Mine mechanical engineer

Description

Mine mechanical engineers supervise the procurement, installation, removal and maintenance of mining mechanical equipment, using their knowledge of mechanical specifications. They organise the replacement and repair of mechanical equipment and components.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to mine mechanical engineer:

mechanical engineer (mining)
mine operations manager

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as mine mechanical engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Mine mechanical engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Mine mechanical engineer career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to mine mechanical engineer.

quarry engineer
mine ventilation engineer
mine electrical engineer
mine health and safety engineer
mine planning engineer

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of mine mechanical engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of mine mechanical engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of mine mechanical engineer.

Impact of geological factors on mining operations: Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
Design drawings: Understand design drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.
Mine safety legislation: The laws, regulations and codes of practice relevant to safety in mining operations.
Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
Mechanical engineering: Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
Mechanical mine machinery manuals: Comprehend manufacturers’ manuals for the installation and operation of mining machinery. Understand schematic drawings.
Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of mine mechanical engineer.

Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
Ensure compliance with safety legislation: Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Maintain records of mining operations: Maintain records of mine production and development performance, including performance of machinery.
Manage emergency procedures: React quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.
Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
Procure mechanical machinery: Procure adequate machinery. Research the market to find the best machinery, staying within budget limits, and negotiate the purchase. Maintain records.
Supervise staff: Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.
Prepare technical reports: Prepare technical reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.
Maintain mine machinery: Inspect and conduct planned maintenance of mining equipment. Execute routine repairs and replace damaged components. Analyse test results and interpret machine error messages. Undertake maintenance activities such as cleaning and lubricating components.
Install mining machinery: Assemble, install and disassemble mining equipment. Outstanding eye-hand coordination and spatial awareness are required.
Advise on mine equipment: Provide advice on mining and equipment for mineral treatment; communicate and collaborate with engineering experts.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mine mechanical engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
Mining engineering: Fields of engineering relevant to mining operations. Principles, techniques, procedures and equipment used in the extraction of minerals.
Health and safety hazards underground: The rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground. 

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mine mechanical engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Monitor mine production: Oversee mining production rates in order to estimate operational effectiveness.
Address problems critically: Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.
Assess operating cost: Estimate the operating cost in terms of manpower, consumables and maintenance.
Present reports: Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.
Monitor mine costs: Monitor total costs of mining activities, projects and required equipment; pursue maximum operational cost efficiency.

ISCO group and title

2144 – Mechanical engineers

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Mine mechanical engineer – ESCO
Last updated on September 18, 2024