• Conducts preliminary surveys of mineral deposits with prospectors, geologists, geophysicists, other mineral scientists and other engineers to determine the resources present, the feasibility of extracting the reserves, and the design and development of the extraction process; prepares operation and project cost estimates and production schedules, and reports progress, production and costs compared to budget; determines the most suitable methods of ore extraction taking account of such factors as depth of overburden, and attitude and physical characteristics of deposits and surrounding strata; prepares plans for tunnels and chambers, location and construction of mine shafts, layout of mine development and the application of appropriate mining techniques; assesses the safety risks associated with the phases of the project development, construction and operations; determines the safety of processes, order of extraction and safety of mine walls, evaluates the risk of slippage and advises on the prevention of slippage and rock falls; plans and co-ordinates the utilisation of labour and equipment consistent with efficiency targets, statutes, safety guidelines and environmental conditions.

• Frequently work indoors in offices of mining companies or professional engineering consultancies which are adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces. Frequently work outdoors on-site at mines supervising the job, meeting with staff and gaining information on any problems.

• Works in all weather conditions when on site at mines. Conditions may be dirty, dusty and involve confined spaces if required to go underground.

• Light to medium physical demand. Frequent sitting in offices or in meetings.

• Stands and walks frequently in offices and on-site where terrain may be rocky and uneven.

• There is an occasional requirement for lifting, carrying or pulling within medium physical demand. Bending, squatting or crouchingmay be required if working underground. Occasional stretching, twisting, climbing.

• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using hand objects and equipment including drawing and writing instruments, calculators and computers.

• Protective safety clothing and equipment will be required when on-site.

• Frequent driving of vehicles will be necessary to obtain access to sites such as mines.

• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with design, drawing, supervision, planning, geotechnical, mathematical, computing, communication, interpersonal, organisational, problem solving, and decision-making capabilities and specialist knowledge of mining engineering.

• To become a mining engineer you need a Bachelor of Engineering (majoring in resource or mechanical engineering) (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Undergraduates must gain some practical experience while studying and this is usually organised as part of the course. Mining engineers usually spend three years on a graduate mining engineer programme, training and gaining work experience working alongside miners, surveyors and geologists, before they become fully qualified. To take charge of a mining site as a mining engineer you must hold a Certificate of Competence issued by the Extractive Industries ITO (EXITO).