Profession mine mechanical engineer

Mine mechanical engineers supervise the procurement, installation, removal and maintenance of mining mechanical equipment, using their knowledge of mechanical specifications. They organise the replacement and repair of mechanical equipment and components.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Design drawings

  Understand design drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.

• Electricity

  Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

• Mechanical engineering

  Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.

• Geology

  Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

• Mechanics

  Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

• Mine safety legislation

  The laws, regulations and codes of practice relevant to safety in mining operations.

• Mechanical mine machinery manuals

  Comprehend manufacturers' manuals for the installation and operation of mining machinery. Understand schematic drawings.

• Impact of geological factors on mining operations

  Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.

Skills

• Supervise staff

  Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.

• Use technical drawing software

  Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

• Advise on mine equipment

  Provide advice on mining and equipment for mineral treatment; communicate and collaborate with engineering experts.

• Maintain records of mining operations

  Maintain records of mine production and development performance, including performance of machinery.

• Troubleshoot

  Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

• Maintain mine machinery

  Inspect and conduct planned maintenance of mining equipment. Execute routine repairs and replace damaged components. Analyse test results and interpret machine error messages. Undertake maintenance activities such as cleaning and lubricating components.

• Procure mechanical machinery

  Procure adequate machinery. Research the market to find the best machinery, staying within budget limits, and negotiate the purchase. Maintain records.

• Prepare technical reports

  Prepare technical reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.

• Use a computer

  Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.

• Install mining machinery

  Assemble, install and disassemble mining equipment. Outstanding eye-hand coordination and spatial awareness are required.

• Ensure compliance with safety legislation

  Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.

• Manage emergency procedures

  React quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB