Engineering
Mining Engineer
You plan and run safe, efficient mining operations.
- Starting salary
- R30 000 – R48 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You plan and run safe, efficient mining operations.
A day in the life
You design mine layouts, manage teams underground or on surface, and drive safety systems.
Skills you need
- Maths
- Leadership
- Safety focus
- Toughness
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering Graphics & Design
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BEng Mining
- 3Graduate programme
- 4Mine manager certificate
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology · Learnership. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- University of Johannesburg
- Tshwane University of Technology
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R30 000 – R48 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R55 000 – R90 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R100 000 – R200 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Understand SA's mining history
- • Excel at maths and physics
- • Learn about mine safety
Try this career
Research one SA mineral and explain how it's mined and what it's used for.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.