Career Guide for Mining Engineering Studies

Mining Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the techniques for extracting and processing minerals from natural surroundings. Extracting of minerals includes metallic and non-metallic ores, solid fuels, and other energy sources. The main function of mining engineers is to put to use their knowledge of scientific theories, engineering fundamentals, and developed technologies to discover and recover natural resources in a profitable and safe manner. India’s rich and diversified natural resources are yet to be completely explored and properly exploited; therefore, job opportunities are wide open for aspiring graduates in this field.

Courses and Eligibility:

The following courses are offered in Mining Engineering:

• BE Mining Engineering
• BTech Mining Engineering
• Diploma in Mining and Mine Surveying Engineering
• ME Mining Engineering
• MTech Mining Engineering
• PG Research Programme on Materials Resource Engineering
• PhD Mining Engineering
• Postgraduate Diploma in Mineral Engineering

The eligibility criterion for admissions to a bachelor’s programme is a 10+2 pass in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. The 2-year MTech course can be pursued after successfully completing an undergraduate course. Students must go through entrance exams such as GATE for admissions to BTech and MTech courses. One can also opt for a 3-year diploma course after completing class 10. In a BTech/ MTech program one can specialize in subjects such as rock mechanics, industrial management, computer applications, ventilation, design of engineering structures, and other environmental aspects of mining.

Career Prospects :

This field promises total job satisfaction, high salary compensations, and a prosperous career. In India one can easily find jobs in public as well private sectors. The Neyvelli Lignite Corporation, Coal India Ltd., Geological Survey of India, the Indian Bureau of Mines, and the IPCL are the top recruiters of mining engineers in the public sector. The National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Kolar Gold Fields (Karnataka) employ mining graduates/postgraduates in their projects. Diploma-holders with a Mines Foreman’s certificate of competency from DGMS are recruited as senior operative trainees. Companies such as NALCO pay a stipend for the training period. Mining engineers are of great demand in countries such as Dubai, UAE, and Kuwait. Engineers with excellent academic skills can opt for teaching and research.

Remuneration:

A fresh graduate is offered a starting salary of Rs. 20,000–25,000 per month. Professionals with higher qualifications and experience are bound to receive a higher salary and other facilities.