Rewarding and Challenging
The uranium mining industry offers a wide variety of careers for highly-skilled people, providing many opportunities for advancement to senior levels.
General career segments include:
- Exploration, including prospecting, mapping, and sampling
- Environmental assessment and mineral rights acquisition
- Scientific research and innovation, radiological testing and analysis
- Health, safety and environmental protection
- Mine site planning, development and construction, and ongoing operation
- Mine site reclamation and environmental monitoring
- Corporate functions such as regulatory compliance, risk management, supply chain management, human resources, corporate social responsibility, facilities, logistics, accounting, investor and stakeholder relations
Examples of some mining and milling career descriptions include:
Please note that position titles are generic and vary from company to company.
Chemical metallurgists
Design and control and monitor the complex processes used to separate uranium metals from ore; testing ensure outputs meet quality and safety standards.
Environmental Engineers and Technicians
Monitor, test and evaluate environmental impacts of mining activities; develop solutions for environmental problems, such as air or groundwater pollution and wastewater disposal.
Exploration Geologists
Apply geological data, techniques, and principles for the identification and assessment of location, quantity and quality of mineral deposits, as well as extraction risks.
Geochemists
Study the distribution of major and trace elements in rocks, minerals, soils, water, the atmosphere, and fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal).
Geological Information Systems (GIS) Analysts
Develop and maintain large Geographic Information Systems used in natural resource management, computer modeling, mineral exploration, and environmental studies and decision making.
Geological Technicians
Assist exploration geologists and geological engineers, log cores extracted from the Earth, take and analyze samples of rock and sediments, and monitor daily mining work.
Geophysicists
Study Earth's interior by measuring responses to sound and electromagnetic waves, and gravity, magnetic, and electric fields to find deposits and to help assess sites proposed for mining.
Hydro-geologists
Study the occurrence, movement, and quality of surface and subsurface waters. They are concerned with sustainability and contamination of groundwater, and provide consultation in waste management, environmental impact assessment, and site remediation.
Mining Specialists
Mining specialists work using sophisticated machines and equipment to drill, blast and move rock containing uranium ore. As part of a large team consisting of other miners, shifters, mine captains, mine superintendents, geologists and mining engineers they work to safely and efficiently extract and move uranium ore from the mine to the milling facilities.
Mining Engineers
Design mines and plan mining operations. They apply their knowledge of soil and rock mechanics, transportation systems, and machinery to ensure that mines function efficiently.
Mine Geologists
Mine geologists study the relationship between geology and ore formation to assess and analyse geological data. Their interpretations of geological data inform drilling and production procedures.
Mineral Processing Engineers and Technicians
Mineral Processing Engineers and Technicians use a variety of technologies and processes to separate uranium from the ore extracted by mining crews and prepare it for shipping.
Radiation Specialists and Technicians
Monitor, collect, maintain and record radiation data, test underground radon gas, as well as assess working conditions relating to radiation protection for workers.
Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technicians
Manage water purification and wastewater disposal facilities. They ensure that the facilities are environmentally safe and meet industry standards.
