Mining Engineers

• Nature of the Work

  Mining engineers find, extract, and prepare metals and minerals for use by manufacturing industries. 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. Mining engineers frequently specialize in the mining of one mineral or metal, such as coal or gold.

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

• Working Conditions for Engineers

• Employment

  Mining engineers held about 3,200 jobs in 1994. Just under two-thirds worked in the mining industry. Other jobs were located in government agencies, manufacturing industries, or engineering consulting firms.

  Mining engineers are usually employed at the location of mineral deposits, often near small communities. Those in research and development, management, consulting, or sales, however, often are located in metropolitan areas.

• Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement for Engineers

• Job Outlook

  The mining industry traditionally has few openings. In fact, employment of mining engineers is expected to decline through the year 2005. Therefore, graduates in mining engineering will face competition despite the low number of mining engineering graduates.

  Opportunities in the mining industry are closely related to the price of the metals and minerals they produce. If the price of these products is high, it makes it worthwhile for a mining company to invest the many millions of dollars in material moving equipment and ore processing technology necessary to operate a mine.

  Although prices for mined products have been unstable, the increasing activity of auto manufacturing and expanded development and repair of the Nation's roadways will help provide demand for metals and minerals. The long-term business environment for mining generally is perceived to be favorable, but because a mine takes years of research, planning, and development to become fully operational, it may, even then, not contribute to expansion in employment opportunities for mining engineers.

  (See introductory section of this chapter for information on training requirements, earnings, and sources of additional information.)

• Earnings of Engineers

• Related Occupations for Engineers

  Engineers apply the principles of physical science and mathematics in their work. Other workers who use scientific and mathematical principles include physical scientists, life scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, engineering and science technicians, and architects.

• Sources of Additional Information about Engineers

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