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Top: Business: Mining: Education and Training

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How do miners begin in the industry?

Workers in mining production occupations must usually be at least 18 years old, in good physical condition, and able to work in confined spaces. A high school diploma is not necessarily required. Most workers start as helpers to experienced workers and learn skills on the job.

However, formal training is becoming more important, as more technologically advanced machinery and mining methods are used. Some employers prefer to hire recent graduates of high school vocational programs in mining or graduates of junior college or technical school programs in mine technology. Such programs usually are found only at schools in mining areas.

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What on-the-job training is available?

In the United States mining companies must offer formal training in either classrooms or training mines for a few weeks before new miners actually begin work. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 mandates that each mine have an approved worker training program in health and safety issues. Each plan must include at least 40 hours of basic safety training for new miners with no experience in underground mines, and 24 hours for new miners in surface mines. In addition to new miner training, each miner must receive at least 8 hours of refresher safety training a year, and miners assigned to new jobs must receive safety training relating to their new task.

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) also conducts classes on health, safety, and mining methods, and some mining machinery manufacturers offer courses in machine operation and maintenance as well.

Increasingly, mines are employing more high-tech tools for miner training, such as machinery simulators and virtual reality simulators. By simulating actual mine conditions and emergencies, mine workers are better prepared and companies can instantly assess a mineworker’s progress and skills.

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How can higher positions be attained?

As production workers gain more experience, they can advance to higher paying jobs requiring greater skill. A mining machine operator’s helper, for example, might become an operator. When vacancies occur, announcements are posted, and all qualified workers can bid for the job. Positions are filled on the basis of seniority and ability.

Miners with significant experience or special training also can become mine safety, health, and compliance officers, whose duties include mine safety inspection. According to MSHA, a mine safety, health, and compliance officer needs at least 5 years' experience as a miner, or a degree in mining engineering.

For professional and managerial positions in mining, a master’s degree in engineering, one of the physical sciences, or business administration, is preferred. A number of colleges and universities have mining schools or departments and programs in mining or minerals. The vaste majority of managerial positions are filled thanks to several years of industry educated mining professionals having learnt to operate a mining company over decades of hard work. Their actual degree being only a license to practice.

Environmental positions require regulatory knowledge and a strong natural science background, or a background in a technical field, such as environmental engineering or hydrology. To date, most environmental professionals have been drawn from the ranks of engineers and scientists who have had experience in the mining industry.

Universities and mining schools have introduced more environmental coursework into their programs, and mining firms are hiring professionals from existing environment-related disciplines and training them to meet their companies’ needs. Additionally, specialized mine technology programs are offered by a few colleges. Enrollment in these programs can lead to a certificate in mine technology after 1 year, an associate degree after 2 years, or a bachelor’s degree after 4 years. Courses cover areas such as mine ventilation, roof bolting, and machinery repairs.