Mining Engineers

Mining engineers deal with the exploration, location, and planning for removal of minerals and mineral deposits from the earth. These include metals (iron, copper), nonmetallic minerals (limestone, gypsum), and coal. Mining engineers conduct preliminary surveys of mineral deposits and examine them to ascertain whether they can be extracted efficiently and economically, using either underground or surface mining methods. They plan and design the development of mine shafts and tunnels, devise means of extracting minerals, and select the methods to be used in transporting the minerals to the surface. They supervise all mining operations and are responsible for mine safety. Mining engineers normally specialize in design, research and development, or production. Mining equipment engineers may specialize in design, research, testing, or sales of equipment and services. Mines also require safety engineers.

There are approximately 5,900 mining and geological engineers employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Little Change or More Slowly than the Average

Personality Traits

Hands On

Scientific

Technical

Career Ladder

Project Director, or Manager, or Professor

Mining Engineer

Junior Mining Engineer