Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers are concerned with the efficient construction, equipment and operation of mines. They plan mine working, hoisting mechanisms, power supplies and systems for drainage, ventilation and lighting. They deal with the operation of extracting ores and other minerals from the earth and handling them to the point of delivery for processing.

Tasks

• Conduct investigations of mineral deposits and undertake calculations in collaboration with geologist, other earth scientists and economists to determine whether the mineral deposits can be mined profitably;
• Determine the most suitable method of mining the minerals taking into account factors such as the depth and characteristics of the deposit and its surroundings;
• Prepare plans for mines, including tunnels and shafts for underground operations, and pits and transport roads for open-cut operations, using computer-aided design packages;
• Prepare the layout for mine development and the procedure by which the minerals are to be mined;
• Plan and coordinate the employment of mining staff and equipment with regard to efficiency, safety and environmental conditions;
• Talk to geologist and other engineers about design, selection and provision of machines, facilities and systems for mining, as well as infrastructure such as access roads, water and power supplies;
• Liaise and coordinate with the operations supervisor to make sure there is proper implementation of the plans;
• Operate computers to assist with calculations, prepare estimates on the cost of the operation and control expenditure when mines come into production;
• Oversee the construction of the mine and the installation of plan and equipment;
• Make sure that mining regulations are observed, including the proper use of explosives, and the correct ventilation to allow the removal of dust and gases;
• Conduct research aimed at improving efficiency and safety of mines;
• Establish first aide and emergency services facilities at the mines.

Basic Educational Requirement

A Bachelors degree in Mining Engineering is the minimum educational requirement. A license is given by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), the body which conducts the licensure examinations given to professionals. Advanced studies may also be obtained in masteral and doctoral programs offered by some universities.

Skills and Competencies

• Able to identify, analyze and solve problems;
• Good oral and written communication skills;
• Aptitude for computing and design;
• Able to think and act decisively.
• Good at mathematics;

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

• Must be firm and hardworking, self-disciplined, and honest;
• Physically fit for manual work;
• Enjoy technical and engineering work;
• Willing to adhere to the safety requirements of the operation;
• Able to work independently;
• Able to accept responsibility;
• Able to work as part of a team;
• Practical and creative.

Salary/Compensation

Locally, mining engineers usually receive a starting salary of P20,000- P 25,000 while those working abroad get a monthly salary of P100,000 to P130,000.

Prospects for Career Advancement

A mining engineer may work for industrial corporations engaged in mining or for the petroleum industry. He may begin his career in the underground as a sampler, a geologist assistant or a surveyor. A mining engineer may also be of service to private mine owners or government bureaus. Those who gain experience and earn advanced degrees sometimes move to research and consulting jobs, appraising mines or mineral deposits for investors. College and university teaching is another career possibility.

Employment Opportunities

Mines find greatest need for mining engineering graduates in areas of engineering, supervision or research. The heavy construction industry also has a need for mining technology, particularly in areas such as tunneling. Opportunities may also open up for mining engineers who can develop efficient ways to mine ores which cannot be profitably extracted with present techniques. The search for deposits of minerals and oil around the world may also create job openings.

Cost of Education *

The cost of a five-year bachelors degree in Mining Engineering ranges from P160,000 to P 200,000 depending on the school category you want to take up the course. There are only four universities here in the Philippines that offer a Bachelors Degree in Mining Engineering and these are Adamson University (Manila); Mapua Institute of Technology (Manila), UP Diliman (Quezon City), and Saint Louis University (Baguio City).

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007 - 2008

Source: Bureau of Local Employment, Manila, Philippines.