Mining Engineers

Nature of work

Mining engineers plan, design, organize and supervise the development of mines, mine facilities, systems, and equipment. They prepare and supervise the extraction of metallic or non-metallic minerals and ores from underground or surface mines. Mining engineers work for mining companies, consulting engineering companies, manufacturers, government and in educational and research institutions.

Job duties

Mining engineers:

• Survey and study of ore, mineral or coal deposits to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of potential mining operations.
• Determine the appropriate means of safely and efficiently mining deposits.
• Determine and advise on appropriate drilling and blasting methods for mining, construction, or demolition.
• Design shafts, ventilation systems, mine services, haulage systems and supporting structures.
• Design, develop, and implement computer applications for mine design, mine modelling, mapping, or for monitoring mine conditions.
• Plan and design or select mining equipment and machinery and mineral treatment machinery and equipment in collaboration with other engineering specialists.
• Plan, organize and supervise the development of mines and mine structures and the operation and maintenance of mines.
• Prepare operations and project estimates, schedules, and reports.
• Implement and coordinate mine safety programs.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of technicians, technologists, survey personnel, and other engineers and scientists.

Sample job titles

• mine development engineer
• mine layout engineer
• mine planning engineer
• mine production engineer
• mine safety engineer
• mine ventilation engineer
• mineral engineer
• mines exploration engineer
• mining engineer

Skills

• You need persistence and good judgement. The ability to think analytically and logically is important. You must be able to communicate and cooperate with others, as engineers often work in teams. Leadership and problem-solving skills are also necessary. Computer experience is an important asset.

Job requirements

• A bachelor's degree in mining engineering or in a related engineering discipline.
• A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
• Licensing by a provincial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
• Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

Other considerations

• Mining engineers work closely with geologists, geological engineers, metallurgical engineers, and other engineers and scientists, and movement is possible between some fields of specialization. Supervisory and senior positions in this group require experience. Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and gain knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practice in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Regulations

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