GineersNow Engineering Magazine November 2016 Issue No 009

Photo by SaskatchewanPolytechnic
GETTING TO KNOW:
THE WORK OF A
MINING ENGINEER
The field of mining engineering is
all about searching for deposits of
natural resources and extracting
them efficiently while minimizing
risks. It is that discipline in
engineering where natural
resources like gravel, coal, copper,
iron, tungsten, gold, and silver are
unearthed.
Other than what the name
suggests, it is the job of mining
engineers to ensure the safe
and efficient development of
mines and other surface and
underground operations. Mining
engineers should be familiar
of these structures on their
surrounding environment paired
with the technical knowledge and
management skills.
The scope of work of mining
engineers covers assessment
of mining ventures up to the
site operations, and even
distribution. Mining engineers
undertake feasibility studies,
model or design potential mine
sites, and prepares plans for
mines like tunnels and shafts
for underground mines. In the
operations, mining engineers are
tasked to ensure that procedures
run smoothly, activities are being
monitored, and more importantly
the safety of the workers and
the site or mine is upheld. This
job has high risks especially
when underground, so mining
engineers have the responsibility
to oversee underground issues
like lighting and ventilation.
Being able to work as a mining
engineer, one needs to have a
degree in one of these courses:
civil engineering; geology; mine
and quarry engineering; minerals
surveying; and mining and mineral
engineering.
Mining engineers can be
employed in mining companies,
mining finance and consultancy
companies, environmental
consultancies, quarrying and
extraction companies, and major
manufacturing and construction
companies. They can earn a
median annual salary of $90,160
in May 2014 according to U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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NOVEMBER 2016
Mining Engineering and Its Importance