The department was founded in 1956 at the Kyiv Hydromelioration Institute as the Department of Peat Extraction Technology. It was a graduating department for the specialty 'Technology and Integrated Mechanization of Peat Deposits Development', preparing mechanical engineers until 1970, and later mining engineers. In 1988, it changed its name to the Department of Peat Deposits Development, and since 2004 it has been known as the Department of Mineral Resource Development, later renamed to the Department of Mineral Resource Development, Mining Machines, and Complexes. Since 2015, it has been called the Department of Mineral Resource Development and Extraction and is a graduating department for the specialty 'Mining'.

The first head of the department was Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Kurdyumov S.V. He also headed the Peat Mechanical Faculty in Kyiv and continued to hold this position in Rivne after the transfer of the institute to our city and its renaming to the Ukrainian Institute of Water Management Engineers.
From 1962 to 1972, the department was headed by Associate Professor Stalevsky M.A. – an experienced production worker who successfully combined extensive management experience at a peat enterprise with the ability to impart that knowledge to students. He made significant efforts to establish the only peat faculty in Ukraine in our university.
In 1972, the department was headed by Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Kostiuk M.P. He significantly revitalized connections with scientific and educational institutions, and under his leadership, research began on the physical and mechanical properties of deposits, the development of high-mobility machines, and the improvement of technological processes for peat extraction.
In 1983, the department was headed by Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Hnieushov V.O., who contributed greatly to the development of the peat industry in Ukraine.
Since 2010, the department has been headed by Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine Malanchuk Z.R. He leads a comprehensive scientific study aimed at developing methods for hydraulic extraction of heavy metals from alluvial deposits and technogenic alluvium, which is part of the statewide 'Comprehensive Program for the Development of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy of Ukraine' and other state programs. Professor Malanchuk's scientific interests include mineral extraction technologies, ecological safety, and the integrated rational use of natural resources in Ukraine.
Since 2018, the head of the department is Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences Korniyenko V.Y. His scientific interests include the improvement of technology and equipment for amber extraction and the rational use of subsoil resources.
The department also employs Candidates of Technical Sciences, Associate Professors Zayets V.V., Vasylychuk O.Yu., Candidate of Economic Sciences Moshchych S.Z., Senior Lecturer Semyoniuk V.V., Senior Lecturer Kucheryuk M.O., Assistant Trofymchuk Yu.V.