How to become a Mining Engineer

Mining engineers plan and direct the engineering aspects of extracting mineral, petroleum and gas resources from the earth.

Personal requirements for a Mining Engineer

Enjoy technical work
Willing to adhere to safety requirements
Able to identify, analyse and solve problems
Good oral and written communication skills
Aptitude for computing and design
Practical and creative
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Able to accept responsibility
Able to think and act decisively

Education & Training for a Mining Engineer

To become a mining engineer you usually have to complete an engineering degree at university with a major in mining or geotechnical engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and Engineers Australia. Some courses are also recognised by AusIMM. Visit their websites for more details.Registration or licensing may be required. Contact AusIMM for further information.Graduates are permitted to sit for the Mine Manager's Certificate and to apply for registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia after three years of approved industry experience and with AusIMM after five years.

Duties & Tasks of a Mining Engineer

Mining engineers:

Conduct investigations of mineral deposits and undertake evaluations in collaboration with geologists, other earth scientists and economists to determine whether the mineral deposits can be mined profitably
Determine the most suitable method of mining the minerals, taking into account factors such as the depth and characteristics of the deposit and its surroundings
Prepare the layout of the mine development and the procedure by which the minerals are to be mined
Prepare plans for mines, including tunnels and shafts for underground operations, and pits and haulage roads for open-cut operations, using computer-aided design (CAD) packages
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 machines, facilities and systems for mining, as well as infrastructure such as access roads, water and power supplies
Coordinate with the operations supervisor to ensure proper implementation of plans
Operate computers to assist with calculations, prepare estimates on the cost of the operation and control expenditure when mines begin production
Oversee the construction of the mine and the installation of the plant machinery and equipment
Ensure that mining regulations are observed, including the proper use and care of explosives, and the correct ventilation to allow the removal of dust and gases
Conduct research aimed at improving efficiency and safety in mines
Establish first aid and emergency services facilities at the mines.

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
Deciding on types of derrick and equipment including seabed platforms
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 operation and project cost estimates and production schedules, and reporting progress, production and costs compared to budget
Planning and conducting research and providing advice on engineering operations for the exploration, location and extraction of petroleum and natural gas
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
Planning and coordinating the utilisation of labour and equipment consistent with efficiency targets, statutes, safety guidelines and environmental conditions
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
Determining location for drilling
Devising methods of controlling the flow of oil and gas from wells

Working conditions for a Mining Engineer

Mining engineers may work on site in remote areas. They often work for international companies and may travel or work overseas.

Employment Opportunities for a Mining Engineer

Mining engineering degrees include elements from other disciplines such as geology, metallurgy, commerce, economics and management. This means that graduates are versatile and have the potential to advance rapidly within the minerals and associated industries.Most mining engineers are employed by mining companies, mining contractors, consultants and government departments. They may also work for companies that manufacture and supply mining machinery or explosives to the mining industry. Mining engineers with wide experience may set themselves up as consulting engineers.Employment may also be found in mine supervision and management, on site or in head office planning and services. Mining engineers have skills that are readily transferable between employers and may find work interstate.

Specializations

Mining Engineer

Mining engineers plan and direct the engineering aspects of extracting mineral resources from the earth.

Average age
38
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
14% female
Average full-time
50 hours
Weekly Pay
$3,365
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
95%
Employment Size
12,900
Employment by state
ACT: 0.1%
NSW: 12.5%
NT: 1.1%
QLD: 25.8%
SA: 5.8%
TAS: 0.6%
VIC: 7.2%
WA: 46.9%
Age brackets
15-19: 0%
20-24: 4.9%
25-34: 38.6%
35-44: 28.2%
45-54: 16.8%
55-59: 5.6%
60-64: 3.5%
65 and Over: 2.4%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 5.3%
Bachelor degree: 61.7%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 4.2%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 24.8%
Year 10 and below: 0.6%
Year 11: 0.4%
Year 12: 3%
Years 11 & 10: 0%