Quarry engineers work on the extraction of raw materials such as metals, gypsum, salt, clays, gravel and stone from underground tunnelling systems (mines) and overground, open-cast pits (quarries). A range of methods is employed to extract material, including blasting, drilling and excavation. Engineers also work on mineral processing sites where raw materials are separated out from waste products and refined for industry, for example, the production of aggregates used in road construction.

Before a new mine or quarry is opened, engineers are involved in planning feasibility surveys where they employ ground-surveying techniques to assess the suitability and geological make-up of a site. Using drilling rigs, earth and rock samples are taken and removed for testing. The results of initial surveys are then drawn up into reports to help managers decide how the project should proceed.

In the design stage engineers decide on the most efficient way of extracting the material or minerals from the ground, for example, analysing the best way to separate and process raw materials from the rock. Once under construction, engineers work closely with other professionals such as geologists and civil engineers to ensure that work progresses smoothly and that projected costs and deadlines are achieved.

Engineers involved in the day-to-day running and maintenance of an operation have responsibility for managing technical staff, producing regular reports, dealing with equipment supplies, and monitoring health and safety, guarding against eventualities such as collapse or flooding.

An increasingly important aspect to the job is the environmental impact that a working mine has on its surroundings. Similarly, once the economic life of the mine has lapsed, engineers have to ensure that the site can be reclaimed for other uses or that the habitat can be returned as closely as possible to its original state.

Hours and Environment

Quarry engineers work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They may work extra hours to meet deadlines.

Depending on their work, they could be based in an office, laboratory or on site. Protective clothing is worn on site.

Travel overseas for long periods may be involved.

Skills and Interests

To be a quarry engineer, you should:

• have strong analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
• have excellent geological knowledge
• have excellent maths, science and IT skills
• have a knowledge of computer-aided design packages
• have strong communication and presentation skills
• have an excellent technical knowledge
• be able to prioritise and plan effectively
• be able to work within budgetary constraints
• keep up-to-date with new developments
• be able to work as part of a team and take responsibility for decisions.

Entry

Entry is with a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree. Suitable courses include minerals engineering, minerals surveying, mine and quarry engineering, and mining engineering. It may be possible to enter this role from other branches of engineering such as mechanical engineering or civil engineering.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward.

To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

For a degree course you will need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths, physics or chemistry, or equivalent qualifications.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

As many opportunities are overseas, a willingness to relocate is important.

The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM 3) and the Institute of Quarrying have information about careers in this field, together with details of institutions around the country offering relevant qualifications. See Further Information.

For general information about engineering careers, see the websites for SEMTA, Women into Science and Engineering and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers in Further Information. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their website in Further Information.

Training

Training is normally on the job. Graduate apprenticeship schemes are available for those holding a first degree.

Postgraduate study may be an option in some roles. Courses include mining law in relation to health and safety, applied geotechnics, industrial rocks and minerals, mining engineering and mining geology. The IOM 3 and Institute of Quarrying have details of organisations offering postgraduate level training.

Gaining incorporated or chartered status
Professional engineering bodies recommend that you gain incorporated or chartered status to enhance your career prospects. You can achieve this by registering with a professional body and applying to the Engineering Council to start the process.

Chartered engineers normally work at a strategic level, planning, researching and developing new designs and innovations, and streamlining management procedures. They are often project leaders with responsibility for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians. Incorporated engineers specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations.

To qualify as an incorporated or chartered quarry engineer, you need:

• an accredited university qualification
• a period of Initial Professional Development, including practical training to gain experience
• to pass a professional review 
• membership of an appropriate professional body.

As part of the process, you are assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence), developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council. 

Opportunities

Quarry engineers are employed by companies involved in mineral production, equipment supply, research and development, and on a consultancy basis. There are also openings in general management, finance and marketing. Opportunities in the UK tend to centre around quarrying and underground construction projects; specific mining engineering roles are more commonly found overseas.

Quarry engineers are also well placed to move into related areas such as civil, construction and environmental engineering.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Income for new graduate engineers is between £19,500 and £23,000 a year.
Experienced engineers can earn between £25,000 and £35,000.
Senior quarry engineers can earn upwards of £40,000 a year.

Salaries with overseas companies can vary widely, depending on the nature of the project, the type of contract and mine's location.

Further information

1 Carlton House Terrace
London
SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300 7 Regent Street
Nottingham
NG1 5BS
Tel: 0115 945 3880 14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167 6th Floor
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
Tel: 020 7557 6426