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Quarry engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Mining engineer

Quarry engineers explore new sites, oversee extraction operations and manage sites at the end of their commercial life.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

weekends occasionally

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a quarry engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can become a quarry or mining engineer by completing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree. You can choose from a subject like:

  • minerals engineering
  • mining engineering
  • geophysics
  • geology
  • Earth sciences
  • civil engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a higher apprenticeship as a minerals product technician. With experience, you could then become a quarry engineer.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Institute of Quarrying to help with your professional development.

Further information

You can find out more about working in quarrying from Careers in Quarrying and The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • design skills and knowledge
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to read English
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

Some job opportunities are on overseas contracts, so you may need to move abroad for work.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You will:

  • use ground-surveying techniques to check the site’s geology
  • drill earth and rock samples for lab testing
  • build up computer models of a site and its deposits
  • make recommendations on how to proceed

If mining goes ahead, you will:

  • manage the day-to-day running of operations
  • oversee technical staff
  • produce progress reports
  • monitor health and safety
  • draw up plans to guard against emergencies like a tunnel collapsing or flooding
  • make plans for restoration of the site after quarry workings end

Working environment

You could work at a quarry or in an office.

Your working environment may be cramped, dusty, dirty and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into related careers like civil, construction and environmental engineering. 

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Manufacturing Management Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,500.00 Annually
  • Location: Leighton Buzzard

Manufacturing Management Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,500.00 Annually
  • Location: Sittingbourne
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BSc(Hons) Civil Engineering (Top Up)

  • Provider: MOULTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 20 September 2021
  • Location: Northampton

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

  • Provider: LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Liverpool
Find courses near you

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