Tell me about it
Mining engineers ensure the safe and economically sound development of mines and other surface and underground operations. The role combines an understanding of the effects of these structures on their surrounding environment, technical knowledge and management skills. Before a new site is developed mining engineers assess its viability and assist with planning its structure. They also manage and oversee mining production processes. Due to the nature of the industry, mining engineering is an international career, with the majority of opportunities based overseas. There are also opportunities in the UK within mining finance and consultancy, minerals, tunnelling and quarrying.

Mining engineers are expected to apply environmental best practice in all of these activities and may find increasing opportunities to work solely in cleaning up the environment and in conservation. This is a very technologically driven industry and one that tries to balance ever-increasing demands for raw material resources with environmental issues.

Experienced mining engineers usually achieve either incorporated or chartered status. Broadly speaking, incorporated engineers specialise in applying modern technology, while chartered engineers focus more on research and development or manufacture and installation.

Entry level
You would need a degree in mining engineering from one of the small group of universities specialising in this area. In order to become a chartered engineer, primarily concerned with research, design and development, you would need to complete at least four years of academic study and would usually achieve this via an MEng degree. If you want to be more involved with the day-to-day management of production processes as an incorporated engineer, you could take a three-year BEng degree. You don't always have to choose your specific training route from the start, so you should read prospectuses carefully. There are sandwich courses available for both types of degree; these add an extra year but give the opportunity for a period of work experience, which can be very valuable when you are looking for a job.

For entry to a degree course, you are likely to need A level/Advanced Higher/Higher or equivalent passes in two or three subjects selected from maths, physics and chemistry. If the latter subjects are not actually required, they will be strongly preferred by universities. In addition, you would need five GCSE/S Grade passes (A-C/1-3), including English, maths and at least one science subject. You would also be expected to have visited some mines and to have an understanding of the key issues in the industry.

Making the grade
After graduating, you would need to complete a period of industrial training and responsible work experience before you achieve chartered or incorporated engineer status.

To qualify as an incorporated minig engineer, you should, having successfully completed an accredited three-year BEng degree or equivalent qualification, undertake a period of initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience. You would then have to pass a professional review, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.

To qualify as a chartered mining engineer, you must have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification, complete a period of initial professional development, which includes training and professional engineering experience, and pass a professional review with an interview, before gaining corporate membership of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

Personal qualities
As a mining engineer, you should be interested in technology and in keeping up to date with developments in your field. You would need a strong interest in maths and science and it might be helpful to have an interest in geology or physical geography. You would probably be expected to find practical solutions in your work, so you should have a logical and creative approach to problem solving. You are likely to be analysing complex information, and may be required to use computers so you would need IT skills. Some of your work is also likely to require you to show meticulous attention to detail. In addition to your technical skills you will need to communicate well with others. You are likely to be working as a member of a small team. In addition to talking to other engineers, you may be expected to direct the work of others and also to explain your ideas to people who may not have your technical expertise.

Looking ahead
There are good employment prospects for mining engineers both in this country and abroad. Employers range from large multinational organisations, such as the major oil and gas producers, to small companies offering specialised services. With long-term reductions in commodity pricing, mining cannot afford to be inefficient and outdated. It is very capital intensive and is becoming increasingly technologically driven in order to realise lower costs. Owing to the diversity and geographical spread of the industry, it is not possible to describe an average career in mining and minerals engineering. You could focus exclusively on coal or salt, for example, or you could travel extensively - anywhere from Antarctica to Zambia with spells in the UK - gaining experience of mining for, say, copper, zinc, lead or gold.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include chemical engineer, civil engineer, geologist, materials scientist or mechanical engineer.

Take-home pay
Salary levels vary widely according to employer and sector. In the UK, starting salaries range from £15,000 to £20,000. With five years' experience this can increase to between £21,000 and £26,000. By the age of 40, UK mining engineers currently earn between £50,000 and £65,000. Salaries tend to be higher overseas, with Australia, Canada and the US generally providing the best levels of pay. Salaries in South Africa, on the other hand, are relatively low. More demanding work locations may pay better salaries.

Effects
If you want to stay involved in mining operations, you have to go where the mines are. Given that many mines are in remote locations, you can't always live where you would ideally like. You may sometimes work normal office hours in a relatively clean environment but you may equally work highly irregular hours, outdoors or deep underground, in conditions that could be difficult, dirty and at times dangerous.

Sources of information
Institute of Materials Minerals and Mining: www.iom3.org
Mining Engineering Careers: www.uk-rocks.net
Engineering Council UK: www.engc.org.uk
Engineering Careers Information Service: www.enginuity.org.uk

CRCI: GI