In the Philippines, Mining Engineers usually receive a starting salary of P20,000- P 25,000 depending how large the company is, while those working abroad get a monthly salary of P100,000 to P130,000.
Basic Educational Requirement
A Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering is the minimum educational requirement. A license is given by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), the body which conducts the licensure examinations given to professionals. Advanced studies may also be obtained in masters and doctoral programs offered by some universities.
Cost of Education *
The cost of a five-year bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering ranges from P 160,000 to P 200,000 depending on the school category you want to take up the course. There are only four universities here in the Philippines that offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering and these are Adamson University (Manila); Mapua Institute of Technology (Manila), UP Diliman (Quezon City), and Saint Louis University (Baguio City).
Mines find greatest need for Mining Engineering graduates in areas of engineering, supervision or research. The heavy construction industry also has a need for mining technology, particularly in areas such as tunneling. Opportunities may also open up for Mining Engineers who can develop efficient ways to mine ores which cannot be profitably extracted with present techniques. The search for deposits of minerals and oil around the world may also create job openings. Mining Engineers may be employed in the Mining and Quarrying, and Electricity, Gas and Water Supply industry.
Prospects for Career Advancement
A Mining Engineer may work for industrial corporations engaged in mining or for the petroleum industry. He may begin his career in the underground as a sampler, a geologist assistant or a surveyor. A Mining Engineer may also be of service to private mine owners or government bureaus. Those who gain experience and earn advanced degrees sometimes move to research and consulting jobs, appraising mines or mineral deposits for investors. College and university teaching is another career possibility.
Nature of Work
A Mining Engineer is concerned with the efficient construction, equipment and operation of mines. He/She plans mine working, hoisting mechanisms, power supplies and systems for drainage, ventilation and lighting. He/She also deals with the operation of extracting ores and other minerals from the earth and handling them to the point of delivery for processing.
- Conducts investigations of mineral deposits and undertakes calculations in collaboration with geologists, other earth scientists and economists to determine whether the mineral deposits can be mined profitably;
- Determines the most suitable method of mining the minerals taking into account factors such as the depth and characteristics of the deposit and its surroundings;
- Prepares plans for mines, including tunnels and shafts for underground operations, and pits and transport roads for open-cut operations, using computer-aided design packages;
- Prepares the layout for mine development and the procedure by which the minerals are to be mined;
- Plans and coordinates the employment of mining staff and equipment with regard to efficiency, safety and environmental conditions;
- Talks to geologist and other engineers about design, selection and provision of machines, facilities and systems for mining, as well as infrastructure such as access roads, water and power supplies;
- Coordinates with the operations supervisor to make sure there is proper implementation of the plans;
- Operates computers to assist with calculations, prepares estimates on the cost of the operation and controls expenditure when mines come into production;
- Oversees the construction of the mine and the installation of plan and equipment;
- Makes sure that mining regulations are observed, including the proper use of explosives, and the correct ventilation to allow the removal of dust and gases;
- Conducts research aimed at improving efficiency and safety of mines; and
- Establishes first aide and emergency services facilities at the mines.
Skills and Competencies
- Able to identify, analyze and solve problems;
- Good oral and written communication skills;
- Aptitude for computing and design;
- Able to think and act decisively.
- Good at mathematics.
Physical Attributes and Characteristics
- Must be firm and hardworking, self-disciplined, and honest;
- Physically fit for manual work;
- Enjoy technical and engineering work;
- Willing to adhere to the safety requirements of the operation;
- Able to work independently;
- Able to accept responsibility;
- Able to work as part of a team;
- Practical and creative.
* Based on 2011 rates.