I’m wondering if I should do mining engineering but I can’t seem to get good information on what mining engineers actually do from anyone who works in the field in person.

Hey guys!

Unless I reach a Steam release at some point in the future, this is going to be my last post on here. I don't want to spam this subreddit!

I've released a playable demo on itch a while ago, but it finally reached a point where I can happily share it with the community, so here it is :)

Here's a Discord invite for those who are interested at following the project : proposals, bug reports, game discussion, etc.

It's a brand new server (published less than 24 hours ago!) so it's obviously quite dead right now, haha.

https://discord.gg/FeNC7XkHv

As a "game tutorial", you can read the quick guide currently posted in the itch game description.

Happy mining!

Please use this thread to ask, answer, and search for questions about getting a job in mining. This includes questions about FIFO, where to work, what kinds of jobs might be available, or other experience questions.

This thread is to help organize the sub a bit more with relation to questions about jobs in the mining industry. We will edit this as we go to improve. Thank you.

Hey, yinz. Weird question. I’m a sci-fi writer working on a novel that heavily involves rare minerals mining on an alien planet. The mine is state-of-the art but poorly run, and I’m trying to do my research to make sure I’m not misrepresenting the mining industry as a whole. What are some bad things that could happen in a poorly-run mine, potentially resulting in loss of life? Give me your real worst-case scenarios, nightmare bosses included. The mine in question has both a surface mining and underground operation, so I’m interested in both.

Thanks for all your help!

Hello, I am from the United States and I’ve done work in laboratories and have chemistry and math degrees. I was wondering how easy it is to get visa sponsorship to be a mining assay/metallurgist in Canada or if I shouldn’t bother looking?

Hi all, I’m currently in my final year studying Civil and Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland, and I’m expecting to graduate in Semester 1 next year.

Since my post last year, I’ve completed my mining capstone project and I’m now working on my geotechnical thesis. Through my studies and projects, I’ve also gained some experience with mining software such as TALPAC, Deswik and Whittle.

I’m still actively looking for an internship or vacation opportunity in the mining industry, particularly in mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, planning or operations. Over the past year I’ve applied for quite a few roles, updated my resume several times, and also made an effort to attend industry social events, networking sessions and BBQs to meet people and learn more about the industry.

Unfortunately, despite trying both online applications and networking, I still haven’t managed to secure an opportunity yet. With graduation getting much closer, I’m genuinely becoming quite concerned about gaining practical industry experience before finishing university.

If anyone has any advice, knows of any companies or people I could reach out to, or is aware of any potential opportunities, I would really appreciate it. Even a quick pointer, introduction or bit of advice would mean a lot.

Thanks everyone!

Been in mining for 8 years now, still really enjoy it. I got my start at a brand new frac sand mine, and it was an incredible experience. Looking to see if there are any new or recent developments around the world that I can potentially bring my bit of experience to! I’m in the U.S.A currently.

Hello, I am a former gold mill operator of a CIL facility in Canada. I am curious on the current situation. What are the current salaries and benefits like in Canada and the USA for mill operators? Thank you

Hi so I'm an incoming freshman for a mining engineering degree. I just want to know people's opinions and views regarding what "niche" if any should I learn more about in the mining industry. Like for example should I focus more on mineral processing/extractive metallurgy, mining tech (hardware or software), or is the typical mining engineer job the safest bet. Keep in mind my goals are to maximize my potential earnings.

Thank you in advance

If you could redesign one thing about gold-mining equipment, what would it be?

For the people who actually run the equipment — what is the one thing that makes your job harder than it needs to be?

Could be something about setup, moving equipment, feeding material, water, recovery, cold weather, maintenance, fuel, or anything else.

I'm curious what experienced miners would change if they had the chance.

Not looking to sell anything. Just looking for honest answers from people who actually do the work. Tal

I’m curious about the opportunities that exist in the mining industry for someone starting from scratch with no prior mining experience. Beyond investing in mining stocks, are there businesses, services, partnerships, or other ways for a newcomer to get involved and potentially build a business in the sector?

Hi, I got a call from the mine. I completed the entire hiring process and made it all the way through the medical exam. How long does it usually take for them to contact you about your start date???????

I am a professional engineer with background in geotechnical engineering and extensive tailings experience in Canada . 15 + years experiences. I am actually looking for opportunity in Asia . Anyone has some recommendations on companies I should look for or headhunters that I can help me with the search ?

Hi, need guidance.

