Work activities vary according to the nature of the mine or site, but tasks typically involve:

• assessing the commercial viability of new mining ventures;
• undertaking feasibility studies;
• modelling/designing potential mine sites;
• preparing plans for mines, for example tunnels and shafts for underground mines;
• working with specialist PC software to support planning programmes;
• overseeing major construction projects and ensuring that operations are functioning smoothly;
• monitoring activities underground;
• overseeing staff activities, either in one site section or throughout an entire mine;
• ensuring the safety of mining equipment and assessing mine equipment supplies;
• costing and scheduling supplies;
• establishing extraction systems;
• overseeing the health and safety of the site, particularly in relation to issues such as ventilation;
• planning for transition from surface to underground mining operations;
• learning new skills as required, such as drilling and blasting;
• providing consultancy and advice on mining and mineral extraction projects;
• filling in disused mine shafts;
• reclaiming mine sites;
• managing monthly budgets and keeping detailed records.