MINING ENGINEERS

Nature of the Work

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.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

A bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program is usually required for beginning engineering jobs.  College graduates with a degree in a physical science or mathematics may occasionally qualify for some engineering jobs, especially in engineering specialties in high demand.  Most engineering degrees are granted in branches such as electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering.  However, engineers trained in one branch may work in another.  This flexibility allows employers to meet staffing needs in new technologies and specialties in short supply.  It also allows engineers to shift to fields with better employment prospects, or ones that match their interests more closely.

Job Outlook

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.

Earnings

Starting salaries for engineers with the bachelor's degree are significantly higher than starting salaries of bachelor's degree graduates in other fields.  According to the College Placement Council, engineering graduates with a bachelor's degree averaged about $34,000 a year in private industry in 1992; those with a master's degree and no experience, $39,200 a year; and those with a Ph.D., $54,400.  The average starting salary for mining engineers with a bachelor's degree was $31,177.

Sources of Additional Information

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., P.O.  Box 625002, Littleton, CO 80162-5002.


