Mining engineer
A mining engineer ensures the safe and economically sound development of mines and other surface and underground operations. The role combines an understanding of the effects of these structures on their surrounding environment, technical knowledge and management skills.
Mining engineers are involved at all stages of a project. Before a new site is developed, they assess its viability and assist with planning the mine’s structure. They also manage and oversee mining production processes and are 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 the majority of opportunities are overseas.
Work activities vary according to the nature of the mine or site, but tasks typically involve:
Entry is usually with a degree in one of the following subjects:
A degree in mining engineering provides the most flexibility for a career in the UK and overseas. A BEng 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 is important to use these periods to make contacts within the industry for future employment.
If you do not have a specialised first degree but have done a course in a related subject, your chances of entry into 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 is important to be strategic about your choice of course - you will need to ensure that your mining engineering degree is recognised by your preferred country of employment.
It is 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.
Different countries have different rules about how to qualify for employment as a mining engineer. For example, in Australia, one of the key mining countries, you must have at least a four-year Bachelors degree or equivalent. Relevant work experience is highly regarded by most employers and employment may be difficult to find without it.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Relevant practical work experience is vital to starting a career in this field, 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-based candidates.
Reading magazines such as Materials World (magazine of the IOM3), The Mining Journal and Mining.com will help familiarise you with the latest industry news and opinion.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
New mining engineers are likely to be trained in a variety of areas. At the beginning of your career, you will need to adapt quickly to working on site and learn new skills from more experienced colleagues. Depending on the nature and type of mine in which you are employed, you will also have to learn appropriate practical skills. The varied nature of the industry means that you will be required to constantly update your skills and knowledge throughout your career.
Membership of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) provides a range of continuing professional development (CPD) and networking opportunities. Fellows and Professional Members of the IOM3 can also qualify for registration with the Engineering Council as chartered engineers (CEng). To gain CEng status, you will 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. See the IOM3 website for full details.
Reading the specialist press, for example Materials World (magazine of the IOM3), The Mining Journal and Mining.com , keeps you up to date with the latest news and opinion in the industry and can be useful for anticipating future career opportunities.
Employers may encourage further study at Masters level. Postgraduate 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.
Within the more traditional mining engineer role, career development tends to take the following route (with promotion approximately every two to three years):
The larger mining companies tend to provide the most well-structured career development programmes and offer more opportunities for promotion.
Gaining chartered engineer (CEng) status through the Engineering Council is helpful to successful career development. Chartership also provides a structured continuing professional development (CPD) programme and links with useful industry contacts.
Career development varies widely within the field as a whole. Mining engineers who stay within mining 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.
The majority of 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 mining consultancy, oil and gas, quarrying, minerals and tunnelling.
Typical employers include:
Specialist recruitment agencies, such as Hunter Personnel and Thomas Mining Associates , also provide vacancies in mining, tunnelling and quarrying.
Use the Directory of Mines and Quarries , produced by the British Geological Survey (BGS), and the Directory of Quarries & Quarry Equipment as sources of contacts for speculative UK applications.
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