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What does a Mining Engineer do?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered November 24 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
A Mining Engineer uses the principles of Engineering to safely and efficiently design or improves mines for mineral resource extraction. They usually specialize in one time of mineral or metal, such as copper or gold. Their focus is designing or developing a mine to maximize the mineral extraction from rock deposits.

 Mining engineers ensure that mine operations are safe for workers and that the equipment used on sites is appropriate for the job. They plan, design, and prepare analyses for both underground and open-air mining projects. They need to consider profits, safety, environmental regulations, and transportation costs.  

A significant focus of Mining Engineers is to find a middle ground between efficient mineral extraction and environmental concerns, such as land ownership, water and air pollution, and soil integrity. They will work with Environmental Engineers and other professionals to ensure that mining projects are compliant with environmental regulations and environmental impacts are minimized as much as possible. 

Roles & responsibilities of a Mining Engineer
  • Scout and select locations for mining
  • Use special equipment, tools, and machinery (e.g., drills, scanners, and probes) to analyze and test soil components and determine the presence of mineral deposits.
  • Study and analyze topographical maps to determine if extraction of minerals is possible.
  • Design excavation and extraction strategies, estimate the necessary workforce, machinery, time, and financial costs.
  • Document and present project reports and presentations to employers and contractors.
  • Plan and oversee mine or quarry construction projects.
  • Ensure all safety procedures are followed, emergency equipment is placed, and evacuation routes are appropriately established and designated.
  • Test the air for toxic or hazardous gases and construct extraction shafts and vents when necessary.
  • Write and file reports based on extraction activities, materials extracted, and incidents that occurred.
  • Ensure that materials extracted meet the expected quality and quantity standards.
  • Ensure extracting activity and machinery meet the regulatory environmental and ecological standards to minimize pollution and negative impact.
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