You are here: Home: Careers advice: A-Z of careers: Mining engineer

Mining engineer

Mining engineers assess the feasibility and productivity of potential mine locations and plan, manage and optimise the extraction of surface and underground deposits.

To become a manager of mines or other sites it is necessary to gain a mine manager’s certificate. The method of gaining such a qualification varies according to employing country.

Mining engineer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Typical job responsibilities comprise:

assessing the feasibility of new sites
managing budgets
training and supervising staff
liaising with and advising managerial and technical staff (geologists, engineers etc.)
ascertaining extraction risks
using specialist computer applications to maximise planning and production
analysing data
monitoring and evaluating underground performance
managing construction projects (e.g. to reclaim sites, fill in disused shafts etc)
ensuring that operations comply with health and safety requirements
keeping records
making sure that equipment used is safe
costing and organising supplies
planning and implementing extraction systems.

Typical employers of mining engineers

Mining engineering is an international profession, with most jobs occurring overseas.

mining companies
quarrying companies
extraction companies
environmental consultancies
large construction and manufacturing companies
mining consultancies
finance companies.

Jobs are advertised online, by careers services, specialist recruitment agencies and in publications such as The Mining Journal and InfoMine. Speculative applications made early during the first term of your final year are essential. The Directory of Mines and Quarries may prove useful for contact information.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in geology, mining engineering, mineral or quarry engineering, or minerals surveying is normally required for entry. A mining engineering degree is internationally the most widely recognised qualification.

Relevant experience gained via placements or by working in junior positions is extremely beneficial. Most courses offer periods of practical mining experience – these can provide a useful source of contacts for employment following the completion of academic studies.

Different countries have varying requirements for entry into the profession in terms of experience and academic qualifications – consequently it is important to research the requirements and gain a qualification that will be accepted.