English for

Mining
Engineering
Mining Engineer Duties
and Responsibilities
A. Mining Engineer Duties and
Responsibilities

Mining engineers assess the feasibility, safety and productivity of mine locations and plan,
manage and optimise the extraction of surface and underground deposits. Mining
engineering is an international profession, with many jobs based overseas.
Daily duties for mining engineers vary based on the type of materials being extracted
from the ground, the nature of the site where mining operations are being conducted,
and the equipment and staff resources being made available by the hiring company.
There are several core job tasks associated with this career, however, that are
universally the same in spite of these variables.
Inspect Sites
Mining engineers inspect new and existing mining sites to determine the best ways to
extract specific materials from the ground. This includes visiting sites in person and using
maps and geological data to estimate material reserves.
Design Mines
Mining engineers design mines that allow workers to safely mine materials from the
ground.
Plan Mining Projects
Mining engineers determine the staff members and equipment needed to successfully
complete mining operations.
Manage Mining Operations
Mining engineers manage mining operations and supervise mining projects and staff to
ensure projects are moving forward on schedule and within budget parameters.
Maintain Mining Equipment
Mining engineers troubleshoot, upgrade, and purchase mining equipment, and make
decisions about the type of equipment that should be purchased to complete specific
mining projects.
Evaluate Operations
Mining engineers evaluate ongoing mining operations. This includes writing reports
regarding supplies, equipment, and mined materials.
Follow Safety Regulations
Mining engineers follow safety regulations set forth by the company and local, state, and
federal laws.
Stay Up-to-Date on Technologies
Mining engineers stay up-to-date on new mining technologies, and attend conferences
and workshops to learn about the latest mining equipment and industry developments.

B. Mining Engineer Skills and Qualifications

Mining engineers use analytical skills to conduct evaluations of mining
sites, design mines, and determine the equipment and staff needed to carry
out mining operations. Employers hire mining engineers who have all the
skills necessary to fulfill the duties associated with this job.

• Mechanical ability – mining engineers select and maintain mining

equipment, which requires mechanical ability
• Communication – mining engineers use written communication skills to
write reports on mining operations
• Analytical ability – mining engineers use excellent analytical abilities to
design mines and mining operations
• Computer skills – mining engineers work with GPS and computer
software programs to design and manage mining operations, which
requires good computer skills
• Mathematics – mining engineers use math skills to make calculations to
design mines, determine mining staff needs, and select appropriate
equipment
• Management – mining engineers determine mine staffing needs,
supervise mining staff, and make decisions regarding equipment
purchases, upgrades, and repairs, tasks which require good management
skills

C. Tools of the Trade

Mining engineers regularly work with these tools and equipment:
▪ Ground testing tools (drills, scanners, probes)
▪ Safety equipment (masks, goggles, helmets, gloves)
▪ Surveying tools (maps, GPS, imaging equipment)

D. Key Skills For Mining Engineers

▪ Confidence
▪ Problem-solving and analytical skill
▪ Organisation and efficiency
▪ Independence
▪ Strong technical skill
▪ Teamworking skills
▪ Managerial and interpersonal skills
▪ IT skill

E. Typical Employers of Mining Engineers

▪ Mining companies
▪ Quarrying companies
▪ Extraction companies
▪ Environmental consultancies
▪ Large construction and manufacturing companies
▪ Mining consultancies