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Mining Engineers are responsible for the safe operations of mining facilities. These men and women must take into account many factors in determining work plans for the excavation of mineral and metals within the earth.

Wherever mining engineers work, they turn an analytical eye on all issues that arise during the course of a mining project--with special attention paid to the health and safety of workers and environmental impact.

Specifically Mining engineers:

Use computer-simulation and other techniques to determine the best method of mining
Plan the location and development of mines
Plan the height, placement, and type of excavation equipment
Plan methods of returning the mining site to its natural state after the deposits have been exhausted
Plan and supervise the construction of access roads, water systems, power supplies, drainage systems, and materials separating, cleaning, grading, and reduction facilities
Write environmental impact statements and other reports

Education and Experience

Entry-level mining engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and graduate degrees are often necessary for advancement. An engineer who provides engineering services to the public must be licensed. This certification requires a degree from an accredited engineering program, 4 years of relevant work experience, and the passing a state exam. Engineers are exempt from licensure if they are working under the supervision of a licensed engineer.

Compensation

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mining Engineers average yearly earnings of $67,200 in 2003 .

A 2003 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that mining and mineral engineering bachelor’s degree candidates received starting offers averaging $44,326

Preparing for a career in mining engineering

If you are in high school and you are interested in a career in mining engineer, here are some tips for a good preparation in mining engineering

Go for challenging math and science courses, like calculus, physics, chemistry, and earth science.
Take English classes seriously -- you’ll need to be able to read complex material and write about your work for others.
Get the computer skills you’ll need by learning computer-aided drafting.
Find out if a nearby natural history museum offers geology classes or field trips.
Join an outdoors or environmental club and plan activities like fossil hunting.
Join an engineering club or get others involved in engineering competitions, such as the one offered by JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society).

Here are some links to explore further careers in mining engineering:

US Department of Labor
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos035.htm

Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
http://www.smenet.org/

National Mining Association
http://www.nma.org/