Mining and Geological Engineer
Mining and geological engineers are professionals who specialize in the extraction and management of natural resources, such as minerals, coal, and metals. They play a crucial role in designing and overseeing the construction of mining operations, ensuring that these projects are safe and environmentally sustainable. Their work involves selecting optimal sites for mining, utilizing advanced mapping systems and computer simulations, and frequently assessing job sites to manage operations and safety standards.
Typically employed in offices within consulting firms, energy corporations, or government agencies, these engineers often travel to remote mining sites where they confront various physical risks. The profession requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields, and there are opportunities for advancement for those with further education or specialized training. Despite the potential dangers associated with mining, this field attracts individuals interested in geology, sustainable development, and complex problem-solving. The median annual earnings for mining and geological engineers are around $100,640, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required in this occupation.
Mining and Geological Engineer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Geology, earth science, sustainable development, mining and infrastructure projects, mapping and computer simulation, math
Earnings (Yearly Median): $100,640 per year $48.39 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 0% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Mining and geological engineers use their problem-solving skills and advanced technical training to locate and extract natural resources such as coal, minerals, and metals for industrial use. They design and oversee the construction of underground and open-pit mines and develop transportation systems through which coal, minerals, and metals are removed from the mines. They also ensure that mines are structurally sound and adhere to safety and environmental standards. Mining engineers often work as consultants for construction firms, advising on safe and environmentally sound methods for building dams and roads.
Work Environment. Mining and geological engineers do much of their work from offices in consulting firms, major energy corporations, construction companies, and government agencies. Such settings are comfortable, safe, and clean. Mining and geological engineers also spend many work hours in mines and at mining construction sites. These sites are frequently busy, with a great deal of heavy equipment in operation. Mines present dangers, such as gas explosions and equipment-related injuries. Mining engineers also work in processing facilities where minerals are separated from soil and other materials. Mining and geological engineers typically work a standard forty-hour workweek, although as deadlines approach, they may be called upon to put in extra hours.
Occupation Interest. In spite of its inherent risks, the work of mining and geological engineers is complex and fascinating, especially when working on-site. Mining and geological engineers are responsible for creating access to much-needed minerals, coal, gravel, and precious metals. They also play an important role in the sustainable development movement, designing important mining and infrastructure projects that have as little adverse impact on the natural environment as possible. Historically, there have been few schools with mine engineering programs; therefore, interested and qualified candidates could have excellent opportunities to find both initial employment and experience further advancement.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Mining and geological engineers select optimal sites for mining operations; plan, design, and develop the construction of mines; and oversee the safe extraction of metals or other materials. They use mapping systems and computer simulations to determine the most suitable sites for establishing open-pit and underground mines. Although they may be based in offices, mining engineers travel frequently to job sites to oversee and assess construction and operations.
They must also periodically analyze soil samples from deposit areas. Such activities help mining engineers locate new deposits, assess the viability of previously mapped deposits, and study the environmental impact of mining and development. Due to their expertise in this field, mining and geological engineers are often invited to participate in studies of air and water pollution. Mining and geological engineers also work on the development of new mining and construction equipment and more efficient material processing systems.
Mining and Oil Well Equipment Research Engineers (010.061-022). Mining and Oil Well Equipment Research Engineers conduct research to develop improved mining and oil well equipment.
Mines Safety Engineers (010.061-026). Mines Safety Engineers inspect underground or open pit mining areas and train mine personnel to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and accepted mining practices designed to prevent mine accidents.
Mining and Oil Field Equipment Test Engineers (010.061-030). Mining and Oil Field Equipment Test Engineers conduct tests on mining and oilfield machinery and equipment.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Mining and geological engineers work in offices but travel frequently to mines and other construction and/or industrial sites. Some of these sites are in remote locations. When working at mine construction sites or inside mines, engineers must be cognizant of physical risks, such as mine collapse, gas pocket explosion, toxic dust inhalation, or equipment-related incidents.
Human Environment. Mining and geological engineers work with executives, business leaders, and government officials during the process of designing and studying mining and development sites. At project sites, they work with miners, construction crews, truck drivers, equipment technicians, and scientists such as geologists and mineralogists.
Technological Environment. Mining and geological engineers must use design and analytical software programs such as computer-aided design (CAD), mining database systems, and mapping programs. Some may also use 3D mine planning and modeling software like Maptek Vulcan or Ventsim. At mines and potential construction sites, they use sampling equipment, plotting systems, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and geological compasses, which detect geological strata or levels.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should take courses in mathematics, including advanced classes. Physics, chemistry, and other natural sciences classes are beneficial as well, while industrial arts courses help familiarize students with mechanical systems and schematics. High school students should also take computer science courses because mining engineers must use many different types of engineering software on a daily basis.
Postsecondary. Mining and geological engineers should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or in a more specific field of study such as mining engineering, geological engineering, environmental engineering, or civil engineering. Some have additional training in the natural sciences (such as geology or environmental science) or mathematics. Senior-level mining and geological engineers have doctoral degrees in such disciplines as soil science, geology, and other areas of relevance to mining and geological engineering.
Related Occupations
− Metallurgical/Materials Engineer
Bibliography
"Mining and Geological Engineering." TryEngineering (IEEE), 2024, tryengineering.org/profile/mining-and-geological-engineering. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Mining and Geological Engineers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 16 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mining-and-geological-engineers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers." My Next Move, 2024, www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/17-2151.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.