Mining engineers provide support to and manage mining operations, create estimates for mining projects, design mines, and assist with mining equipment selection. They are primarily hired by mining companies and conglomerates to work full-time shifts, usually during daytime business hours. Mining engineers ultimately report to mining operations managers and work independently with minimal supervision, but also function within a teamwork dynamic. They sometimes work within office environments, but frequently travel to various industry events and mining sites, and may travel for extended periods of time to complete their duties.
Mining Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
Daily duties for mining engineers vary based on the type of materials being extracted from the ground, the nature of the site where mining operations are being conducted, and the equipment and staff resources being made available by the hiring company. There are several core job tasks associated with this career, however, that are universally the same in spite of these variables.
Inspect Sites
Mining engineers inspect new and existing mining sites to determine the best ways to extract specific materials from the ground. This includes visiting sites in person and using maps and geological data to estimate material reserves.
Design Mines
Mining engineers design mines that allow workers to safely mine materials from the ground.
Plan Mining Projects
Mining engineers determine the staff members and equipment needed to successfully complete mining operations.
Manage Mining Operations
Mining engineers manage mining operations and supervise mining projects and staff to ensure projects are moving forward on schedule and within budget parameters.
Maintain Mining Equipment
Mining engineers troubleshoot, upgrade, and purchase mining equipment, and make decisions about the type of equipment that should be purchased to complete specific mining projects.
Evaluate Operations
Mining engineers evaluate ongoing mining operations. This includes writing reports regarding supplies, equipment, and mined materials.
Follow Safety Regulations
Mining engineers follow safety regulations set forth by the company and local, state, and federal laws.
Stay Up-to-Date on Technologies
Mining engineers stay up-to-date on new mining technologies, and attend conferences and workshops to learn about the latest mining equipment and industry developments.
Mining Engineer Skills and Qualifications
Mining engineers use analytical skills to conduct evaluations of mining sites, design mines, and determine the equipment and staff needed to carry out mining operations. Employers hire mining engineers who have all the skills necessary to fulfill the duties associated with this job.
Mechanical ability mining engineers select and maintain mining equipment, which requires mechanical ability
Communication mining engineers use written communication skills to write reports on mining operations
Analytical ability mining engineers use excellent analytical abilities to design mines and mining operations
Computer skills mining engineers work with GPS and computer software programs to design and manage mining operations, which requires good computer skills
Mathematics mining engineers use math skills to make calculations to design mines, determine mining staff needs, and select appropriate equipment
Management mining engineers determine mine staffing needs, supervise mining staff, and make decisions regarding equipment purchases, upgrades, and repairs, tasks which require good management skills

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