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.