Mining qualifications can vary depending on the type of job a person plans to hold and the type of mine that he plans to work in. Most workers will likely be required to have health and safety certificates. Physical and mental health usually need to be confirmed. Some positions may require computer literacy or experience handling certain type of equipment. Professional positions commonly require a bachelor's degree in a physical science, engineering, or a mining-related field.
It is common for the list of mining qualifications to include health and safety certification. The examination to obtain it is generally available only after taking a course whose length will vary from one jurisdiction to another. A potential employer may also ask applicants to provide the results of a physical, or the employer may order that one be obtained following a successful interview. This is needed because there are generally numerous physical requirements upon miners. For example, underground miners are often required to be productive at very laborious tasks while working in extremely high temperatures.
Some mining companies will not hire equipment operators who are inexperienced. Those who operate moving machinery are often required to have certification operating particular equipment. In some instances, this may be able to be acquired from the employer. Those who drive vehicles that transport mined materials generally need a special operator's license.
Increasingly, mining qualifications are likely to include computer competency. This is true even with hands-on positions such as mechanics and construction. As equipment is updated, many companies are investing in machinery that is computerized. Considering this, more people should expect to find that the list of mining qualifications includes some type of computer literacy certificate or the passing of a computer skills test.
It is not uncommon to find that numerous mining positions require experience. That experience can often be earned only on the job. This means that certain positions tend to be attainable by only spending a significant amount of time working one's way up from another position.
Mining qualifications for those who hold professional positions, such as engineers, often include a bachelor's degree. If these are not directly related to mining, the degree generally needs to be in one of the physical sciences or in engineering. Some professional positions, such as the superintendent of mines or foremen, usually require compliance certification pertaining to the laws of the jurisdiction in which a person will be employed.
