How to become a mining engineer

Pathways to this career

1. Mining engineers must have a bachelor degree in engineering, majoring in mining or geotechnical engineering.
2. Boost your profile as a mining engineer by studying a postgraduate degree, and gain higher level management roles.
3. Apply for a graduate position or entry level role and work 2-3 years before progressing to a professional mining engineer classification.
4. Industry licensing and registration may be a requirement in your state. For information on eligibility and how to apply, contact the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

What does a mining engineer do?

Duties and tasks

• Conduct preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits
• Prepare operation and project costs and production schedules
• Determine the most suitable methods of ore extraction
• Preparing plans and supervise construction of tunnels and chambers, location and construction of mine shafts
• Prepare technical reports for miners, engineers and managers
• Assess the natural, technical, financial and safety risks of project operations
• Planning and coordinating labour and equipment to meet targets, statutes, safety guidelines and environmental conditions
• Provide solutions to problems related to land reclamation, water and air pollution, and sustainability

Industry bodies

• Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia
• Engineers Australia is the national forum for the advancement of engineering
• National Engineering Registration Board
• Mining Carers Australia (MCA) 

Related jobs

• Petroleum engineer
• Surveyor
• Environmental engineer
• Engineer
• Engineering technologist
• Geologist geophysicist