Mining engineer

Mining engineers apply their skills in engineering, science and technology to extract minerals from the earth, in this multidisciplinary role

As a mining engineer, you'll ensure the safe and efficient development of mines and other surface and underground operations. The role combines an understanding of the effects of these structures on their surrounding environment with technical knowledge and management skills.

You'll be involved at all stages of a project, including assessing viability and planning a site's structure before a new site is developed. You'll also manage and oversee mining production processes, including getting involved in the final closure and rehabilitation process.

There are limited opportunities in the UK in areas such as mining consultancy, minerals, tunnelling and quarrying. Due to the decline of large-scale mining, most mining engineering roles are international, and opportunities are stronger overseas.

Responsibilities

As a mining engineer, you'll typically need to:

• assess the commercial viability of new mining ventures
• undertake feasibility studies
• model or design potential mine sites
• prepare plans for mines, such as underground tunnels and shafts
• work with specialist software to support planning programmes
• oversee major construction projects and ensure that operations run smoothly
• monitor activities underground
• oversee staff activities, either in one site section or throughout an entire mine
• ensure the safety of mining equipment and assess mine equipment supplies
• establish extraction systems
• oversee the health and safety of the site, particularly in relation to issues such as ventilation
• plan for transition from surface to underground mining operations
• provide consultancy and advice on mining and mineral extraction projects
• fill in disused mine shafts
• reclaim mine sites
• manage monthly budgets and keep detailed records.

Salary

• Mining engineers typically start on between £25,000 and £35,000.
• With five years' experience, this can increase to £40,000 to £60,000.
• Salaries at senior level (e.g. after 10 to 15 years in the role) can rise to £75,000.

Salaries tend to be considerably higher overseas.

Salary levels vary between employers and sectors. More demanding work locations, such as in poor weather conditions and those with strict rules, may offer better salaries. Generally, the more remote the area the higher the allowance, with additional benefits such as housing and fly in/fly out work. Some companies provide performance-related pay schemes and additional benefits.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Mining engineers often work long hours, especially overseas. Rotational schedules are common - for example, you may spend up to three months on site followed by a few weeks of leave.

What to expect

• Conditions on site can be tough, but the work is more technical than physically demanding.
• Most roles are overseas, with major opportunities in Australia, South America, Africa and Canada. UK roles are mainly in consultancy, tunnelling and quarrying.
• You’ll spend long periods away from home, which can be challenging, but it also gives you the chance to experience different countries and cultures.
• Consultancy work may be possible later in your career once you have built up experience and industry contacts.

Qualifications

Most mining engineers enter the profession with one of the following degrees:

• mining and mineral engineering
• civil engineering
• geology
• mine and quarry engineering
• minerals surveying.

The main UK course is the BEng Mining Engineering at the Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter), accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). This includes site visits and placements, which are valuable for making contacts.

If your first degree is in a related subject, you can boost your chances with a postgraduate course in mining engineering or a specialist area such as mining geology or applied geotechnics.

As this is a global career, you'll need to check that your qualification is recognised in the countries where you want to work. For example, in Australia and Canada, a four-year engineering degree is the standard entry route.

It's also possible to move into the role from related work experience, but opportunities may be more limited.

Rules about how to qualify for employment as a mining engineer differ between countries. In Australia for example, you must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree. Relevant work experience is highly regarded by most employers and employment may be difficult to find without it.

Skills

You'll need to demonstrate you have skills in:

• teamwork and the ability to manage and motivate people
• project and time management
• problem solving and analysis
• clear communication and presenting ideas
• planning and prioritising tasks
• budgeting and managing finances
• using IT and specialist software
• understanding health and safety in mining.

Work experience

Relevant practical work experience is essential, although opportunities can be difficult to find. You should make the most of any contacts you make overseas on work placements during your course.

The major mining companies generally employ on an international basis, which means that there is competition for jobs from overseas candidates.

To keep up to date with the latest industry news and opinion read magazines such as:

• Materials World - magazine of the IOM3
• Mining.com
• Mining Journal

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Most core mining engineering vacancies tend to be based overseas, most commonly in Australia, South America, Africa and Canada, although there are UK-based opportunities in areas such as:

• minerals
• mining consultancy
• oil and gas
• quarrying
• tunnelling.

Typical employers include:

• mining companies - exploring, developing and managing mine sites
• consultancies - advising on the costs, feasibility and environmental impact of projects
• environmental firms - working on land reclamation and assessing site impacts
• quarrying and extraction companies - planning and running quarry operations
• large manufacturers and construction firms - managing production and operations.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Career Mine
• First Quantum Minerals
• IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining)
• UK Engineering Recruitment Ltd

Vacancies in mining, tunnelling and quarrying are provided through specialist recruitment agencies, such as:

• Cornwall Mining and Geo-Resources Alliance
• CSG
• ExtractiveSearch
• Williams Mining

Find contacts for speculative UK applications by using the Directory of Mines and Quarries, produced by the British Geological Survey (BGS).

Professional development

When you start out, you'll usually receive on-the-job training and support from experienced colleagues. Because mining is such a varied industry, you’ll need to keep updating your knowledge and skills throughout your career.

Joining a professional body such as the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) gives you access to CPD opportunities, networking and events. As you gain experience, you can work towards becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) through the Engineering Council, which shows you have the expertise and professional standards needed to take on senior roles.

To achieve CEng status, you'll need to submit evidence of your experience, specialist knowledge and competence, and pass an assessment.

Employers may also support further study at postgraduate level. Options include specialist Masters degrees in areas such as mining engineering, mining geology or applied geotechnics, which can help you progress into technical, consultancy or management roles.

Many countries value UK qualifications, and CEng status can strengthen your chances of securing international work. Postgraduate study can also make it easier to meet specific entry requirements overseas, particularly in regions such as Australia and Canada where four-year engineering degrees are the standard.

Career prospects

Mining engineers usually move up the career ladder every two to three years. A typical progression might be:

• junior mining engineer
• mine planning engineer
• senior mining engineer
• mine supervisor
• resident or site manager.

Larger international companies often offer structured graduate programmes, with clear promotion routes and chances to work abroad. UK-based roles are more limited and often office-based, focusing on consultancy, tunnelling or quarrying.

Industry trends are creating new opportunities, including:

• critical minerals - the demand for lithium, cobalt and rare earths is increasing as they’re needed for batteries, renewable energy and technology
• sustainable mining - companies are under pressure to reduce emissions, improve safety and rehabilitate land, which is opening up roles linked to environmental management.
• technology and automation - digital modelling, drones, AI and remote-controlled machinery are changing the way mines are planned and run.

With enough experience there are also opportunities to progress into senior or consultant roles, and international experience is highly valued for this.