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Careers Careers in the mineral
industry are almost limitless in their diversity. Large companies employ geologists, mining engineers,
metallurgists, environmental specialists, lawyers, economists, financial
analysts, managers, laborers (construction, transportation, equipment
maintenance), accountants, public relations and safety officers, computer
specialists, purchasing and marketing agents, and consultants with various
specialties. Until the 1960’s, it was
rare to see women employed in the industry.
Since then, changes in technology and social attitudes have resulted in
increasing numbers of women working in every aspect of the mineral industry. maintains financial records, keeps track of income and expenditures,
and sometimes statistical data. studies the science of living organisms and life processes,
including the structure, functioning, growth, origin, evolution, and
distribution of living organisms.
Becomes very involved in reclamation and restoration. breaks down the ore or rock by boring a hole into it,
inserting an explosive charge, and firing it.
Requires specialized knowledge and experience. designs equipment and develops processes for manufacturing
chemicals and related products utilizing principles and technology of
chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering and related physical and natural
sciences. works in programming and automation systems which are
sometimes installed in large equipment such as shovels and trucks. operates a cutting tool, which forms circular holes in rock,
metal, or wood. is knowledgeable in estimating the commercial value of
mineral deposits, applies geology to explore for and develop aggregate and
mineral resources that are used as the foundation of our standard of living and
modern society. researches, develops, designs, and tests electrical
components, equipment, and systems, applying principles and techniques of
electrical engineering. installs and repairs electrical systems, apparatus, and
electrical and electronic components of machinery and equipment, following
electrical code, manuals, schematic diagrams, blueprints, and other specifications,
using hand tools, power tools, and electrical and electronic test equipment. is trained in science and mathematics to make matter and
natural sources of energy useful to man in structures, machines, products;
types: civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, materials, etc. certified professionals who apply math, science and
engineering principles to the design, construction and operation of economical
and efficient structures, equipment and systems in the natural
environment. They plan, design, and
direct construction and maintenance of structures and facilities, such as
roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation
projects, pipelines, power plants, water and sewage systems, and waste disposal
units specializing in solving problems concerned with the environment. manages a wide variety of types and sizes of tools and
machinery used throughout the operation. is knowledgeable in skills and techniques in locating
minerals. uses physical, organic and inorganic chemistry to
investigate the type and distribution of major and trace elements and organic
compounds in rocks, soils and waters. applies geological data, techniques and principles to study
rocks, soils and groundwater, and to understand and plan for geologic
conditions that affect structures such as mines, bridges, buildings and dams. studies the materials, structure, and history of the earth’s
crust. applies the principles of physics to studies of the Earth’s
interior and investigates Earth’s magnetic, electrical and gravitational
properties. applies geophysical techniques to understand and plan for
geologic conditions that affect mines. analyzes malfunctions and repairs, rebuilds, and maintains
construction equipment, such as cranes, power shovels, scrapers, paving
machines, motor graders, trench-digging machines, conveyors, bulldozers, dredges,
pumps, compressors and pneumatic tools. operates several types of power construction equipment, such
as compressors, pumps, hoists, derricks, cranes, shovels, tractors, scrapers,
or motor graders, to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structural and
reinforcing steel, and pour concrete or other hard surface paving materials. studies the properties, distribution and effects of water in
the atmosphere, on the earth’s surface, and in soil and rocks. studies the science of health, prevention of disease and
illness, and the conditions and practices that promote or preserve health. repairs and maintains, in accordance with diagrams,
sketches, operation manuals, and manufacturer’s specifications, machinery and
mechanical equipment, such as engines, motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor
systems, and production machines and equipment, using hand tools, power tools,
and precision-measuring and testing instruments. creates new products for existing uses or new uses for
existing products. researches, plans, and designs mechanical and
electromechanical products and systems, and directs and coordinates activities
involved in fabrication, operation, application, installation, and repair of
mechanical or electromechanical products and systems services and repairs a wide variety of mechanical devices. deals primarily with the separation of metals or materials
from ore. This specialty includes the
research metallurgist, who is involved with laboratory testing to evaluate
existing or new processes or equipment; the mineral processing plant
metallurgist, who oversees the separation of the product from the ore; the pyrometallurgist,
who employs high-temperature processes to metals and alloys; and the
hydrometallurgist, who uses solvents and other solutions to extract valuable
minerals.
invent and oversee processes to separate minerals from ore. engineers the approach to mining; establishes the method of
mining, typically defined as surface or underground mining. In the selection of which method to use, the
mine designer must consider many factors, which will be specific to the site
and location of the deposit. determines safety condition of equipment, working areas, and
possible hazards. develops and directs the processes that separate minerals
from other materials. These processes
include crushing, grinding and treatment with chemicals, heat, water, microbes
and electrolysis. studies mineral formation, crystal structure, chemistry and
properties to understand ore genesis, to develop process strategies for mineral
liberation and beneficiation, and to develop and modify mineral-based products
for industrial and consumer use. conducts research to determine location and methods of
extracting minerals, such as metallic ores and nonmetallic substances, such as
coal, stone, and gravel. demonstrates a thorough knowledge of safety principles, laws
and regulations and applies them in the workplace. investigates or develops processes used in the production of
metals or materials; works with the process plant to reduce costs, increase
production recovery, purify the metal or material, or develop new processes. originates, controls, and develops flotation, smelting,
electrolytic, and other processes used in winning metals from their ores, for
producing iron and steel, or for refining gold, silver, zinc, copper, and other
metals. works for goodwill and understanding in the community toward
the firm or mine. devises plans to return the mined land to its original or a
productive, alternate condition. certified professional who applies math, science, and
engineering principles to the design of systems with inherent safety and fail-safe
features. analyzes the Earth’s forces by studying deformation,
fracturing and folding of the Earth’s crust. determines area topography of geographic location by taking
linear and angular measurements. studies the efficiency of operations and procedures operates machines involved in transporting the mined
material. bonds or joins materials with heat. works to maintain habitat of native species. |