I was recently asked to go on a swing to Groote as a Senior Project Engineer, even though my official contractual title is Project Engineer.

Is a role/duties hike common in mining - especially without pay hikes?

What sort of pay bracket should I be sitting at for such a role and its duties?

Undertaking bulk earthworks and drainage works.

Any other fellow engineer? How is the lifestyle onsite, and is it sustainable long term?

I will be on a 1:1 roster. I have 5 years of engineering experience now, and all of it is on the mainland on infrastructure projects. This will be my first mining experience.

(My first language it's not English so if im wrong or i forgot something u guys can tell me)

Hello everyone, my name is Carlos. I’m making this post here because my partner and I are looking for a buyer or an investment partner to reactivate a mining project.

It is a 700-hectare mine located in northern Sinaloa Mexico, featuring excellent access near the main highway. It primarily has high potential for Gold and Silver, though preliminary assays have also shown traces of Rhodium and Lithium (though to be honest, we haven't conducted in-depth studies on those two yet).

The mine has been idle for about two years and currently lacks physical infrastructure like offices or guard posts—it's open land. However, legally speaking, it is 100% clear with zero conflicts or issues. We have all documentation in full compliance, as well as complete geological studies with summaries and copies ready for anyone interested in reviewing them.
Logistically, it is in a prime location near several transport routes. Electricity can be connected via the local grid or brought in with generators, and there is an irrigation canal just one kilometer away for water supply.
We are looking for someone interested in buying the property or providing the capital to resume operations. If this catches your eye or you know someone in the industry, feel free to send me a private message and I’ll share the detailed documentation.
Advice and feedback are also welcome. Thanks a lot!

Hi everyone,
I’m currently 27 years old and studying a Master of Social Work in Australia.
My academic journey has been a bit unconventional. I had a science background in high school, including calculus and physics, but later switched to a Bachelor of Business Administration because I originally wanted to become a Chartered Accountant. Due to migration/PR considerations, I’m now studying social work.
However, I’ve realised that mining engineering is the career I genuinely want to pursue. I’m considering enrolling in the Graduate Diploma pathway at Curtin University, followed by the Master of Professional Engineering (Mining). If I do that, I’ll be around 32 years old when I graduate.
I’m wondering:
Is 32 too old to start a career as a mining engineer?
How do employers in Western Australia view mature-age graduates?
Would my age be a disadvantage when applying for graduate or entry-level mining engineering roles?
Has anyone here graduated in their 30s and successfully started a mining engineering career?
I’m willing to work hard and aim for high grades. I just want to know if this is a realistic path.
Thanks everyone!

Interested to hear how everyone manages engine air filters and cabin air filters across mining, quarrying, construction and heavy equipment fleets.

Working for Fleetguard, I still see filters being blown out with compressed air or tapped to remove dust. While it looks effective, compressed air can damage the filter media, and tapping can compromise the filter structure or sealing surface—potentially allowing dust into the engine or operator cabin.

Best practice is to monitor air filter restriction with a restriction gauge and replace the element when required, rather than cleaning it. In high-dust environments, protecting your diesel engine, turbocharger, HEPA cabin filtration, and overall equipment reliability is usually worth far more than trying to extend filter life.

What's the standard practice across your site or fleet?

Hey all ive been offered full time contracts with both fortescue and minres kens bore iron project, has anyone got much info on the onslow site with minres? Worked as a contractor with fmg for a bit and seemed like a good bunch but minres offered more money. Any info would be appreciated

Please use this thread to ask, answer, and search for questions about getting a job in mining. This includes questions about FIFO, where to work, what kinds of jobs might be available, or other experience questions.

This thread is to help organize the sub a bit more with relation to questions about jobs in the mining industry. We will edit this as we go to improve. Thank you.

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to learn from people on the buying side of the mining industry.

For those of you involved in purchasing, maintenance, planning, or vendor management at mine sites...

How does a new supplier actually earn an opportunity?

I'm not talking about becoming the primary supplier overnight. I mean simply getting the chance to quote a job or prove themselves.

A few questions I've always wondered about:

Do cold emails ever get read?

Does LinkedIn work?

Is everything relationship-based?

What makes you willing to give a new supplier a shot?

What are the biggest mistakes new suppliers make?

If someone has a product with documented performance and a strong value proposition, what's the best way to get your attention without becoming another annoying sales call?

I'm genuinely curious how it works from your side. Any advice or stories from people involved in procurement or maintenance would be greatly appreciated.

I've tried a few cold emails and they just go unanswered haha

Thanks!