Mining engineers use science and mathematics to find, extract and prepare minerals for processing. Then, they design the mines and determine the types of equipment needed. Mining engineers also work in related fields such as consulting or sales, where they apply their problem-solving skills to other companies’ mining needs. Here are some of the things mining engineers do:
- Determine whether a mineral deposit is profitable or not. To decide this, they consider such factors as the site’s location and the physical properties of the minerals. They may use computer programs to estimate how much material can be mined. If it makes good business sense, they will determine the best mining method for extracting it and plan where and how to dig out ore, including what kind of equipment and supplies will be needed. Where appropriate, they will prepare their findings for government regulators who look at environmental concerns associated with new mines.
- Test drilling is among the first work done by mining engineers when preparing a mine site. This involves using special drills that cut into rocks underground without having explosives go off underneath. A mining engineer will determine the best places to take core samples. After analyzing them for quality, they will propose using different explosives or other approaches to get at hard-to-reach minerals.
- Mine planning is among the more involved tasks done by mining engineers. This starts when a mine owner has been chosen and ends with a proposal on excavating the site. Among their considerations are what equipment will be needed, how it can be used most efficiently, and what materials must be moved out to get at the ore body itself. Mining engineers also plan environmental protection measures that will help protect both workers and the surrounding environment from any adverse effects of going underground in search of minerals.
- Other duties mining engineers handle include designing processing equipment, such as mills for breaking down rocks; mine layouts and ventilation plans; equipment supply and maintenance; managing mining operations, and looking out for health and safety concerns.
- A significant part of mining engineering is consulting on some aspects of the profession. This may be with a large mining company or an environmental regulatory agency working to determine how a project can best fit its guidelines. Some also work in quality assurance programs, helping companies monitor their products’ impact on the environment and reporting any problems found. Others work directly in sales, promoting new machines or encouraging clients to go ahead with projects to improve existing technology.
