How to become a mining engineer
Official title: Mining engineers
Also called: Mining engineer, Mineral engineer, Mine design engineer, Mine layout engineer, Mine safety engineer, Mine planning engineer, Mine production engineer, Mine development engineer, Mine ventilation engineer, Mineral dressing engineer, Consulting mining engineer, Mines exploration engineer
Mining engineers plan, design, organize and supervise the development of mines, mine facilities, systems and equipment; and prepare and supervise the extraction of metallic or non-metallic minerals and ores from underground or surface mines. They are employed by mining companies, consulting engineering companies, manufacturers, government and in educational and research institutions.
Main tasks
- Conduct preliminary surveys and studies of ore, mineral or coal deposits to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of potential mining operations
- Determine the appropriate means of safely and efficiently mining deposits
- Determine and advise on appropriate drilling and blasting methods for mining, construction or demolition
- Design shafts, ventilation systems, mine services, haulage systems and supporting structures
- Design, develop and implement computer applications such as for mine design, mine modelling, mapping or for monitoring mine conditions
- Plan and design or select mining equipment and machinery and mineral treatment machinery and equipment in collaboration with other engineering specialists
- Plan, organize and supervise the development of mines and mine structures and the operation and maintenance of mines
- Prepare operations and project estimates, schedules and reports
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in mining engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $117,000 a year The middle half earn $86,249 to $146,250.
- About 5,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 5,600 are projected by 2033. (+5.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a mining engineer?
A bachelor's degree in mining engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required. A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
How much does a mining engineer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $117,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $86,249 to $146,250.
Is a mining engineer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 5,300 to about 5,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a mining engineer?
Usually. 96% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03