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Mining or Geological Engineer

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What You Need to Know About Mining or Geological Engineer

Mining or Geological Engineer Job Description Conduct sub-surface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

Life As a Mining or Geological Engineer: What Do They Do?

  • Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
  • Select or devise materials-handling methods and equipment to transport ore, waste materials, and mineral products efficiently and economically.
  • Design, develop, and implement computer applications for use in mining operations such as mine design, modeling, or mapping or for monitoring mine conditions.
  • Devise solutions to problems of land reclamation and water and air pollution, such as methods of storing excavated soil and returning exhausted mine sites to natural states.
  • Lay out, direct, and supervise mine construction operations, such as the construction of shafts and tunnels.
  • Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.

What a Mining or Geological Engineer Should Know

When polled, Mining and Geological Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Safety Engineer
  • Mine Engineer
  • Geophysical Engineer
  • Mineral Engineer
  • Mining Consultant

Job Demand for Mining and Geological Engineers

In the United States, there were 7,300 jobs for Mining or Geological Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Mining or Geological Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 600 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Mining or Geological Engineer are North Dakota, Colorado, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, Utah, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Mining or Geological Engineer

The salary for Mining and Geological Engineers ranges between about $54,550 and $151,030 a year.

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Mining and Geological Engineers who work in California, New Mexico, or Florida, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Mining and Geological Engineers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $97,670
Alaska $112,110
Arizona $81,150
California $123,060
Colorado $108,130
Florida $113,200
Idaho $74,990
Illinois $92,530
Indiana $72,840
Kentucky $94,810
Maryland $76,360
Michigan $78,700
Minnesota $101,710
Nevada $85,640
New Mexico $140,130
New York $90,240
North Dakota $80,350
Ohio $89,260
Oregon $76,810
Pennsylvania $90,510
Utah $93,580
Washington $99,490
West Virginia $76,050
Wyoming $93,990

Tools & Technologies Used by Mining and Geological Engineers

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Mining and Geological Engineers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Statistical software
  • Oracle Primavera Systems
  • Carlson SurvCADD
  • Maptek Vulcan
  • MineSight
  • Trimble Geomatics Office
  • Gemcom Surpac

How do I Become a Mining or Geological Engineer?

Individuals working as a Mining or Geological Engineer have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become a Mining or Geological Engineer?

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Where Mining and Geological Engineers Are Employed

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Mining and Geological Engineers work in the following industries:

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Those thinking about becoming a Mining or Geological Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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