Given the demand for mining engineers in the country, if you are one of this year’s Grade 12s, you should consider a career in mining engineering.
Professor Phillips, head of the Wits school of mining engineering, said that if being responsible for planning, organising and managing the safest, most efficient and economical way of extracting minerals from the Earth interests you, then mining engineering may be a worthwhile career option.
“Ultimately, it’s about facilitating the process of taking the Earth’s mineral resources from the Earth in response to man’s needs. As a mining engineer you will be required to have a solid background in a variety of specific and technological disciplines. These include geology, surveying, mechanical and electrical engineering and metallurgy. You will also be required to have knowledge of finance, economics and management and be aware of the challenges and responsibilities of devising mining methods that will have the least effect on the natural environment, so that mining activities do not destroy the people they aim to serve,” Phillips said.
In studying towards obtaining a four-year degree course at the Wits mining school, the first year of study deals with the sciences, the second with the engineering sciences, the third with the mining sciences and the final year with real engineering and financial aspects.
As a professional mining engineer, you can choose to work in the production sector of the mining industry, or to specialise in a specific field such as rock mechanics. Increasingly, mining engineers are also entering the fields of financial investment and analysis.
“Worldwide demand for technical mining skills will ensure that career opportunities exist globally for mining engineers in the foreseeable future,” Phillips said. Wits mining has produced exceptional mining engineers for more than 100 years and, as the largest school of mining engineering in the English-speaking world, we shall continue to produce these talented graduates for the industry.”