Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers will be responsible for the overseeing of both mining operations and miners, and are employed by many mining-related organizations. Mining Engineers will often work with Geologists and Metallurgical Engineers to find and evaluate new mineral deposits. Some Mining Engineers will be involved in the development of new equipment or direct mineral-processing operations to separate minerals from dirt, rock, and other materials.

Involved in the design of both open-pit and underground mines
Overseeing of the operations of the mine
Training and supervision of personnel
Looking into methods for transporting minerals to the various processing plants
Oversee the design and construction of mine shafts and tunnels in underground mines
To ensure that mines are operated safely and in the most environmentally effective ways possible
Oversee the production rates to assess the effectiveness of the mine operation
To be involved in finding solutions for problematic areas such as water and air pollution, land reclamation etc
Design and develop mines and determine the best way to extract metal or minerals to get the most out of deposits, and to extract as much out of the mine whilst maintaining strict safety and environmental issues at hand, for the least amount of money
Involved in trying to limit the amount of water used in the operation, and keep pollution to a bare minimum
Prepare technical reports for miners, engineers, and managers

Mining Engineers may work in offices or on mine sites
Depending on the type of mine, they may work in the open above ground, or underground where it can be cramped
Mining Engineers must be prepared to travel and will often stay away from home for extended periods. They may be required to live on site away from home, or to work on a fly in fly out basis. FIFO commonly involves flying in for a certain period of time whilst the Mining Engineer would be on site, and then flying home for periods when they are off work
Mining Engineers will often get to see the world as if working for large international companies, their job will often involve international travel

Students interested in entering mining engineering programs should take courses in mathematics and science in high school
A Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mining Engineering is required
Any Engineer who works in the public sector will need to be awarded a state certification as well. Mining Engineers have the option of working in either the private or public sectors
Should you be interested in a Research or Academic position, it will require a doctorate or master’s degree. Courses you will need to study during the course of your degree will cover areas such as geology, mining operations, mine design, metallurgy and environmental issues
Master’s degree programs in mining and geological engineering are typically 2 year programs, and some of these programs require a written thesis for graduation
Mining Engineers will generally have to have a strong background in maths and science, especially chemistry and physics. They will also have to have strong problem solving abilities, as well as the ability to communicate effectively
A Mining Engineer should typically be able to visualise 3 dimensional objects from 2 dimensional drawings. Mining Engineers will also need to have the ability to apply themselves to a variety of job situations, and have good communication skills

Have an interest in Chemistry, Math and Physics
Identify analyse and solve problems
Be able to embrace new techniques and technologies, and an interested in keeping up to date on industry requirements and advancements
Be able to work under pressure
Have a good work ethic and be goal oriented
Have an aptitude for design and computing
Must be interested in working in mites sites which are often located in remote locations

Enjoy working with math, science and computers
Have an elevated sense of respect for safety procedures and regulations
Be able to embrace new techniques and technologies
Be able to work under pressure
Have a good work ethic and be goal oriented
Be able to visualise 3 dimensional layouts
Have a sense of adventure and be able to spend extended periods of time away from home