The mining industry not only provides society with goods needed for modern living, it also directly and indirectly provides millions of jobs throughout the world.
Although, in the past mining was a dangerous, often crude occupation, today a number-one priority of mining companies is safety. Because of investment in technology, training, and equipment as well as self-regulation and the work of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and MSHA (Mining Safety and Health Administration) the United States mining industry has become the safest in the world.
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Accountant — handles financial data and keeps track of income, expenditures, assets, liabilities, and taxes |
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Administrative Assistant — coordinates administrators' schedules; acts as liaison for administrator |
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Blaster — responsible for setting explosives in the pit or underground so that ore can be removed safely and efficiently |
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Chemist — analyzes chemical reactions in the concentrator, at the smelter, in the assay office, and in the solution extraction/electrowinning operation to improve mining operations |
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Civil Engineer — designs and builds all surface structures (dams, dikes, plantsite location, etc.) |
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Dispatcher — sends haulage trucks to correct shovel and then to correct crusher; in the pit makes sure traffic and ore flow are optimal |
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Drill Operator — drills holes for blasting benches of material to be mined |
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Environmental Engineer — develops plans to provide least impact on the environment |
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Geologist — analyzes rock for clues to mineral deposits |
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Geochemist — investigates the type and distribution of major and trace elements and organic compounds in rocks, soils, and water |
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Geophysical Engineer — applies geophysical techniques to understand and plan for geologic conditions that affect mines |
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Industrial Hygienist — studies the science of health, prevention of disease and illness, and the conditions and practices that promote and preserve the health of mine workers |
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Haulage Truck Driver — carries ore from the shovel to the primary crusher |
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Hydrologist —deals with water issues in mines; monitoring water supply for contaminants and depletion, rerouting waterways, etc. |
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Maintenance — responsible for keeping all equipment in good working order; responsible for keeping all work areas clean |
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Mechanical Engineer — designs and maintains mechanical systems in the mine |
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Metallurgist — analyzes ore in the field and in the lab to determine the most efficient beneficiation methods; designs process strategies for mineral liberation and beneficiation |
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Mineralogist — studies mineral formation, crystal structure, chemistry and properties to understand ore genesis and to help the metallurgist develop process strategies for mineral liberation and beneficiation, in order to develop and modify mineral-based products for industrial and consumer use |
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Mining Company Manager — responsible for the overall management of the company; directs the generation and allocation of funds; ultimately responsible for safety and the actual implementation and efficiency of the mining operation |
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Mining Engineer — plans the mine layout and all surrounding projects |
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Safety Engineer — certified professional who applies math, science, and engineering principles to the design of systems with inherent safety and fail-safe features at the mining operation; inspects the workplace for compliance with safety rules and procedures |
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Security Officers — patrols grounds and facilities; monitors traffic entering and exiting mine property; inspects vehicles |
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Shovel Operator — fills haulage trucks in most efficient manner possible |
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Attorney — handles legal issues involving mining operations |
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Computer Programmer — writes and designs computer programs for use in mine and in corporate offices |
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Computer Technician — troubleshoots various computer problems; installs and maintains computer systems |
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Human Resources — posts job openings; interviews prospective employees; trains employees; handles grievances |
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Mechanic — maintains mechanical equipment in mine and auxiliary systems |
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Purchasing Agent — buys everything for mining operation from heavy equipment to office supplies |
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Secretary — processes all correspondence for the corporate offices, files documents, makes copies, answers phones |
Of course, these are just a sampling of the many jobs in or connected to mining. From bakers and taxi drivers to farmers, housewives, doctors, forest rangers, and clergymen, there is probably no profession that doesn't connect in some way to this vital industry.
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Copyright © 2006 Arizona Mining Association. All rights reserved.