Mining Engineers
Overview
Introduction
Mining engineers deal with the exploration, location, and planning for removal of minerals and mineral deposits from the earth. These include metals (iron, copper), nonmetallic minerals (limestone, gypsum), and coal. Mining engineers conduct preliminary surveys of mineral deposits and examine them to ascertain whether they can be extracted efficiently and economically, using either underground or surface mining methods. They plan and design the development of mine shafts and tunnels, devise means of extracting minerals, and select t...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that median annual earnings of mining and geological engineers were $92,250 in May 2018. Salaries ranged from less than $54,550 to more than $151,030. The top-paying industry for mining and geological engineers was scientific research and development services, paying engineers median annual salaries of $126,890, according to the DOL. Engineers who work...
Work Environment
Engineers in the mining industry generally work where the mineral deposits are situated, often near small, rural communities. But those who specialize in research, management, consulting, or sales may work in metropolitan areas.
For those who work at the mine sites, conditions vary depending on the mines location and structure and on what the engineer does. Conditions in the underground ...
Outlook
Employment for mining engineers is expected to grow by about 3 percent, slower than the average for all careers, through 2028. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment in mining engineers will depend on the demand for coal, metals, and minerals. The DOL states that while these resources will continue to be used in a variety of products, from construction materials and cars to cell ...