Mining Engineering is a highly prestigious career avenue and it is comparatively
difficult to get a position as a mining engineer as this field has become
highly competitive nowadays. Even though challenging and risky, this profession
is highly rewarding in terms of job satisfaction, compensation packages
and career advancement. The mining industry in India offers a wide range
of opportunities to mining engineers both in the public and private sector.
The sector is in continuous need of professionals and skilled labour that
can contribute to rapid development of this sector, due to retirement
of currently employed mining engineers as well as the relatively few institutes
and few candidates passing out, to meet the demand. With liberalization
of the economy and opening of new companies and sectors, an engineering
graduate can start his career on good footing immediately after graduation.
Campus interviews are also common and companies compete with each other
to capture the best talent.
There are many options with regard to a career in mining - from operations
engineer to mine manager, mine designer, health and safety manager, consulting
engineer, sales engineer etc. The best opportunities may require frequent
travel or even living overseas for extended periods. A high demand for
mining engineers is found in the gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,
UAE / Dubai, and Qatar. Therefore, gulf countries provide a lucrative
career option for interested candidates. Prospective employers include
private and public sector petroleum mining companies; oil companies; mining
finance houses; mine research organizations; mineral production firms
and other similar organizations. Mines, Minerals Development Corporation
and Mining Department of Union and State Government are always in need
of skilled mining engineers. Their work place range from mines to research
and design facilities where new techniques are developed and tested. The
engineers who are involved in R&D activities as well as management,
consultation and sales, however, are hired in more developed and metropolitan
communities. Most mining engineers work for mining companies or manufacturers
of mining equipments. Mining engineers can also opt to work with geologists
in order to explore and assess new ore deposits or conduct research to
create new and effective mining procedures and techniques.
Mining engineers can get jobs with some high-profile government and
public sector organizations, like: The Indian Bureau of Mines, Geological
Survey of India, Coal India Ltd., IPCL, Neyvelli Lignite Corporation etc.
Those with an academic bent of mind can opt teaching and research after
completing the courses. Mining engineers are generally well remunerated
and most mining companies offer attractive fringe benefits.
