Mining Engineers

Career summary

Mining engineers work with geologists and metal engineers to locate and assess mining sites. They:

• Use maps and drilling records to gather information
• Determine the size, accessibility, and value of the deposits
• Decide whether they can safely remove the deposits with minimal cost
• Prepare budgets and schedules
• Choose the best way to remove minerals

Mining engineers design open pit or underground mines. They oversee the construction of tunnels and shafts for underground mines. When mines are running, mining engineers monitor the rate at which gas, oil, or minerals are extracted. They prepare reports about these findings for mining, engineering, and management staff.

Mining engineers may specialize in extracting one type of mineral or metal, such as coal or gold. Some mining engineers work for companies that make mining equipment.

Mining engineers must make sure that mines are safe. They inspect mine areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions. They test air for harmful gases. They recommend changes such as installing airshafts, dividers, or equipment to solve problems. They also design safety equipment and devices for mine workers. They train mine staff in how to work safely and to give first aid.

Because of environmental concerns, mining engineers work to recycle old mine sites. They also try to improve water and air quality at working mines.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agricultural Engineers
• Chemical Engineers
• Civil Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Geologists and Geophysicists
• Materials Engineers
• Petroleum Engineers
• Safety Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to mining engineers.

• Prepare reports for use by mining, engineering, and management staff.
• Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions. Design and maintain protective equipment and safety tools.
• Train mine staff in safe working practices and first aid.
• Conduct exploration or work with geologists to locate new mines.
• Test air to determine levels of toxic gases. Recommend changes to ventilation system if gas levels are high.
• Review maps and drilling records to determine location of mineral deposits. Also determine size, accessibility, and value of deposits.
• Determine ways to extract minerals.
• Estimate costs and schedules for developing and running mines.
• Lay out and supervise construction of new mines.
• Monitor production rate of gas, oil, or minerals from wells or mines.
• Provide advice during drilling operations. Plan, conduct, or direct others who perform mining experiments.
• Evaluate data to develop new mining products, equipment, or processes.
• Create methods to solve environmental problems and reclaim old mine sites.

Common work activities

Mining engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Document and record information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Teach others
• Develop and build teams
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Develop goals and strategies
• Think creatively
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Schedule work and activities
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Perform administrative tasks
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Coach others
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Monitor and control resources

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, mining engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of mine workers.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also use letters and memos, but less often.
• Have a medium to high level of social interaction. They talk to coworkers, but also spend time alone analyzing information.
• Are responsible for the work done by other workers.
• Regularly work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors. Mining engineers who work at surface mines are more likely to be exposed to outside weather. Indoor locations may not be temperature-controlled.
• Wear safety attire, such as hard hats and work boots, on a daily basis.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. There is some likelihood of being injured from this exposure. Injuries are likely to be moderate.
• Are sometimes exposed to pollutants, such as mine dust or harmful gases.
• Are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures on a weekly basis.
• Occasionally are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are uncomfortable or distracting.
• Work in an enclosed vehicle on a weekly basis.
• Work near others. They often share the same office space.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could seriously endanger the health of mine workers.
• Make decisions that greatly impact their employer and coworkers on a daily basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere. They must abide by strict daily deadlines.
• Repeat the same activities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work over 40 hours per week. May work overtime to meet a deadline.
• Travel to work sites. Many mining sites are in remote areas.
• May be away from home for extended periods of time.
• Generally work a pre-determined schedule.

Physical demands

Mining engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for mining engineers to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for mining engineers to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.

Skills and abilities

Mining engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Geological and Geophysical Engineering
• Mining and Mineral Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Engineering, General
• Mining Technology
• Petroleum Engineering
• Pre-Engineering

Training

To work as a mining engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in mining engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most mining engineers prepare for the field by earning a bachelor's degree in mining engineering. Only a few four-year colleges and universities offer this program. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching mining engineering, you need a PhD. Also, some students go to graduate school to specialize in an area of mining engineering.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You work on more difficult tasks and get more independence in your work as you gain knowledge and experience. Training usually lasts a few months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Computer Science
• Drafting
• Construction

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

For entry-level jobs, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor's degree in mining engineering. Employers may require a master's degree or higher for research and consulting jobs.

Employers prefer to hire mining engineers who are creative and curious. They also look for people who are detail-oriented and analytical. Oral and written communication skills are also important. Employers look for people who can work on a team. Mining engineers may work with people from different cultures or countries.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Workers may have to pay for continuing education classes to keep up with changes in the field.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who wish to be licensed as professional engineers must pay $65 to the State for an initial national exam application. After State approval, engineers must pay for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The license renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

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Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Mining engineers who work in coal mines or quarries may earn more than those at other types of mines. Wages also vary by area of the country.

Mining engineers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Mining engineers usually work at or near the location of natural deposits. These areas are often in small towns and rural areas. Sometimes they may be in other countries. About one-third of mining engineers who work in the United States work in Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Major employers:

• Engineering companies
• Metal mines
• Coal mines
• Oil and gas extraction companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will remain steady. Coal mining in the US creates jobs for mining engineers. Jobs will also be created at mining consulting firms.

Job openings will occur as mining engineers move to other positions or retire. In addition, there are only a few mining engineering programs, so the number of graduates is small. These low numbers may improve graduates' chances of finding jobs.

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Geophysical Union 
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900

American Geosciences Institute 
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.379.2480

American Institute of Professional Geologists 
1333 W. 120th Avenue
Suite 211
Westminster, Colorado 80234-2710
303.412.6205

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Environmental & Engineering Geophysical Society 
1391 Speer Blvd., Ste 450
Denver, CO 80204
303.531.7517

Institute of Makers of Explosives 
1120 - 19th Street NW, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.9280

International Society of Explosives Engineers 
30325 Bainbridge Road
Cleveland, OH 44139
440.349.4400

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Society of Professional Engineers 
1420 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
888.285.6773
703.684.2800

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration 
12999 East Adam Aircraft Circle
Englewood, CO 80112
800.763.3132
303.948.4200

Society of Exploration Geophysicists 
8801 South Yale Avenue, Suite 500
Tulsa, OK 74137
918.497.5500

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Division of Geology and Earth Resources 

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (17-2151.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Design Engineer, Mining-and-oil-field Equipment (010.061-010) 
• Mining Engineer (010.061-014) 
• Research Engineer, Mining-and-oil-well Equipment (010.061-022) 
• Safety Engineer, Mines (010.061-026) 
• Test Engineer, Mining-and-oil-field Equipment (010.061-030) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Engineer

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Professional