Geotechnical Engineer
Analyze soil and rock conditions underneath proposed construction sites.
If a mine were a beehive, the Mine Manager would be the queen (or king) bee overseeing it and instructing the workers on what to do. In this job, you are in charge of the mine’s day-to-day operations, and make key decisions that keep workers safe while increasing profits. The mine must meet production demands necessary to sustain the current economy. And you strike a balance between these combined requirements as a Mine Manager.
Your work involves continuous planning. Talking with other Mine Managers on the job helps you determine how much money the mine is capable of producing while still meeting safety regulations. After gathering data, as the Mine Manager, you map out a business plan that shows your expected profits and how you’ll reach those goals. Not only must you keep your workers’ needs in mind, but you must also consider the cost of buying and maintaining equipment.
Each day, you review information on the mine’s productivity. If a machine breaks, you schedule repairs, and determine how far behind budget the setback puts you. If a worker falls ill, you make plans for a temporary replacement. Tweaking your business plan to make allowances for these situations lets you set realistic goals and still turn a profit.
When you’re not dealing with paperwork and making plans, you speak with Mine Workers to settle any complaints. It’s your job to know what’s going on in the mine at all times, both from a financial and a safety perspective.