Mining engineers routinely interact with engineers in other disciplines such as civil and mechanical engineering. Therefore, mining engineers need to possess knowledge of subjects like civil engineering, rock mechanics, geology, and law to carry out their professional duties effectively.
Both independently and as members of teams, mining engineers work on site and in offices on diverse projects. Mining engineers generally work about 40 hours per week. However, when on site, they often have to work extra hours, including evenings and weekends.
Mining operations are generally strenuous and demand a fair amount of physical strength and physical fitness. Depending upon the location of the mining site, temperatures may be above or below normal. In the past, many mines were dark, dangerous, hot, and poorly lit. However, the temperatures and working conditions of modern mines are bearable.
Mining engineers who work in open-cast mines should be able to brave a range of weather conditions such as rain, snow, hail, strong winds, and strong sunshine. Mining engineers are required to wear protective clothing such as hard hats, industrial boots, and fluorescent jackets when working on site. In many cases, the sites are located far from company offices or are located overseas, so mining engineers may need to travel to remote areas to access these sites.
Mining engineers need Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-approved engineering degrees with specializations in mining and/or geology. In addition to relevant qualifications, mining engineers should possess good verbal and written skills; strong engineering, scientific, mathematical, and problem-solving abilities; and be computer literate. Environmental awareness and strong interests in protecting natural resources are assets as well.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, mining engineers held about 5,200 jobs in 2004. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in 2005, mining and mineral engineers with bachelor's degrees in engineering earned between $48,250 and $77,160 per year, with the middle 50% earning about $64,690 per year. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,700 per year, and the top 10% earned more than $103,790 per year.
