Since a long time ago, it's going to me my first post. Well I've been to university and the studies are so difficult, actually not difficult , but the amount of studies is so much tha makes me tired some times.

          I've got some news for you all, the improvements to the blog theme have made , so that the post author name would be displayed under each post with a link which refers to the previous posts made by this author.

         Our web-site is healthy online , but the design worked have been suspended for a while because of gathering required information and design ideas from the main members of the society.

          For the rest of the post I've prepared an article about mining engineering, my own subject of interest. Read and enjoy!

Mining engineering

Mining engineering is an engineering discipline that involves the practice, the theory, the science, the technology, and application of extracting and processing minerals from a naturally occurring environment. Mining engineering also includes processing minerals for additional value.

The need for mineral extraction and production is an essential activity of any technically proficient society. As minerals are produced from within a naturally occurring environment, disturbance of the environment as a result of mineral production is a given. Modern mining engineers must therefore be concerned not only with the production and processing of mineral commodities, but also with the mitigation of damage or changes to an environment as a result of that production and processing.

Surface coal mine with haul truck in foreground

 
Surface coal mine with haul truck in foreground

According to the US Department of Labor:

Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers find, extract, and prepare coal, metals, and minerals for use by manufacturing industries and utilities. They design open-pit and underground mines, supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels in underground operations, and devise methods for transporting minerals to processing plants. Mining engineers are responsible for the safe, economical, and environmentally sound operation of mines. Some mining engineers work with geologists and metallurgical engineers to locate and appraise new ore deposits. Others develop new mining equipment or direct mineral-processing operations that separate minerals from the dirt, rock, and other materials with which they are mixed. Mining engineers frequently specialize in the mining of one mineral or metal, such as coal or gold. With increased emphasis on protecting the environment, many mining engineers work to solve problems related to land reclamation and water and air pollution. Mining safety engineers use their knowledge of mine design and practices to ensure the safety of workers and to comply with State and Federal safety regulations. They inspect walls and roof surfaces, monitor air quality, and examine mining equipment for compliance with safety practices.

The total engineering profession has 1.5 million jobs in the US, of which 7,100 jobs, or 1/2 of one percent, are in mining engineering.

Brief History of Mining

Dating back to around 300,000 BC, mining was actively practiced for non-metallic materials for weapons such as flint and obsidian In addition minerals were mined for jewelry and basic construction.

Up until 40,000 BC mining activity was centered around surface collection, shallow pits, and placer extraction. Thereafter, miners began to excavate deeper into the ground which gradually became what is known today as underground mining.

Metal extraction from metallic ores began around 7,000 BC, this began with copper, and then eventually lead and silver.

Finally around the late 13th AD the discovery of coal and mineral fuels further increased activity of mining non-metallic, metallic ore, and industrial fuels.