Looking to start career in Mining Engineering

[jpandf]

I'm a mechanical engineer in the water / wasterwater industry considering a career change in to the mining industry in northern Minnesota.

I'm looking for any general advise including good sources of information on mining and any tips to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Thanks for the help!

 

[CanuckMiner]

Hi jpandf,

I am a mechanical engineer that kind of "fell into" mining right after university. The industry as a whole has been in a boom cycle for a few years now and future forecasts are very promising.

As for where to find information on mining, I suppose that depends on what info you're looking for, and what type of mining you're considering (open pit, underground, coal, base metal, gold, industrial minerals, diamonds, etc.). Depending on where you live you might be able to visit some of the mining school libraries.

For the "jargon", etc. you can check out the thread here

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=154049&page=1

Or if you have specific questions, post them here. There aren't many people in the Mining Engineering forum here, but there are a few that take a look around once in awhile.

Good luck.

Cheers,
CanuckMiner

 

[MJR2]

I'm a water / wastewater engineer that 'fell' into mineral processing right after university. A lot of what you do now applies directly to mineral processing.
Mike

Mike

 

[jpandf]

Thanks for the words of wisdom. If I come up with any specific questions I'll be sure to post them!

 

[RobPE]

A few other bits of advice: The mining industry is relatively small and quaint. We know each other very well, so keep a good name for yourself. Also, keep your resume sharp. Corporate buyouts, booms and busts, and unexpected mishaps of all types can all put a mine and your job on shaky ground. Keep your bags packed. With the mining business, you'll probably get to see the world a bit especially if you get into the consulting side of mining engineering. Have fun and good luck!

 

[FOETS]

Jpandf more correctly you want to be a mechanical engineer in the mining industry; not in mining engineering.
Mining engineers are the guys who blast the rock and design mine layouts.
I have been a mechanical enginer in mining for the last 18 years; open pit, strip mining and underground. In terms of seeing a bit of the world, I'm on country number 6; mainly through expat contracting.
Easiest way to get started, is to apply directly to the mining companies. With the current metal prices the industry is seriously short of people and chances of finding employment are very good. You can also look on career sites like infomine which have lots of job links.

FOETS
The truth is out there. Anyone know the URL?