If you’re an engineer looking to break into Australia’s gold industry, you might be surprised just how many opportunities there are for your career.
From electrical to geotechnical, there are multiple specialties within the gold industry for engineers. Here are ten of the engineering roles you’ll find on most mine sites.
1. Drill and Blast Engineer
The main responsibilities of this role are to plan effective drill patterns and designs. You’ll need to monitor and review drilling and blasting data to ensure your designs are effective and identify any required refinements.
2. Paste fill engineer
Paste fill is a method used to fill in the mined-out voids underground to stabilise ground support. A paste fill engineer would design what paste is required, considering which tailings and cement are most appropriate so the mine is stable and requires fewer pillars.
3. Planning Engineer
Planning engineers help their teams deliver projects on schedule. They plan what development and stoping is needed, as well as create implementation strategies and determine materials and labour costs.
4. Ventilation Engineer
A ventilation engineer Plans, designs, organises and oversees the assembly, erection, operation and maintenance of the ventilation system at the mine, such as fans and ducting. They’re responsible for ensuring sufficient ventilation throughout the mine.
5. Dewatering Engineer
The dewatering engineer will manage the movement of groundwater throughout the mine. This may include ensuring the correct number of pumps are used to remove water from the mine safely and efficiently.
6. Mechanical engineer
A mechanical engineer supervises the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of mechanical plant at the mine.
7. Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers create, design and manage the electrical infrastructure on a mine site to ensure it is safe and cost-effective.
8. Geotechnical engineer
Geotechnical engineers monitor the geological conditions of the mine to ensure the workings remain safe and stable. The role is responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining geotechnical instruments to analyse the rock mass.
9. Chemical engineer
Chemical engineers work out the processes to extract gold from the rock in the most effective way They design the metallurgical recovery and ensure the correct metallurgical recovery is maintained.
10. Tailings engineer
Tailings are the material produced from the mill after gold has been extracted. A tailings engineer designs and coordinates technical programs, processes and infrastructure to manage, treat, store and remediate tailings from the mine.
If you’re looking for a role in the gold industry, check out our jobs page for all the latest opportunities and vacancies across Australia.