21330 – Mining engineers
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 2 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 70 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 100 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
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.