Overview
Mining engineers plan, design, organize and supervise the development of mines, mine facilities, systems and equipment; and prepare and supervise the extraction of metallic or non-metallic minerals and ores from underground or surface mines. They are employed by mining companies, consulting engineering companies, manufacturers, government and in educational and research institutions.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conduct preliminary surveys and studies of ore, mineral or coal deposits to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of potential mining operations
Determine the appropriate means of safely and efficiently mining deposits
Determine and advise on appropriate drilling and blasting methods for mining, construction or demolition
Design shafts, ventilation systems, mine services, haulage systems and supporting structures
Design, develop and implement computer applications such as for mine design, mine modelling, mapping or for monitoring mine conditions
Plan and design or select mining equipment and machinery and mineral treatment machinery and equipment in collaboration with other engineering specialists
Plan, organize and supervise the development of mines and mine structures and the operation and maintenance of mines
Prepare operations and project estimates, schedules and reports
Implement and coordinate mine safety programs
Supervise and co-ordinate the work of technicians, technologists, survey personnel, and other engineers and scientists.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$42,963
$99,316
$280,763
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
114expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in mining engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Additional information
Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
Mining engineers work closely with geologists, geological engineers, metallurgical engineers, and other engineers and scientists, and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization.
Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Mining engineers in B.C.
- Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Mining Engineers
Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Mining Engineers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a mining engineer in B.C., you must register with Engineers and Geoscientists B.C. Eligibility is achieved through graduation from an accredited program, 4 years of work experience as an Engineer-In-Training, and successful completion of the National Professional Practice Examination.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.