Mining Engineer - Career Advice - Environments

Mining engineers plan and supervise the processes involved with extracting minerals from mines. They are often heavily involved in developing new mines, including assessing whether a mineral deposit can be profitably mined, and also research new techniques and processes to improve the efficiency and Future Growth Decline safety of mines.

ANZSCO ID: 2336

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Giving instructions A mining engineer needs to:

be able to work as part of a team
enjoy technical and engineering work
be able to identify, analyse and solve problems
be able to communicate orally, in writing and using graphs
be able to adhere and contribute to strict safety requirements

Duties and Tasks

conducting preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, Geologists, Geophysicists, other mineral scientists and other engineers to determine the resources present, the feasibility of extracting the reserves, and the design and development of the extraction process
preparing operation and project cost estimates and production schedules, and reporting progress, production and costs compared to budget
determining the most suitable methods of ore extraction taking account of such factors as depth of overburden, and attitude and physical characteristics of deposits and surrounding strata
preparing plans for tunnels and chambers, location and construction of mine shafts, layout of mine development and the application of appropriate mining techniques, often using computer modelling
assessing the natural, technical, financial and safety risks associated with the phases of the project development, construction and operations
determining the safety of processes, order of extraction and safety of mine walls, evaluating the risk of slippage and advising on the prevention of slippage and rock falls
planning and coordinating the utilisation of labour and equipment consistent with efficiency targets, statutes, safety guidelines and environmental conditions
planning and conducting research and providing advice on engineering operations for the exploration, location and extraction of petroleum and natural gas
determining location for drilling
deciding on types of derrick and equipment including seabed platforms
devising methods of controlling the flow of oil and gas from wells

Working conditions

Mining engineers may work in offices, laboratories or on mine sites. Depending on the type of mine, those working on-site may work outside in most weather conditions, or underground in cramped, enclosed spaces.

Mining engineers work in mines all over Australia, from the mineral sands mines in Bunbury and the South West, coal mining in Collie, gold mining in Boddington and the Goldfields, to iron ore mining in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. Often they must be prepared to live on site away from home or work on a fly-in, fly-out basis, which involves working on site for a period of time and then returning home for a break. Many mine engineers work for large, global companies and may be required to travel overseas for work.

Tools and technologies

Mining engineers use a variety of tools and equipment, including computers, surveying equipment and two-way radios. Mining engineers who are located on a mine site will also have to wear safety equipment, including protective eye-wear, hard hats, gloves and hearing protection. They will also need to be familiar with the operation of a range of specialised mining equipment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a mining engineer, you usually need to complete a degree in mining engineering at university.

Employment Opportunities

Overall growth in employment of mining engineers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Demand for mining engineers is dependent on the level of activity in the mining, metals and materials manufacturing industries. The mining industry in Australia has been experiencing a downturn in recent years, and this in turn will lead to less demand for mining engineers.

Did You Know?

Mining engineers get involved from start to finish

In simple terms, a mining engineer evaluates, plans, and oversees the construction of a mine. However, it’s not really that simple. A mining engineer will be involved in a project through all phases of mining operations – from exploration and discovery of the mineral resource, through feasibility studies, mine design, development of plans and production, scheduling, operations, processing and even marketing. They are still involved at the mine closure stages including final land restoration and rehabilitation.

Project task list for mining engineers

A mining engineer can be involved from start to finish in a mining project. It’s not unusual for a mining engineer to be involved in one or all of the following:

•Investigate mineral deposits and work with geologists, other earth scientists and economists to evaluate them and determine whether they can be mined profitably.

•Look at the depth and characteristics of the mineral deposit and its surrounding to work out the most suitable mining method.

•Carry out the mine design including all the relevant mine planning and scheduling using state-of-the-art mine planning and visualisation software.

•Plan and coordinate the employment of mining staff and selection of equipment with regard to efficiency, safety and environmental conditions.

•Talk to geologists and other engineers about the design, selection and provision of equipment, facilities and systems for mining, as well as infrastructure such as access roads, water and power supplies.

•Oversee, in conjunction with mine management the mine construction and implementation of mine plans.

•Take on responsibility and leadership for production crews and operational mine performance.

•Conduct ongoing research aimed at improving efficiency and safety in mines.

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Where mining engineers work

Up a mountain, in the desert, across regional Australia or across the world. You’ll probably find a mining engineer in all of those places toiling away on mining projects. So if you love travelling and seeing remote places in the world, you are at a distinct advantage.

Of course, mining engineers can also work in corporate head offices of mining companies – working on mine planning and design, or overseeing the development of mining projects. There’s also work in government departments, consulting or providing crucial information to those who make the big decisions. Sometimes mining engineers specialise in research and work in universities or research centres to find better ways of extraction and processing, and supporting the global industry. Mining engineers also work in financial institutions and insurance companies, specialising in risk analysis and investment. You may even find a mining engineer working in sales or marketing or business development.

Mining engineer job titles

Not all the roles a mining engineer can do have the term ‘mining engineer’ in the title. Far from it in fact. As a mining engineer, you could find your business card contains any one of the following titles:

•Mine Manager
•Mine Planner and Designer
•Management Consultant
•Operations Manager
•Technical Services Manager
•Researcher
•Investment Analyst and Advisor
•General Manager
•Chief Executive
•Mine Inspector / Government Inspector
•Consultant
•Service Provider
•Production Superintendent
•Minerals Processing Engineer
(Source: School of Mining Engineering UNSW)

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