Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

The Work

The first stage of the mining engineer's work is to locate the right place to excavate and build the mine. In this, engineers work closely with other specialists, especially geologists, who use their knowledge to find natural deposits. The team may choose the site of a mine by using geological surveys, aerial and satellite photographs, airborne radar and seismic surveys.  
 
Next, the engineer can use modern computer technology to design the mine. For example, they may use computer-aided design systems to make a three-dimensional model of the proposed mine. They plan the mine in great detail, including the sise and location of an open pit, or tunnel and shaft systems. Again, engineers work with geologists to find out about important factors, such as rock strength and ventilation, to make sure the extraction process is safe.  
 
Once mining has begun, engineers supervise drilling and blasting. They choose a safe ventilation system for removing hasardous substances such as dust and gases from the working area. Engineers may also work on the mine's transport and communications network. They may design and plan roads, railway links, port facilities and accommodation for mine workers.  
 
Minerals engineers recover valuable minerals and metals from the ores. They research and develop ways to separate the resource from its ore and process it by crushing and milling the ore. They also use chemical and biological processes to separate metals from mineral concentrates.  
 
Minerals/mining engineers may supervise or train teams, including other engineers and mine repair workers.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
• Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
• Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.
• Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
• Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
• Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate technicians, technologists, survey personnel, engineers, scientists or other mine personnel.
• Examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, sise, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits.
• Design, implement, and monitor the development of mines, facilities, systems, or equipment.
• Test air to detect toxic gases and recommend measures to remove them, such as installation of ventilation shafts.

Further Information

• Mining / Geological Engineer - from: GradIreland
• Mining / Geological Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Minerals/mining engineers normally complete an appropriate engineering degree. There are specialist degrees in minerals and mining engineering. You can also enter this field with a degree in another engineering discipline, including chemical, mechanical and geological engineering, and metallurgy.  

To gain professionally recognised qualifications, you need to complete a relevant foundation degree course and then undertake a period of training in employment. There are a limited number of courses countrywide that are particularly relevant to minerals/mining surveying.  

The B.Sc in Geomatics has been accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI/RICS), the Irish Institution of Surveyors (IIS), the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) and the Construction Industry Board, UK. Graduates of the course are eligible to become corporate members of these professional bodies.

Most professional geophysicists are graduates. A combined degree in Geology and Physics, or a degree containing significant amounts of geology, maths and physics, may be acceptable. Many posts will require a good Second Class Honours degree. It is often desirable but not essential to obtain higher degrees, e.g. Master's Degrees in Geophysics.

Training & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Applied Sciences, General Engineering at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Allied Engineering Apprenticeships, Geo-Driller Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Geography and Geoscience, Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Science - (Mathematical, Physical and Geological Sciences), Geographic Science, Geology and Physics, maths and physics, Geospatial Surveying NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development & Associations

Postgraduate Study Options Geoinformatics for Environmental Geology, Geology - Applied Environmental Geology, Geology - Offshore Environmental Geology, Earth Sciences - Research, Geology - Exploration Field Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Geology, Geochemistry, Economic Geology, Environmental Geology NFQ level 9

Geological Society of Ireland 

Society Of Chartered Survyors Ireland

Quarrying 

Offshore exploration & Mining

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €70k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment numbers in this occupation have grown strongly since 2020, with an additional 8,300 persons employed. Employment permits were issued across a number of managerial roles in manufacturing.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data point to issues in sourcing production managers, often with mechanical engineering, GMP, health & safety, and project management (including Lean processes) skills. Issues in relation to sourcing candidates with specific skills sets and industry experience have been identified and may result in future shortages if employment continues to rise.

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