What does a mining and geological engineer do?

What is a Mining and Geological Engineer?

A mining and geological engineer is someone who designs mines for the safe and efficient removal of minerals (such as coal and metals) for manufacturing and utilities. Mining engineers work mostly in mining operations in remote locations, however some work in sand-and-gravel operations located near larger cities.

What does a Mining and Geological Engineer do?

Mining and geological engineers typically do the following:

• Design open-pit and underground mines
• Supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels in underground operations
• Devise methods for transporting minerals to processing plants
• Prepare technical reports for miners, engineers, and managers
• Monitor production rates to assess the effectiveness of operations
• Provide solutions to problems related to land reclamation, water and air pollution, and sustainability
• Ensure that mines are operated in safe and environmentally sound ways

Mining and geological engineers often specialize in one particular mineral or metal, such as coal or gold. They typically design and develop mines and determine the best way to extract metal or minerals to get the most out of deposits. Some engineers work with geologists and metallurgical engineers to find and evaluate new deposits. Other mining engineers develop new equipment or direct mineral-processing operations to separate minerals from dirt, rock, and other materials.

Mining and geological engineers use methods grounded in their knowledge of geology to search for mineral deposits and evaluate possible sites. Once a site is identified, they plan how the metals or minerals will be extracted in efficient and environmentally sound ways.

What is the workplace of a Mining and Geological Engineer like?

Most mining and geological engineers work at mining operations in remote locations. More experienced engineers can get jobs in offices of mining firms or consulting companies, which are generally in large urban areas. Those with a master's degree can find employment as a professor in a university.