Mining Engineer

Job overview
Mining engineers are responsible for the effective, profitable and safe operation of mining undertakings.

What do people do in this occupation?
Mining engineers are mainly involved with the excavation of minerals and rock products from the earth.

They play an important role in the planning, design and erection of new mines and the extension of existing mines.

At working mines they plan, manage and control the mining activities.

They are responsible for the effective management of the mine with special reference to profitability and the safety of the workers.

Mining engineers work together with geologists and with mechanical, civil, electrical, metallurgical and industrial engineers.

They are also involved in the research and development of new mining equipment and mining methods.

Most mining engineers are in charge of the management team that is concerned with the economical reclaiming of the relevant minerals.

These activities include planning, safety, ventilation, cooling, and segregating minerals.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Mining engineers must be physically tough, and of above-average intelligence.

Creativity, inquisitiveness and initiative will be an advantage for any mining engineer.

It is important for them to relate well to all kinds of people and they should have a working knowledge of the languages spoken by the mine workers

What qualifications are needed?
A university degree in engineering, with specialisation in mining engineering,