Mining and Geological Engineers

Summary

What Mining and Geological Engineers Do About this section

Mining and geological engineers prepare technical reports for miners, engineers, and managers.

Mining and geological engineers use geological and engineering principles to design ways to safely and efficiently extract minerals and other resources.

Duties

Mining and geological engineers typically do the following:

• Design open-pit and underground mines
• Supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels
• Devise methods for transporting minerals to processing plants
• Prepare technical reports for miners, engineers, and managers
• Monitor mine production to assess the effectiveness of operations
• Provide solutions to problems related to land reclamation, water and air pollution, and sustainability
• Ensure that mines are operated in safe and environmentally sound ways

Geological engineers conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. They analyze survey results and prepare technical reports on the presence and extraction potential of minerals or other geological deposits. Once a site is identified, they plan how the resources will be extracted in efficient and environmentally sound ways.

Mining engineers typically design and develop mines and determine the best way to extract resources to get the most out of deposits. They may specialize in a particular mineral or resource, such as coal or gold.

Some mining engineers work with geoscientists and metallurgical engineers to find and evaluate ore deposits. Other mining engineers develop new equipment or direct mineral-processing operations to separate minerals from dirt, rock, and other materials.

Mining safety engineers use best practices and their knowledge of mine design to ensure workers’ safety and to maintain compliance with state and federal safety regulations. They inspect the walls and roofs of mines, monitor the air quality, and examine mining equipment for possible hazards.

For information on workers who devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production, see the profile on petroleum engineers.

Work Environment About this section

Mining and geological engineers must visit the worksite to keep close watch on the progression of their designs.

Mining and geological engineers held about 7,000 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of mining and geological engineers were as follows:

Many work at mining operations, such as mineral mines or sand-and-gravel quarries, in remote areas or near cities and towns. Others work in offices or onsite for engineering services firms.

When working onsite, mining and geological engineers must follow strict safety procedures. They may need to wear personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hard hats, or steel-toed boots, to reduce the risk of injury. Mining and geological engineers may work outdoors in all weather conditions while onsite.

Work Schedules

Most mining and geological engineers work full time. The remoteness of some mining locations gives rise to variable schedules and weeks during which they work more hours than usual.

How to Become a Mining or Geological Engineer About this section

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited engineering program is typically required to become a mining or geological engineer.

Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers, typically need a bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering or a related field to enter the occupation.

Education

High school students interested in becoming a mining or geological engineer should take classes in math and science.

College students typically pursue a bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering or a related field. Employers sometimes hire candidates who have degrees in fields such as civil or environmental engineering or geosciences.

Bachelor’s degree programs in mining engineering may include courses in geology, thermodynamics, and mine design and safety. Bachelor’s degree programs in geological engineering may include courses in geology, chemistry, and fluid mechanics. Both types of programs also include laboratory and field work, along with academic study.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Licensure is not required for entry-level mining and geological engineers.

Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public.

State licensure generally requires a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam.

In several states, engineers must earn continuing education credits to keep their licenses. Most states recognize licenses from other states, provided that licensure requirements in the other states meet or exceed the first state’s own requirements. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop.

Important Qualities

The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page.

Analytical skills. Mining and geological engineers must take many factors into account when evaluating new mine locations and designing facilities. They also must plan for the restoration of the surrounding environment after operations end.

Detail oriented. Mining and geological engineers must ensure that engineering plans and instructions are accurate and safe.

Organizational skills. In planning mines’ operations, mineral processing, and environmental reclamation, these engineers must put work plans into a coherent, logical sequence.

Math skills. Mining and geological engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills. Mining and geological engineers work on complex projects that require the ability to anticipate and resolve problems as they arise.

Writing skills. Mining and geological engineers must prepare reports and instructions for other workers. Therefore, they must be able to write clearly so that others can easily understand their ideas and plans.

Advancement

Engineers may advance to become technical specialists or supervisors. Some workers may go on to become engineering managers, overseeing a team of engineers and technicians.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $101,020 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $163,740.

In May 2024, the median annual wages for mining and geological engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Most mining and geological engineers work full time. The remoteness of some mining locations gives rise to variable schedules and weeks during which they work more than usual.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 400 openings for mining and geological engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Employment growth for mining and geological engineers will depend on demand for coal, metals, and minerals. These resources are used in many products, including construction materials, electric vehicles, smartphones, and computers. Rising demand for these products may create some jobs for mining and geological engineers. However, increased automation of mining activities is expected to offset some of this growth.

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

• Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For information about state licensing board requirements, visit CareerOneStop.

O*NET

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers