Engineering and Technology


Mining Engineering


Mining engineers find, extract, and prepare coal, metals, and minerals for use by manufacturing industries and utilities. They design open pit and underground mines, supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels in underground operations, and devise methods for transporting minerals to processing plants. Mining engineers are responsible for the safe, economical, and environmentally sound operation of mines.

Some mining engineers work with geologists and metallurgical engineers to locate and appraise new ore deposits. Others develop new mining equipment or direct mineral processing operations to separate minerals from the dirt, rock, and other materials with which they are mixed.

Specialisations

Mining engineers frequently specialise in the mining of one mineral or metal, such as coal or gold.

With increased emphasis on protecting the environment, many mining engineers work to solve problems related to land reclamation and water and air pollution.

Employment

Mining engineers work mostly in mines, government or private, manufacturing industries, or engineering consulting firms.

Mining engineers are usually employed at the location of natural deposits, often near small communities or remote villages.

Those in research and development, management, consulting, or sales, however, are often located in metropolitan areas.