Mining engineer
Mining engineers apply their skill in science and technology to extract minerals from the earth, in this multidisciplinary role
As a mining engineer, you'll ensure the safe and efficient development of mines and other surface and underground operations. The role combines an understanding of the effects of these structures on their surrounding environment with technical knowledge and management skills.
You'll be involved at all stages of a project, including assessing viability and planning a site's structure before a new site is developed. You'll also manage and oversee mining production processes, including getting involved in the final closure and rehabilitation process.
There are opportunities in the UK in mining consultancy, minerals, tunnelling and quarrying, but due to the nature of the industry mining engineering is an international career and most opportunities are overseas.
Responsibilities
As a mining engineer, you'll typically need to:
- assess the commercial viability of new mining ventures
- undertake feasibility studies
- model or design potential mine sites
- prepare plans for mines, such as underground tunnels and shafts
- work with specialist software to support planning programmes
- oversee major construction projects and ensure that operations run smoothly
- monitor activities underground
- oversee staff activities, either in one site section or throughout an entire mine
- ensure the safety of mining equipment and assess mine equipment supplies
- establish extraction systems
- oversee the health and safety of the site, particularly in relation to issues such as ventilation
- plan for transition from surface to underground mining operations
- provide consultancy and advice on mining and mineral extraction projects
- fill in disused mine shafts
- reclaim mine sites
- manage monthly budgets and keep detailed records.
Salary
- Starting salaries vary between £21,000 and £27,000.
- With five years' experience, this can increase to around £45,000.
- Salaries at senior level (e.g. after 10 to 15 years in the role) range between £50,000 and £75,000.
Salaries tend to be considerably higher overseas.
Salary levels vary between employers and sectors. More demanding work locations, such as in poor weather conditions and those with strict rules, may offer better salaries. Generally, the more remote the area the higher the allowance, with additional benefits such as housing and fly in/fly out work. Some companies provide performance-related pay schemes and additional benefits.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Working hours
Working hours tend to be long, particularly if you're based overseas. Mining engineers working overseas are likely to be on-site for up to three months, followed by a period of two weeks' leave, which they can spend elsewhere.
What to expect
- While conditions on site can be challenging, the work itself is not excessively physically demanding.
- Although self-employment is not an option, consultancy work is possible for those with experience in the industry and a good network of contacts.
- Most jobs are based overseas, particularly South America, Australia and Africa. The UK does not offer many traditional mining engineering jobs but does have openings in related areas, such as tunnelling, quarrying and construction.
- Working overseas can mean lots of travel and time away from home, which can be difficult to work around family commitments. Many mining engineers build up their experience overseas and then either move back to the UK or emigrate permanently.
- You might experience feelings of isolation working in this role. However, you'll also be exposed to a variety of different cultures and communities, which can be a rewarding experience.
Qualifications
Entry is usually with a degree in one of the following subjects:
- civil engineering
- geology
- mine and quarry engineering
- minerals surveying
- mining and mineral engineering.
A degree in mining engineering provides the most flexibility for a career in the UK and overseas.
A BEng in Mining Engineering, accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), is offered by the Camborne School of Mines at the University of Exeter. Contact the institution directly for details of entry requirements and funding opportunities.
The course includes direct exposure to mining, in the UK or overseas. It's important to use these periods to make contacts in the industry for future employment.
If you don't have a specialised first degree but have done a course in a related subject, your chances of entering the profession may be improved if you study for a specialist postgraduate qualification in mining engineering.
Because of the international nature of this career, it's important to be strategic about your choice of course. You'll need to ensure that your mining engineering degree is recognised by your preferred country of employment.
It's possible to become a mining engineer without having a relevant degree by working in a related field and gaining experience, but there may be fewer opportunities available to you.
Rules about how to qualify for employment as a mining engineer differ between countries. In Australia for example, you must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree. Relevant work experience is highly regarded by most employers and employment may be difficult to find without it.
Skills
You'll need to show that you're skilled in:
- working as part of a team, with the ability to manage and motivate people
- project management
- analytical problem solving
- communication and presentation
- time management and planning, as well as the ability to prioritise your workload
- managing your finances and budgeting
- IT and specialist software.
You'll also need a willingness to travel and spend time away from home, an outgoing and self-reliant nature and knowledge of health and safety issues related to mining.
Work experience
Relevant practical work experience is essential, although opportunities can be difficult to find. You should make the most of any contacts you make overseas on work placements during your course.
The major mining companies generally employ on an international basis, which means that there is competition for jobs from overseas candidates.
To keep up to date with the latest industry news and opinion read magazines such as:
- Materials World - magazine of the IOM3
- Mining.com
- Mining Journal
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Employers
Most core mining engineering vacancies tend to be based overseas, most commonly in Europe, South America, Australia and Africa, although there are UK-based opportunities in areas such as:
- minerals
- mining consultancy
- oil and gas
- quarrying
- tunnelling.
Typical employers include:
- mining companies - assessing the value and productivity of potential sites, developing new mine sites and managing operations once they are functioning
- mining finance and consultancy companies - costing and assessing the feasibility of new mining ventures and advising on new mineral extraction projects
- environmental consultancies - employing mining engineers to provide information on surface and underground developments that will affect the environment, such as the reclamation of disused industrial sites
- quarrying and extraction companies - assessing and planning quarry operations and managing or overseeing sites
- major manufacturing and construction companies - managing operations.
Look for job vacancies at:
Vacancies in mining, tunnelling and quarrying are provided through specialist recruitment agencies, such as:
Find contacts for speculative UK applications by using the Directory of Mines and Quarries, produced by the British Geological Survey (BGS).
Professional development
New mining engineers are likely to be trained in a variety of areas. At the beginning of your career, you'll need to adapt quickly to working on site and learn new skills from more experienced colleagues.
The varied nature of the industry means that you'll need to update your skills and knowledge regularly throughout your career.
A range of continuing professional development (CPD) and networking opportunities are provided through membership of IOM3. Fellows and Professional Members of IOM3 can also qualify for registration with the Engineering Council as chartered engineers (CEng).
To gain CEng status, you'll need to submit a written report and satisfy an assessment panel that you have the skills, specialist knowledge and competence to practise as an engineer.
Employers might encourage further study at postgraduate level. Courses are available to professionals already working in the field as well as graduates with a related degree, such as engineering or geology, in areas such as mining engineering, mining geology and applied geotechnics.
Career prospects
Promotion is expected approximately every two to three years, and in the more traditional mining engineer role career development tends to take the following route:
- junior mining engineer
- mine planning engineer
- senior mining engineer
- mine supervisor
- resident manager.
The larger mining companies tend to provide the most well-structured career development programmes and offer more opportunities for promotion.
Gaining CEng status through the Engineering Council can help career progression. Chartership also provides a structured continuing professional development (CPD) programme and links with useful industry contacts.
Career development varies widely within the field. Mining engineers who stay in the UK may work in office-based roles, working for international mining companies. These types of opportunities can lead to additional managerial and strategic responsibilities.
Others may progress into working in mining finance or working on a consultancy basis for mining companies. Qualified mining engineers also progress into roles within quarry management, IT and construction.