Quarry Engineer
What is the work like?
Quarry engineers, also known as mining engineers, find the best way to extract raw materials from the ground, using blasting, drilling and excavation methods. Engineers also work in the processing plants, which refine raw materials, such as china clay, slate and stone (known as aggregates) for use in industries like construction.
Before a new mine or quarry is opened, your job as an engineer would be to work with minerals surveyors to decide if mining plans are commercially workable. To do this, you would:
- use ground-surveying techniques to chart the geological make-up of a site
- drill earth and rock samples for lab testing
- build up computer models of a site and its deposits
- make recommendations to clients about how to proceed.
If mining goes ahead, you would:
- manage the day-to-day running of operations
- oversee technical staff
- produce progress reports
- monitoring health and safety
- draw up contingency plans to guard against emergencies like tunnel collapse or flooding.
An increasingly important side to the job is the environmental impact that a quarry or mine has on the surrounding area. As a result, you may have responsibility for making sure the site can be restored as closely as possible to its original state after the quarry workings come to an end.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally become a quarry or mining engineer by completing a foundation degree, BTEC HND or degree. You can choose from a range of subjects, including:
- minerals engineering
- minerals surveying
- mine and quarry engineering
- geomatics
- civil engineering.
Many job opportunities are overseas, so a willingness to relocate could be an important factor when looking for work.
The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM 3), the Institute of Quarrying and Careers in Quarrying have information about careers in this field, together with details of colleges around the country offering relevant qualifications.
What further training and development can I do?
Once working, your company would usually provide further training on the job. This may be in the form of a graduate apprenticeship scheme if you have a degree. On this type of scheme, you would work under supervision, learning all aspects of the job. In time, you would gradually take on more responsibility for projects.
You may also be able to take a postgraduate course in some jobs. Courses include mining law in relation to health and safety, applied geotechnics, industrial rocks and minerals, mining engineering and mining geology. The IOM 3 and Institute of Quarrying have details of organisations offering postgraduate training.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
Nottingham
NG1 5BS
Tel: 0115 945 3880
London
SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Income for new graduate quarry engineers is between £19,500 and £23,000 a year.
- Experienced quarry engineers can earn between £25,000 and £35,000.
- Quarry engineers with project or operational management jobs can earn upwards of £40,000 a year.
Salaries with overseas companies can vary widely, depending on the nature of the project, the type of contract and quarry's location.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may have to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
Your time would be split between the office and the quarry or mine. Conditions on site are likely to be dusty and dirty, and may be cramped at times when working underground. You would wear protective clothing at all times on site.
Some contracts may mean you would work away from home, possibly overseas, for weeks or months at a time.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- strong analytical skills and a creative approach to problem solving
- an excellent knowledge of rocks and minerals
- excellent maths, science and IT skills
- a working knowledge of computer-aided design packages
- excellent communication and presentation skills
- the ability to prioritise and plan effectively
- the ability to work within a budget
- a willingness to keep up-to-date with new developments
- good teamworking skills
- a clear understanding of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work as a quarry engineer with companies involved in minerals production, equipment supply, research and development, and consultancy. You could specialise in particular aspects of the job, for example explosives or health and safety or, with experience, become a project leader or operations manager.
Opportunities in the UK tend to centre around quarrying and underground construction projects like tunnels and waste storage facilities. Jobs specifically in mining engineering are more commonly found overseas, for example in Africa, Canada, South America and Australia.
As an experienced quarry or mining engineer, you would be well placed to move into related careers like civil, construction and environmental engineering.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
Hunter Personnel
Hays Recruitment
Minerals UK (British Geological Survey site)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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