Mining Engineering Career
In this ever changing world in which we live, the job of the mining engineer is one which is ever evolving and ever more challenging. As the demands of society increase, yet traditionally mined minerals and ores become less plentiful and/or accessible, new sites and new mining techniques have to be discovered or developed on an ongoing basis. This is the first step in the lengthy and complicated process of removing minerals from their naturally occuring environment and processing them for human usage and the stage where the mining engineer's task begins.
By liasing particularly with geologists, it is the mining engineer's responsibility to find new sites where minerals or ores are likely to be found and capable of safely being extracted in sufficient quantity. The engineer has to consider a diverse blend of factors such as how plentiful the mineral supply is likely to be, how it is likely to be accessed, what both the long and short term effects of mining the mineral will have on the local environment, how it is likely to be brought to the surface and even how it is likely to be transported to its subsequent destination. He also has to look at issues such as who will own the rights to the site, how much the party will be looking to charge in exchange for mining rights and how viable the subsequent answers make the whole process. This is all before a pick or shovel can be raised!
When the stage is reached where a feasability study has proven successful and the necessary rights have been secured, the second major stage of the mining engineer's task can begin. He then has to oversee the process of constructing the mine proper. This covers everything from what equipment will be required and from where it is to be obtained, to how it will be employed and by whom, to considering any and all potential health and safety issues which will affect the mine's workers. These factors are also ones which he has to monitor on an ongoing basis when work begins - above and below ground - constantly assessing and revising operational procedures, in a way which matters such as costing and day to day activities dictate.
When the minerals or ores are safely extracted and sent on their way, this does not necessarily signify the end of the mining engineer's involvement. It may be that his advice will be sought in the refining process and that his presence is therefore required some considerable distance away from the site.
Mines can of course prove viable for many years or decades but there inevitably comes a stage either when they are worked out or where it is no longer cost effective or practical to continue operations. This stage is the final one in the mining engineer's involvement as it is his responsibility to look at matters such as how the mine is to be filled in and the environment returned as closely as possible to its natural state.
The career of a mining engineer consequently promises great variety for those considering it, as well as considerable opportunity for travel and further development on an ongoing basis. As scientific advances continue and new theories and techniques present themselves every day, this is something which is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
