Mining and geological engineers find, extract, and prepare coal, metals, and minerals for use by manufacturing industries and utilities. They design open pit and underground mines, supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels in underground operations, and devise methods for transporting minerals to processing plants. Mining engineers are responsible for the safe, economical, and environmentally sound operation of mines. Some mining engineers work with geologists and metallurgical engineers to locate and appraise new ore deposits. Others develop new mining equipment or direct mineral processing operations to separate minerals from the dirt, rock, and other materials with which they are mixed. Mining engineers frequently specialize in the mining of one mineral or metal, such as coal or gold. With increased emphasis on protecting the environment, many mining engineers work to solve problems related to land reclamation and water and air pollution.
Mining safety engineers use their knowledge of mine design and practices to ensure the safety of workers and to comply with State and Federal safety regulations. They inspect walls and roof surfaces, test air samples, and examine mining equipment for compliance with safety practices.
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers, held about 6,500 jobs in 2000. While one-half worked in the mining industry, other mining engineers worked in government agencies or engineering consulting firms.
Mining engineers usually are employed at the
location of natural deposits, often near small communities, and sometimes
outside the United States. Those in research and development, management,
consulting, or sales, however, often are located in metropolitan areas.
Employment of mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers, is expected to decline through 2010. Most of the industries in which mining engineers are concentrated-such as coal, metal, and mineral mining, as well as stone, clay, and glass products manufacturing-are expected to experience declines in employment.
Although no job openings are expected to result from employment growth, there should be openings resulting from the need to replace mining engineers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. A large number of mining engineers currently employed are approaching retirement age. In addition, relatively few schools offer mining engineering programs, and the small number of graduates is not expected to increase.
Mining operations around the world recruit
graduates of U.S. mining engineering programs. Consequently, job
opportunities may be better worldwide than within the United States. As a
result, graduates should be prepared for the possibility of frequent
travel or even living abroad.
Median annual earnings of mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers, were $60,820 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $47,320 and $78,720. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,050.
According to a 2001 salary survey by the National
Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in
mining engineering received starting offers averaging $42,507 a year and
master's degree candidates, on average, were offered $54,038.
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