NSIM

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• Manufacturing Engineers

• Materials Engineers

• Control and Instrumentation engineers

• Mining Engineer

• Land-based Engineers

Mining engineers ensure that underground resources such as minerals, metals, oil and gas are extracted safely and efficiently. Typical job responsibilities include:

• assessing the feasibility and the potential for commercial benefit of new sites

• ascertaining extraction risks

• producing models or plans for possible mining sites

• planning and implementing extraction systems

• using specialist computer applications to maximise planning and production

• monitoring and evaluating underground performance

• managing construction projects

• ensuring that operations comply with health and safety requirements

• making sure that the equipment used is safe

• managing budgets

• training and supervising staff

• liaising with and advising managerial and technical staff

• analysing data

• keeping records

• costing and organising supplies.

Qualifications and training required

To become a mining engineer, you will need a degree in a relevant subject such as mining engineering, civil engineering or geology.

A postgraduate qualification can be beneficial and may be necessary for some posts.Relevant experience gained via placements or by working in junior positions is extremely beneficial. Most mining engineering degree courses offer periods of practical mining experience – these can provide a useful source of contacts for employment following the completion of academic studies.

Different countries have varying requirements for entry into the profession in terms of experience and academic qualifications, so it is important to research the requirements and gain a qualification that will be accepted.

Key skills for mining engineers

• Confidence

• Problem-solving and analytical skills

• Organisation and efficiency

• Independence

• Strong technical skills

• Teamworking skills

• Managerial and interpersonal skills

• IT skills.

Typical employers of mining engineers

• Mining companies

• Quarrying companies

• Extraction companies

• Environmental consultancies

• Large construction and manufacturing companies

• Mining consultancies

Mining engineering is an international profession, with many jobs based overseas.