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Careers in Anglo Platinum
Mining
The objective of mining is to remove rock containing valuable minerals from the earth's crust. Sometimes the rock is taken from an open pit, but usually it is mined through a system of tunnels and excavations below the surface. Mining engineers co-ordinate all the working aspects of a mine. This is a highly specialised profession, which is diverse and complex.
New shafts must be designed and planned according to the specific purpose for which they will be used. Factors, which play a role, are the material and men to be hoisted, size of machinery and equipment to be moved through the shaft, quantity of ventilation, water and electricity required, and more.
Mining activities must be planned in such a way that the maximum amount of valuable ore is removed with the smallest amount of unwanted surrounding rock.
Obstacles and geological disturbances such as unstable rock formations or high volumes of underground water can cause serious complications when the mine is in full production. These factors must be fully accounted for during the planning phases.
To ensure the safety of all workers, as well as total compliance with the Health and Safety Act and Regulations, the Mining Engineer must include health and safety matters in all planning.
A mining engineer needs a good knowledge of geology, rock engineering, mine ventilation, mine surveying, mechanical and electrical engineering. A mine must be managed as a business based on sound financial and economic principles. The mining engineer thus also needs a good understanding of finance. The position entails interaction with many different people on various levels, and a mining engineer therefore requires a sound knowledge of human resources management.
The young mining engineer would initially spend a large amount of the working day underground, gaining experience.
At a later stage, this experience could lead to a management position, supervising the daily running of the mine. However, a mining engineer might choose to follow a technical route instead, designing and implementing alternative methods, developing more effective mining equipment and so on.
In order to be a successful mining engineer, a sound knowledge of mining techniques and theory is required. This is obtained through study at a University or a Technikon.
The many challenges of planning and operating a mine provide an attractive, rewarding and exciting professional career for young men and women who have the academic ability and good organisational skills.
Career Path
