Mining engineers use engineering principles, technology, and scientific theory to extract natural resources, according to the Colorado School of Mines. Mining engineers oversee both mining operations and miners and are employed by many mining-related organizations.
Career Overview
Mining engineers plan, design, and operate mining processes, both underground and above ground. Mines provide natural resources that help create everyday necessities including clothing, food, and housing. Mining engineers help extract natural resources like gravel, coal, copper, iron, tungsten, gold, and silver. In addition to overseeing mine operations and supervising mines, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov) reports that mining engineers' administrative responsibilities include:
- Designing underground mines
- Supervising the construction of mine shafts and tunnels
- Designing mining equipment
- Training personnel
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisCareer">Important Facts about this Career</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Entry-Level Education</td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td>Licensing</td><td>License required in every state</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td>Analysis, decision-making, logical thinking, aptitude for math, problem solving</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td>Architectural and Engineering Managers, Civil Engineers, Geological and Petroleum Technicians, Geoscientists, Natural Sciences Managers</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---OverseeMineOperations">Oversee Mine Operations</h3><p>Mining engineers strive to extract the most natural resources from the mine for the least amount of money. They also try to limit the amount of water the mine uses and the pollution the mine produces.
</p><h3 id="section---SuperviseMiners">Supervise Miners</h3><p>A bachelor's degree gives mining engineers the skills to supervise and manage various parts of the mine. Mining engineers supervise small groups of employees to creating models of the mine in order to plan processes. These professionals can also oversee a mine's finances, safety, project management, employee relations, and environmental impact.
</p><h3 id="section---WorkEnvironments">Work Environments</h3><p>Although many people think mining engineers only work in mines, they can actually work in many different environments and companies. Mining engineers can work for organizations such as:
</p><ul><li>Mining companies
</li><li>Manufacturing companies
</li><li>State or federal agencies
</li><li>Engineering firms
</li></ul><h3 id="section---SalaryInfoAndJobOutlook">Salary Info and Job Outlook</h3><p>According to the BLS, the median annual salary earned by mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers, was $97,090 in May 2021. The employment of such engineers is expected to grow by 2% between 2021 and 2031, per the BLS.</p>
