Knowing All About Mining Engineering

By Carey Bourdier


From the many reality TV shows you see this day, it looks as though anybody can just start up a mine and begin extracting minerals. All you need is some basic equipment and voila - you are sure to find gold. The reality however is a bit different and large-scale, professional mining companies employ mining engineers to help them during every step of the mining process.

In understanding the theory and science regarding mineral-extraction along with the technology in terms of retrieving these minerals from various sources, a mining engineer is the professional required. For maximizing the value for the minerals extracted, only a mining engineer can process it the best possible way to accomplish this task. Know that there should also be minimal damage to the environment wherefore mining engineers are expected to safely perform all necessary operations with due considerations of the residents, watersheds and all of the animals and plants within the environment where the mining company operates.

There is a wide variety of minerals being mined in the United States. You will find them in metal forms like gold, copper, cadmium, iron ore, silver and other relevant ones. Industrial minerals are also being mined like gypsum, diatomite, lime, salt, different types of clay, soda ash, zeolites and much more. Aside from the non-fuel minerals, petroleum, coal and natural gas or any other fuel sources are also part of what is being mined in the U.S. With the different types of mining present also come corresponding difficulties and restrictions where only those licensed mining engineers are those able to understand everything, from its minute details.

To begin a mine operation, a mining engineer is tasked to do a mineral exploration wherein possible sources is being studied for a particular fuel or mineral which then leads to the determination of profit - possible or not, in case a mining operation is pushed through in the identified place. A feasibility study is then expected from the mining engineer where he will have to discuss all possible pros and cons in creating a mine in said area, and possibly make recommendations too with regards to a possible mining operation.

If you wish to become a mining engineer, you need at least a four-year degree in mining engineering, and for many others graduate-level degrees as well. There are those with surveying and geology degrees. Engineers of this nature should be familiar with a huge amount of technology and with several surveying instruments like theodolite, inclinometer and more instruments for alignment and optical needs.

You should know that if such a career opportunity be of interest to you, you may be able to find many colleges and universities all over the world you can go to. Why in the United States, the list is longer than a dozen with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Utah, the University of Kentucky, the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the Colorado School of Mines making up some of the slots.




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