Mining engineers tackle complex projects

Mining

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For thousands of years, man has mined the earth for its riches.

Today's mining operations, from huge strip mines involving the

excavation of millions of tonnes of earth to shafts dug kilometres down,

are located in all parts of the globe. Engineers who work to discover,

evaluate, recover and process mineral deposits are called mining

engineers.

The mining engineer develops and applies methods of finding and

recovering metals, minerals and ores from under the earth or the ocean

floor. The process of mining is complex and can be hazardous.

Extraction requires vast amounts of economic and mechanical resources to

ensure maximum extraction of a product with low cost. Mining engineers

have received at least a bachelor of engineering or science degree.

Edmonton's University of Alberta offers a four-year undergraduate

program in mining engineering through their department of mining,

metallurgical and petroleum engineering. The program emphasizes

computer techniques as applied to mining and features a comprehensive

mine-design project in the final two terms. Applicable university

studies include calculus, physics, engineering design, inorganic and

analytic chemistry, geology, hydraulics, thermodynamics, power-system

design, electricity, computer science, construction materials,

structural design, systems engineering, material handling, mining

methods, ventilation and safety, and mineral processing. Industrial

organization, economics and management courses are also important.

Admission requires an overall high school average of 70 per cent in

math, physics, chemistry and English.

Even before a shovel of dirt is removed, mining engineers evaluate

potential mineral and ore deposits by studying rock formations, water,

soil and plant characteristics. Once they decide that a site has

potential for development, mining engineers will plan, design and

develop the layout of the mine and choose the type of equipment that

will be used in extraction. They also design support systems for the

mine, such as ventilation systems and conveyor belts or rails for the

removal of bulk ore.

When a mine is in operation, the mining engineer remains involved in

the day-to-day operations of the mine. Other engineers go into mineral

processing and are involved in the separation of minerals from the bulk

ore. To do this, they apply various methods to concentrate the product,

using chemicals, heat, water, electrolysis or density differentials.

Mining engineers are among the highest-paid engineers. The starting

salary for a graduate is about $35,000 per year, while an experienced

mining engineer can expect to earn well over $80,000. Job prospects

continue to be good, as the mining industry expects moderate, steady

increase for the foreseeable future.