Mining is a worldwide activity involving the extraction of non-metallic,
metal ores of all kinds and solid fuels and energy sources such as coal
and nuclear material. Mining engineering, also referred as mineral engineering,
is a branch of engineering that deals with the study of the application,
techniques to extract and process valuable minerals from their natural
surroundings for processing and utilization. It involves all phases of
mining operations starting from exploration and discovery, checking the
feasibility, development, production, processing and marketing to final
land restoration and rehabilitation. Mining Engineers are responsible
for locating natural reserves of minerals, petroleum (There are petroleum
Engineers specialised in extraction and production of Petroleum) and other
useful natural substances with the help of geologists, and then to lay
out plans, design shafts, inclines or quarries for the safe extraction
of these resources, whether it is coal, petroleum, metallic or non-metallic
minerals, from under the earth. The function of the mining engineer is
to apply knowledge of relevant scientific theory, engineering fundamentals
and improved technology to recover natural resources. Mining engineers
are engaged in finding, extracting and preparing coal, metals, and minerals
for the manufacturing and utility industries.
Some mining engineers work with geologists and metallurgical engineers
to locate and appraise new ore deposits. Others design and supervise construction
of open pit and underground mines including mine shafts and tunnels or
design methods for transporting minerals to processing plants. Mining
engineers are also responsible for the safe, low cost and environmentally
sound operation of mines. These engineers usually specialize in the mining
of a particular mineral or metal like coal or gold. Mining Engineers are
responsible for the survey of the mining sites; exploration of the sites
for mineral and oil deposits; designing and development of the life support
system for underground mines; researching and designing most cost effective
mining equipments and mineral extraction technologies.
Mining engineers engaged in the day-to-day operations of mine are responsible
for mine safety, ventilation, water supply, power and communication and
equipment maintenance. Mining Engineers must ensure that a project will
be environmentally safe, not harmful to its natural surroundings. Some
mining engineers specialize in the design and development of new mining
equipments. If an underground mine is to be used, engineers design mine
shafts and tunnels. If the situation calls for surface mining, the engineers
decide where to dig the pits and where to put the rock and soil that are
removed during the mining process.
Mining engineers supervise the mining operation. They train the crew
of workers and supervisors. Engineers and engineering technicians inspect
mines to make sure that the roofs of underground mines are supported correctly
and that the air in mine shafts does not contain poisonous gases. These
engineers may also inspect and repair mining equipment. Some mining engineers
help to plan ways of restoring the land around mine sites so that it can
be used for other purposes.
