Mining has developed into one of the most complex areas of engineering. Most mines are isolated and largely automated, with their resources carefully managed, and their environmental impacts closely monitored and minimised. You will develop skills in environmental engineering, geotechnical science, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and chemical engineering. Each of these disciplines combine to provide you a depth of skills needed to plan, design, and operate a modern mining facility. If you enjoy working with people and the community, then Mining Engineering could be for you. The skills you will learn are also very transferable to a range of positions, inside and outside the mining sector. Start of expanded content Only about half of positions in Australian mining companies are currently filled by Australian mining graduates – so now is the ideal time to enter the mining industry.

As a mining engineer you will have a range of career paths to choose from including: 1) Evaluation: Evaluating the accessibility and viability of mineral deposit sites for mining in consultation with industry professionals. 2) Planning and design: Preparing plans for the method of extraction, the safest and most suitable layout and access routes, equipment selection and designing tunnels for underground operations. 3) Operations: Managing the operations of a mining site, including staffing and selection and maintenance of equipment. 4) Safety: Coordinating safety, efficiency and environmental conditions. 5) Finance: Technically consulting on operating costs and expenditure estimates, and reporting against budget and production schedules. 6) People management: Communicating and consulting with the community for successful mine plans and operations. 7) Automation: Developing new technologies to increase efficiency, economy and safety. Besides working for mining companies, you could also work in the mining services industry as a mine inspector, a government advisor or technical specialist.