of Derby in 2018 as the Programme Leader for the Higher Apprenticeship.

    Academic Lead for all the Centre’s Mineral Extractives Programmes

    Chris’s wide, varied and in-depth experience of the International Mineral Products sector is impressive. He has(35 years of international and multi-cultural experience, which can only add value to our increasing international market).

    Until recently, Chris was the Quarries, Asphalt and Concrete Manager for Dantata and Sawoe Construction (Nigeria). In addition, Chris has undertaken similar roles in Zambia, Qatar, UAE, Oman and the UK. Chris is a graduate of the Doncaster College of Minerals and Mining and, in addition, he studied Materials Technology at the University of Leeds.

    Chris’s role is academic Lead for Mineral Extractives and support Lecturer for a wide range of the Centres modules.

    Contact: c.rowan@derby.ac.uk or +44(0)1332 597963

    Programme Lead for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Minerals Management and the Clay Programmes

    John graduated from The University of Nottingham in 1995 with a 2:1 BEng in Mining Engineering. From there he has spent the last 25 years working at a number of different operations in the UK and South Africa both on the surface and underground.

    In addition, John has technical and practical mining, quarrying, and processing experience, in sand, coal, limestone, dimensional stone and industrial minerals.

    He is a Chartered Mining Engineer and a Fellow of IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining), a member of IQ (Institute of Quarrying) and a Chartered Environmentalist with IEMA (Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment).

    John’s joined the Centre for Mineral Products in 2019 as the programme lead for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Minerals Management and the Clay programmes.

    Contact: J.austin@derby.ac.uk or +44 (0)1332 597772

    Programme Leader for all Concrete Programmes

    With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Dr Nizar started his career as design Civil Engineer working for Atkins Consultancy and then after 9 years he joined Tarmac, then Scott Wilson (now AECOM) as Board Technical Director and then re-joined Tarmac to Head up and lead their innovation programme. Dr Nizar was the President and Board Chairman of the Mineral Industry Research Organisation (MIRO) and he led the Board of Directors and the Council from 2008 until 2016. Dr Nizar then worked in Qatar as Leading Expert for Ashghal where he was responsible for their infrastructure projects and for implementing innovation in their construction programme.

    Throughout his career, Dr Nizar worked in pavement design, construction and evaluation, Asset Data Managements, innovation and intelligence, carbon capture and Net Zero carbon strategy development and assisted the Government Group led by Sir John Vincent Cable MP to develop the UK strategy for CCSR and Net Zero carbon.

    Dr Nizar is a self-motivated senior leader with exceptional skills in people, project and financial managements and enjoys challenging construction schemes and research and innovation that bring added value to the projects. Dr Nizar is well recognised in the UK and Europe and has established over the years an extensive network of high level and senior connections with Government Bodies, clients, specifiers, consultants, suppliers and academia.

    Contact: N.Ghazireh@derby.ac.uk

    Senior Lecturer in Mineral Products

    Nigel obtained a HND in Minerals Processing and Materials Reclamation at Doncaster College in 1986 before transferring to Leeds University Department of Mining and Minerals where he obtained a BEng in Minerals Engineering and a PhD in the Mathematical modelling of crusher circuits in 1992.

    Nigel then worked in the coal industry as a process engineer in the design and operation of modular dense medium washing plants, before transferring to industrial minerals with Omya in 1998.

    After completing an MBA in 1999, Nigel became a Plant Manager, Engineering Manager and then Head of Operations for Omya UK, finally transferring to Sustainability as Head of Quality, Safety, Health and Environment for Omya in West Europe.

    Nigel is a Chartered Engineer and a member of IQ, MIMM and AIOSH with over 30 years’ experience in differing roles within the Minerals Industry.

    He joined the C4MP in 2022 as Senior Lecturer in Mineral Products.

    Contact: n.barrett@derby.ac.uk or +44(0)7721 343257

     

    News stories

    An apprentice standing on a construction site.
    Excelling as a Minerals Management Apprentice

    Kacper Adamczyk, Area Technical Supervisor at Heidelberg Materials delivered an insightful presentation about concrete design at the Mineral Engineering Society’s Awards 2024.

    A group of people smiling and holding awards.
    Students hit the high notes at the IAT and IQ Fellows Lunch

    Held in Birmingham for the first time at the iconic Symphony Hall and in front of senior industry professionals, high-performing students were celebrated at the joint awards ceremony.

    A circular table with awards and a trophy on top.
    Student excellence at the Mineral Engineering Society Awards

    The event recognised the legacy of the Minerals Engineering Society by celebrating the students' hard work, dedication and innovative thinking.

    A person smiling looking at the camera
    Minerals products specialist enhances current skillset

    Dr. Helen Bailey will be applying her knowledge and experience as a sector specialist to provide sustainability support to EPC-UK, as they journey towards Net Zero.

    Students holding their awards from the Mineral Engineering Society Awards
    Celebrating Success: Minerals Engineering Society Awards

    The Minerals Engineering Society hosted their second annual awards event to bring together students, staff, employers and alumni to celebrate students' hard work.

    mineral products
    University of Derby students enjoy Dunbar Quarry Tour

    A group of more than 20 University students from Derby travelled north to enjoy an in-depth look at the quarry at Tarmac’s Dunbar cement plant.

    Shotton Surface mine
    University of Derby students visit Shotton Surface Mine
    Robin Gillespie graduation photo with Vice Chancellor Kath Mitchell and Chancellor
    Industry First for University of Derby Minerals Course

    Robin Gillespie is Hanson UK’s Area Operations Manager for the North of England. He received his Bachelor of Science in Minerals Management at a degree ceremony at the University of Derby.

    IQ Study Tour focuses on the North West

    University of Derby - Study Tour

    A group of men standing on the side of a lake in hard hats
    Creating Future Leaders at Hollowford

    The University of Derby Centre for Minerals Products visited Hollowford Centre in the Peak District for a week of team building and personal progression.

    4 men smiling in cap and gowns at Pride Park
    Future Industry Leaders Celebrate Graduation from the University of Derby

    The University of Derby Centre for Minerals Products celebration ceremony 2019.

    An image of the Tower of London
    Centre for Mineral Products celebrate success in London

    7 of the Centre for Mineral Products students attend Tower of London to receive recognition from the Institute of Quarrying for their hard work.

    A group of people holding certificates at a celebration event.
    Celebrating the Industry and Future Leaders

    The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and The Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) have praised high-achieving students from the University of Derby's Centre for Mineral Products at an award ceremony.

    Two people wearing orange high-visibility clothing working on a construction site, being told what to do.
    National Highways Launch Specialist Concrete Qualification with the University

    A new qualification in Concrete Pavement and Construction Maintenance has been launched by National Highways and the University of Derby in a move to plug the predicted skills gap.

    Fern Walmsley
    Asphalt and Pavement Technology student applies her learning to new role

    Fern joined Total Energies on graduating from her degree. Although her studies were an excellent foundation, Fern hadn’t worked in the industry before and wanted to gain a deeper understanding.

    Student accepting an award
    Celebrating high-performing students in joint award ceremony

    The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) have praised the high-performing students from our Centre for Mineral Products at a joint awards ceremony.

    A group of people on a construction site

    Minerals Matter

    Created by minerals industry organisations and employers, Minerals Matter is a resource for young people and adults to learn about careers in the minerals industry.

    Find out moreFind out more