It appears like anyone can actually start up their own mines and soon be extracting minerals, at least if you believe what you see on TV. With mere basic equipment you expect that you will be digging gold instantly. In truth, this is far from reality where even large-scale mining companies must employ mining engineers to ensure sure that the entire operation runs smoothly every day.
A mining engineer is a professional who understands the theory and science behind the extraction of minerals, as well as understands the technology needed to retrieve these minerals from a variety of sources. In addition, this person also knows how to process the minerals in a way that maximizes their value. This extraction also must occur with a minimum of damage to the environment so a mining engineer also needs to ensure that the mining operation is safe for the employees as well as the area residents, wildlife, watersheds and flora.
There is a wide variety of minerals being mined in the United States. You will find them in metal forms like gold, copper, cadmium, iron ore, silver and other relevant ones. Industrial minerals are also being mined like gypsum, diatomite, lime, salt, different types of clay, soda ash, zeolites and much more. Aside from the non-fuel minerals, petroleum, coal and natural gas or any other fuel sources are also part of what is being mined in the U.S. With the different types of mining present also come corresponding difficulties and restrictions where only those licensed mining engineers are those able to understand everything, from its minute details.
To begin a mine operation, a mining engineer is tasked to do a mineral exploration wherein possible sources is being studied for a particular fuel or mineral which then leads to the determination of profit - possible or not, in case a mining operation is pushed through in the identified place. A feasibility study is then expected from the mining engineer where he will have to discuss all possible pros and cons in creating a mine in said area, and possibly make recommendations too with regards to a possible mining operation.
If you wish to become a mining engineer, you need at least a four-year degree in mining engineering, and for many others graduate-level degrees as well. There are those with surveying and geology degrees. Engineers of this nature should be familiar with a huge amount of technology and with several surveying instruments like theodolite, inclinometer and more instruments for alignment and optical needs.
You should know that if such a career opportunity be of interest to you, you may be able to find many colleges and universities all over the world you can go to. Why in the United States, the list is longer than a dozen with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Utah, the University of Kentucky, the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the Colorado School of Mines making up some of the slots.
A mining engineer is a professional who understands the theory and science behind the extraction of minerals, as well as understands the technology needed to retrieve these minerals from a variety of sources. In addition, this person also knows how to process the minerals in a way that maximizes their value. This extraction also must occur with a minimum of damage to the environment so a mining engineer also needs to ensure that the mining operation is safe for the employees as well as the area residents, wildlife, watersheds and flora.
There is a wide variety of minerals being mined in the United States. You will find them in metal forms like gold, copper, cadmium, iron ore, silver and other relevant ones. Industrial minerals are also being mined like gypsum, diatomite, lime, salt, different types of clay, soda ash, zeolites and much more. Aside from the non-fuel minerals, petroleum, coal and natural gas or any other fuel sources are also part of what is being mined in the U.S. With the different types of mining present also come corresponding difficulties and restrictions where only those licensed mining engineers are those able to understand everything, from its minute details.
To begin a mine operation, a mining engineer is tasked to do a mineral exploration wherein possible sources is being studied for a particular fuel or mineral which then leads to the determination of profit - possible or not, in case a mining operation is pushed through in the identified place. A feasibility study is then expected from the mining engineer where he will have to discuss all possible pros and cons in creating a mine in said area, and possibly make recommendations too with regards to a possible mining operation.
If you wish to become a mining engineer, you need at least a four-year degree in mining engineering, and for many others graduate-level degrees as well. There are those with surveying and geology degrees. Engineers of this nature should be familiar with a huge amount of technology and with several surveying instruments like theodolite, inclinometer and more instruments for alignment and optical needs.
You should know that if such a career opportunity be of interest to you, you may be able to find many colleges and universities all over the world you can go to. Why in the United States, the list is longer than a dozen with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Utah, the University of Kentucky, the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the Colorado School of Mines making up some of the slots.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier loves writing about precision scientific instruments. For more details about alignment tools like a maple wood Jacob staff, or to find more details about a telemetric alignment system, check out the Warren Knight website today.