2143 – Mining engineers

Mining engineers plan, design, organize and supervise the development of mines, mine facilities, systems and equipment; and prepare and supervise the extraction of metallic or non-metallic minerals and ores from underground or surface mines. They are employed by mining companies, consulting engineering companies, manufacturers, government and in educational and research institutions.

Profile

Index of titles

Example titles

• Consulting mining engineer
• Mine design engineer
• Mine development engineer
• Mine layout engineer
• Mine planning engineer
• Mine production engineer
• Mine safety engineer
• Mine ventilation engineer
• Mineral dressing engineer
• Mineral engineer
• Mines exploration engineer
• Mining engineer

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Conduct preliminary surveys and studies of ore, mineral or coal deposits to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of potential mining operations
• Determine the appropriate means of safely and efficiently mining deposits
• Determine and advise on appropriate drilling and blasting methods for mining, construction or demolition
• Design shafts, ventilation systems, mine services, haulage systems and supporting structures
• Design, develop and implement computer applications such as for mine design, mine modelling, mapping or for monitoring mine conditions
• Plan and design or select mining equipment and machinery and mineral treatment machinery and equipment in collaboration with other engineering specialists
• Plan, organize and supervise the development of mines and mine structures and the operation and maintenance of mines
• Prepare operations and project estimates, schedules and reports
• Implement and co-ordinate mine safety programs
• Supervise and co-ordinate the work of technicians, technologists, survey personnel, and other engineers and scientists.

Employment requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
• A master’s degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
• Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
• Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

Additional information

• Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
• Mining engineers work closely with geologists, geological engineers, metallurgical engineers, and other engineers and scientists, and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization.
• Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Exclusions

• Engineering managers (0211)
• Geological engineers (2144)
• Geoscientists and oceanographers (2113)
• Metallurgical and materials engineers (2142)
• Mine managers (in 0811 Managers in natural resources production and fishing)
• Petroleum engineers (2145)