Mining engineering

Description

Fields of engineering relevant to mining operations. Principles, techniques, procedures and equipment used in the extraction of minerals.

Alternative labels

mining techniques
mining knowledge
principles of mining
mine engineering
engineering in mining
mining principles
engineering of minerals extraction
techniques for mining
knowledge of mining
minerals extraction engineering
engineering of mines

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

sector-specific

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Mining engineering is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Quarry engineer: Quarry engineers analyse which extraction methods such as excavating, drilling and blasting are most suited to extract raw materials from the ground. They develop plans before a new quarry is opened, assessing if the quarry is profitable. Quarry engineers manage the everyday operations in a quarry, create and maintain progress reports, oversee the staff, ensure health and safety and assess the environmental impact a quarry has on its environment.
Mine manager: Mine managers control, direct, plan and coordinate mining production activities. They have statutory responsibility for safety and are also responsible for environmental impact. They oversee the acquisition, installation, maintenance and storage of mining plant and equipment. They lead and manage according to the organisation’s code of conduct.
Mine shift manager: Mine shift managers supervise staff, manage plant and equipment, optimise productivity and ensure safety at the mine on a day to day basis.
Mine development engineer: Mine development engineers design and coordinate mine development operations such as crosscutting, sinking, tunnelling, in-seam drivages, raising, and removing and replacing overburden. 
Mine planning engineer: Mine planning engineers design future mine layouts capable of achieving production and mine development objectives, taking into account the geological characteristics and structure of the mineral resource. They prepare production and development schedules and monitor progress against these.
Quarry manager: Quarry managers plan, oversee and coordinate quarry operations. They coordinate extraction, processing and transportation and ensure these processes run smoothly and according to health and safety standards. Quarry managers ensure the successful running of the quarry and implement company strategies and guidelines.
Mine production manager: Mine production managers coordinate and implement short and medium term mine production schedules and plans, such as drilling, blasting, ore and mineral extraction, and waste management.

Optional knowledge

Mining engineering is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Mine surveyor: Mine surveyors prepare and maintain mining plans in line with statutory and management requirements. They keep records of the physical progress of mining operations and of ore or mineral production.
Explosives engineer: Explosives engineers design drilling patterns and determine the amount of explosives required. They organise and supervise controlled blasts and report and investigate misfires. They manage explosives magazines.
Mine ventilation engineer: Mine ventilation engineers design and manage systems and equipment to ensure fresh air supply and air circulation in underground mines and the timely removal of noxious gases. They co-ordinate ventilation system design with mine management, mine safety engineer and mine planning engineer.
Mine health and safety engineer: Mine health and safety engineers develop and implement systems and procedures to prevent employee injury and sickness, improve mine working conditions, reduce health and safety risks and prevent damage to equipment and property.
Mine electrical engineer: Mine electrical engineers supervise the procurement, installation and maintenance of mining electrical equipment, using their knowledge of electrical and electronic principles. They organise the replacement and repair of electrical equipment and components.
Mine mechanical engineer: 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.

 


 

References

  1. Mining engineering – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022