Underground mining engineers are responsible for making sure mine shafts meet safety regulations.
Mining engineers' main function is to extract ore and other minerals from the earth. They typically spend their days in mining pits, supervising large crews of workers. When deposits of ore are discovered, mining firms send engineers to study maps, waterways and samples of rock. They then meet with scientists and government officials to assess whether mining the minerals is cost effective. If a specific project gets the green light, several roles open up for mining engineers.
Mining Engineer
The mining engineer is responsible for providing project management and technical support to the mine. This includes mine ventilation systems, rock mechanics, mapping, mine design, equipment design and selection, environmental compliance, safety compliance and record keeping.
Underground Mining Engineer
Underground mining engineers supervise the construction of the mine roof, which ensures safety for all underground mine personnel. They are responsible for planning and updating the long-term project. They are expected to have a vast knowledge of underground mine planning, blasting, and underground crushing and conveying.
Mining Inspector
A mining inspector is in charge of the safety of the mine. This includes making sure the day-to-day operations of the mining shafts, conveyor belts, mining equipment, blasting equipment and ventilation systems meet government safety regulations.
Consulting
A mining consultant typically works for an engineering firm and offers opinion and insight on all issues related to the mining project. Consulting positions are also available at equipment design firms, where consultants would advise mining companies on the designs of the mine shafts, choosing blasting equipment, and the intricate hand tools used by the underground miners.
Other Careers
Many experienced mining engineers become salespeople at mining equipment companies. Some go back to school and obtain doctorate degrees in engineering in order to teach and train potential mining engineers at major universities. And others are hired to do research or run engineering firms.
Tags: mining engineers, blasting equipment, equipment design, making sure, mine shafts, mine This
