Energy & Natural Resources

Mining Engineer

job outlook graphic

JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

Suggested Steps to Prepare for a Mining Engineer Career (Grades 6-12)

Check out the recommended classes, activities and skills below for each grade level. These recommendations are very general -- discuss your specific course plan with your school counselors and teachers.

AI-assisted and curriculum-reviewed guidance. Talk with your counselor or teacher about your specific plan.
Grades 6-8

Helpful Classes

  • Math
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Design

Things to Try

  • Measure, sketch, and improve a simple design so it works better or wastes less material, Build a small model or prototype and test how shape, force, or motion changes the result, Read a diagram, map, or drawing and explain what each part does, Interview a mining engineer about design, testing, and solving problems

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Algebra I
  • Engineering Design
  • Computer Applications
  • Physical Science
  • Technical Drawing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • design process
  • measurements
  • technical drawing
  • basic systems
  • data recording

Things to Try

  • Join engineering, robotics, or design projects and record each test, measurement, and change, Practice using technical drawings, maps, or diagrams to build or explain a system, Compare materials, layouts, or designs and explain which one works best and why, Shadow a mining engineer or technical designer to see how plans are reviewed

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Geometry
  • Engineering Design
  • Physics
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Algebra II

Recommended Learning Areas

  • engineering design
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • testing
  • materials
  • problem-solving

Things to Try

  • Create a prototype, drawing, or model and test it against a clear design goal, Use measurements, formulas, or software tools to compare two design options, Practice documenting changes, tolerances, or test results in a clear format, Observe how engineers balance function, safety, cost, and reliability

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Physics
  • Precalculus
  • Engineering
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Technical Writing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • system design
  • technical analysis
  • prototyping
  • calculations
  • documentation

Things to Try

  • Complete an engineering project that includes design, testing, revision, and documentation, Use Computer-Aided Design, calculations, or technical diagrams to explain how a system works, Compare loads, motion, energy, materials, or layouts depending on the role, Interview engineers about project review, validation, and teamwork

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Helpful Classes

  • Calculus or Precalculus
  • Physics
  • Engineering Design
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Technical Writing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • design validation
  • technical communication
  • applied math
  • project planning
  • quality standards

Things to Try

  • Build a portfolio with designs, calculations, test results, and technical writing, Complete a capstone tied to analysis, prototyping, drafting, or system improvement, Compare pathways in design, field engineering, drafting, testing, and technical support, Practice presenting technical work clearly to both experts and non-experts

Focus Skills

  • Measurement
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Precision
  • Documentation

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

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

Insider Info

Additional Information

"Students will be required to take the same math and science courses that all engineering fields require," says mining engineering consultant Edward Hollop.

These include advanced classes such as physics, chemistry, engineering mechanics, economics, geology, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electric circuits and machinery. Mining-specific courses may include drilling and blasting, materials handling, rock mechanics, mine safety, ventilation, mineral analysis, and mine planning and operation.

Good grades are essential, says mining engineering professor John Mossop. "Make sure you don't have to repeat anything and keep grades above 70, preferably between 80 and 90. We need people with good communication skills and preparation."

Kathryn Rogers is a mining engineer. "If you want to do international work, mining is an excellent way," she says. "It's a lot of fun and a great challenge. Because so few people go into mining engineering, you're pretty much guaranteed a job. If you're interested in the business end, mining is an excellent way to make the step up."

Extra Requirements

Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as a mining or geological engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career.

For additional information, visit these websites: