Ronald Phillips Shares Thoughts on Whether Mining Engineering Is A Good Career Choice

Mining engineering plays a crucial role in any mineral extraction project. Ronald Phillips explains that these professionals collaborate with geologists to execute different mining techniques safely and efficiently. Operators must wait for clearance from their supervising mining engineer before drilling.

Though the job sounds intimidating at first, achieving success as a mining engineer becomes more feasible once you understand the daily tasks and responsibilities expected of one.

The primary work of mining engineers is designing open pit and underground excavation sites. They ensure that mines can accommodate their project's heavy equipment and preferred extraction process. In most cases, engineers work alongside the crew throughout projects.

Average Annual Salary

Entry-level engineers make an average of $90,000 per annum during their first few years working. This number increases rapidly with experience. Tenured engineers who pursued higher education and worked on several projects average well above $100,000.

Educational Attainment

Though you can qualify for licensing after receiving a bachelor's degree, Ronald Phillips encourages looking into postgraduate education while working as a licensed engineer. Professionals with master's degrees make significantly more than bachelor's degree holders.

Mindset and Work Ethics

Note that mining engineers spend considerable time away from home. Mining engineers get stationed in various states and countries depending on their employer's projects.

You also have to get used to gruntwork. Even the most skilled mining engineers making nearly $200,000 per year will need to spend time remote locations working under difficult conditions.

Bottom Line

Ronald Phillips believes that mining engineering is a relevant, lucrative career. Almost every world superpower plans on bolstering their local mineral resources, so expect the emergence of new mining projects to cause an influx in demand for mining engineers.

That said, don't limit yourself to a single career path. With the global shortage of raw minerals, the mining industry will require the support of various blue- and white-collar workers. Expand your options!