Mining engineers find, extract, and prepare metals and minerals for manufacturing industries to use. 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 they are mixed with. Mining engineers frequently specialize in the mining of one mineral, such as coal or gold.
With increased emphasis on protecting the environment, many mining engineers have been working to solve problems related to land reclamation and water and air pollution.
A mining engineer studies a map of a strip mine.
Mining engineers held about 3,600 jobs in 1992. Over two-thirds worked in the mining industry. Other jobs were located in engineering consulting firms, government agencies, or in manufacturing industries.
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.
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 the mine and make a profit.
In the mid-1980's, mining engineers experienced poor employment opportunities because low prices for oil and metals reduced profitability in coal, metal, and other mining. The prices of these commodities, metals in particular, have increased recently to levels high enough to raise output and expand employment opportunities. Although the long-term business environment for mining generally is perceived to be favorable, a mine takes years of research, planning, and development to become fully operational, and, even then, may not contribute to rapid expansion in employment opportunities for mining engineers. In fact, little change in employment is expected through the year 2005. However, the number of annual openings arising from the need to replace those who transfer out of the occupation or retire should be sufficient to absorb the expected small number of new graduates and other entrants.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor