Index

Intro
Main Duties
Employment Requirements
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Exclusions

Intro

Mining engineers plan, design, organize and supervise the development of mines, mine facilities, systems and equipment; and prepare and supervise the extraction of metallic or non-metallic minerals and ores from underground or surface mines. Mining engineers are employed by mining companies, consulting engineering companies, manufacturers, government and in educational and research institutions.

Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.

Mining engineers work closely with geologists, geological engineers, metallurgical engineers, and other engineers and scientists, and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization.

Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Main Duties

Mining engineers perform some or all of the following duties:

Conduct preliminary surveys and studies of ore, mineral or coal deposits to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of potential mining operations
Determine the appropriate means of safely and efficiently mining deposits
Determine and advise on appropriate drilling and blasting methods for mining, construction or demolition
Design shafts, ventilation systems, mine services, haulage systems and supporting structures
Design, develop and implement computer applications such as for mine design, mine modelling, mapping or for monitoring mine conditions
Plan and design or select mining equipment and machinery and mineral treatment machinery and equipment in collaboration with other engineering specialists
Plan, organize and supervise the development of mines and mine structures and the operation and maintenance of mines
Prepare operations and project estimates, schedules and reports
Implement and co-ordinate mine safety programs
Supervise and co-ordinate the work of technicians, technologists, survey personnel, and other engineers and scientists.

Employment Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
A master’s degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

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