Mining engineers design new mining systems and equipment to make mining safer, cleaner, and more efficient. They work in research and development or on specific mining projects, specializing in a certain type of mineral or mining technique. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering is required, and licensing exams may be necessary.
A mining engineer uses his specialized knowledge of mechanical engineering principles to design new mining systems and equipment. Engineers delve into existing mining technology and come up with ways that systems can be made safer, cleaner and more efficient. Some professionals work in research and development companies to design new equipment, while others actively participate in specific mining endeavors, from identifying natural deposits to implementing the construction of mine shafts.
Mining has historically been a dangerous, labor-intensive and expensive process. The objective of a mining engineer is to create new equipment and methods for extracting minerals that guarantee the protection of workers and the environment. Engineers keep costs low by developing more efficient and effective mining techniques. A mining engineer may specialize in a certain type of mineral, such as copper, coal, or potash, or a specific mining technique, such as surface or underground mining.
Engineers working for equipment manufacturers or research and development companies carefully analyze flaws in current systems, such as drilling devices or ventilation systems. They often work in teams to design new equipment and machines, sketching blueprints and creating computer simulations. When a team believes it has a good plan, it oversees the construction of a prototype and tests it under real conditions. A successful project is presented to the team supervisor or business owner, who can authorize production and distribution of the new machine.
A mining engineer can also work onsite with project managers and work crews, helping them discover mineral deposits and begin the excavation process. The engineer consults with workers on how or where to drill, dig, or plant explosives. He or she supervises the construction of the shafts and inspects the ground to ensure safety and stability. Many engineers work full time in the established mines to ensure progress and help resolve any issues that may arise with equipment or processes.
A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering is sufficient to become a mining engineer in most situations. Some students pursue a master’s or doctoral degree specifically in mining engineering to improve their credentials and better understand the ins and outs of the profession. It is often necessary for a new engineer to gain several years of supervised experience and pass a licensing exam before working independently. Licensing tests are administered by the boards of directors of the state or country in which an engineer wishes to work. Over time, an experienced mining engineer who excels at his job may be given the opportunity to become a lead supervisor, project manager or top executive in a company.
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