21330 – Mining engineers
TEER 1Occupations usually requiring a university degree
Lead statement
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.
Main duties
- 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
- Implement and coordinate mine safety programs
- Supervise and coordinate the work of technicians, technologists, survey personnel, and other engineers and scientists.
Employment requirements
- 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.
Example job titles
consulting mining engineer · mining engineer · mines exploration engineer · mine design engineer · mine development engineer · mine layout engineer · mine planning engineer · mine production engineer · mine safety engineer · mine ventilation engineer · mineral dressing engineer · mineral engineer
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $37.02 | $60.00 | $115.38 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $40.00 | $57.69 | $80.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $37.77 | $50.48 | $68.82 |
| Quebec | $37.02 | $56.73 | $120.19 |
| Ontario | $38.46 | $57.69 | $86.54 |
| Manitoba | $36.93 | $54.79 | $72.97 |
| Saskatchewan | $40.35 | $61.71 | $100.70 |
| Alberta | $39.10 | $63.26 | $99.64 |
| British Columbia | $39.75 | $61.42 | $97.39 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.