How to Become A Rock Engineer In South Africa

Rock engineering is the discipline of designing and supporting stable excavations in rock. By understanding the properties of the rock quantitatively as well as qualitatively the design of stable excavations in mines is made possible.

What does a rock mechanic do?

The rock mechanics engineer is usually responsible to the consulting engineers of the various mines of his group. He provides a rock mechanics service for the mining policy and long-term planning of the mines, and the solution of major problems which may arise.

Why do we study rock mechanics?

Rock mechanics is an important field in civil engineering as it applies in the majority of infrastructure projects including dams, roads, tunnels, bridges, buildings, and protection of slopes.

What engineers study rocks?

Geologist

The Geologist – Carl Spitzweg, circa 1860
Occupation
NamesGeologist
Occupation typeProfession
Activity sectorsGovernment Mining Petroleum industry Engineering

How to Become A Rock Engineer In South Africa

Below is Where To Study Rock Engineering In South Africa:

Rock engineering is the discipline of designing and supporting stable excavations in rock. By understanding the properties of the rock quantitatively as well as qualitatively the design of stable excavations in mines is made possible.

Below are the list of Rock Engineering Schools In South Africa

SANIRE

Unisa – Mine Engineering

WITS – School of Mining Engineering

Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy

University of Pretoria – Department of Mining Engineering

UJ – Department of Mining and Mine Surveying

Rock Engineering Degree and Certificate Program Information

Essential Information

Rock engineering can be considered a more casual term for geological engineering programs. Students in these programs study rock formations, their composition and mining practices. Undergraduate programs include courses in a variety of engineering disciplines, including civil and environmental, and some programs may have optional areas of emphasis in petroleum engineering.

Students in a 4-year bachelor’s degree programs in geological engineering may be required to complete an internship or work experience as well as a senior research project.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent as well as provide high school transcripts and college entrance exam scores. To take advanced geology and engineering courses, students must complete prerequisite math, chemistry, physics and geology courses.

Individuals who already have an undergraduate degree in a science or engineering field could enroll in a mining engineering post-baccalaureate certificate program. These programs provide students with training regarding underground mine design and rock mechanics. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering.

They’ll need to have taken certain math and science classes during their undergraduate studies. Some professional experience beyond a bachelor’s degree is usually required.

Graduate programs in geological engineering are also available. These programs are available in thesis and non-thesis options, and graduates are prepared for careers related to the design and construction of mining and civil engineering projects.

Program applicants need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geological science, environmental studies or a related field. Schools may require undergraduate coursework in geology, fluid mechanics, soil mechanics and structures.

Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering

Individuals interested in rock engineering may pursue a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering. This degree program is available at various universities and technical schools. Students learn about the compositions of rocks and their natural occurrences in the Earth.

They review topics such as minerals, energy resources, hydro-geology, groundwater, natural geological hazards, rock stability, reclamation and site assessment. They are taught about research methods and practice designing original engineering projects.

Also, students are trained in contemporary social issues. They learn effective communication skills so they can work well with other scientists, engineers and the public. Students learn to plan and execute engineering projects related to the survey and extraction of mineral, water or energy resources to meet the demands of a growing population.

Students need to fulfill general education courses such as communication, sociology, math and English. Laboratory courses that allow individuals to study rocks and conduct engineering experiments are vital components of the curriculum. Required courses in may include:

Structural geology

Sedimentology

Stratigraphy

Petrophysics

Geomechanics

Rock slope engineering


Mining Engineering Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

A post-baccalaureate certificate in mining engineering is available for individuals who want to continue their education in geological engineering. This training covers the types of mines, mine design, mine ventilation, gas drainage, soil replacement and environmental impact.

Students who earn a certificate in mining engineering can seek advancement opportunities in their current employment or seek other career opportunities. They may also seek pursue a graduate or doctoral degree.

Certificate programs focus on specific training. Courses may include:

Rock mechanics

Underground mining

Surface mining

Sustainable mining

Risk management

Mine management


Master of Science in Geological Engineering

Graduate programs in geological engineering provides advanced instruction and research. They give students a greater comprehension of issues they may face as geological engineers.

Graduate students learn more about geological hazards such as sinkholes, landslides, mudflows, floods and earthquakes. They discuss the responses to loading, exposure, fluids and temperature.

Students are introduced to a greater variety of construction projects, including dams, foundations, retaining walls and tunnels. They learn analytical and testing techniques, including visualization, sensing, computational geomechanics, soil testing and liquefaction analysis.

Students in a master’s degree program in geological engineering will need to take advanced math courses along with their major coursework. Their graduate courses may include:

Geostatistics

Earth pressures

Land development

Soil testing

Earthquake engineering

Foundation engineering


Popular Careers

Graduates with a geological engineering degree may be employed in the business, government and engineering industries. They may find work in:

Petroleum mining

Coil, oil or gas production

Renewable energy engineering

Groundwater management

Contamination remediation

Slope stability analysis

Employment Outlook

According to the S.A. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mining and geological engineers earned a mean annual wage of R1432941.82 . Their salaries varied according to geographic location and the specific type of engineering jobs. The BLS also reported that employment of mining and geological engineers was expected to grow 4% (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering, students are eligible for certification tests to prove their competency.

These tests include the Fundamentals of Engineering examination, the first of two exams needed to become a licensed professional engineer in the S.A After working in the field for about four years, graduates are eligible to take the other test, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.

Undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees and certificate programs in geological or mining engineering are all options for those who wish to pursue an education in rock engineering. These programs prepare graduates for various careers within the mining and geology engineering fields.

How many years does it take to become a rock engineer In South Africa?

Students in a 4-year bachelor’s degree programs in geological engineering may be required to complete an internship or work experience as well as a senior research project. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent as well as provide high school transcripts and college entrance exam scores.

How many years does it take to become a mining engineer In South Africa?

The path to becoming a mining engineer typically takes 4-6 years. If interested in a mining engineering career, proper education is the first step. Some colleges and universities offer mining engineering or geological engineering programmes, but this is rare.

What does a mining engineer do in South Africa?

Mine engineers work primarily for mining companies and provide technical support and directions for their operations.

Is mining engineering a difficult course In South Africa?

In mining as in any other industry there are ups and downs. Keep in mind that mining studies are amongst the easiest. Try electrical if you seek hard stuff to study. But it really does not matter how hard or easy the course work.

What does a mechanical engineer earn in South Africa?

A mid career Professional Mechanical Engineer with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of R 320 000, while a Senior Mechanical Engineer with 10-20 years of experience makes on average R 590 000. Mechanical Engineers with more than 20 years of experience may earn more than R 700 000 a year.

How much do mine workers earn per month in South Africa?

Average Mine General Worker monthly pay in South Africa is approximately R 6 380, which meets the national average. Salary information comes from 12 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.

Does mining engineering have a future In South Africa?

In Mining engineering, there are enormous job opportunities are available in public sector or government organizations. Career scope in the field of teaching is also bright for candidates having master’s degree in mining engineering.

What subjects do you need for engineering In South Africa?

To study an engineering degree, you will need good A Levels in Maths and a physical science (Physics, Biology or Chemistry). A Chemical Engineering Foundation or Engineering Foundation is another route if you have not studied A Levels.

Which subject is most important for engineering In South Africa?

Maths and physics are generally the most important subjects for mechanical engineering, but many students manage to get on a course without having studied them.