3 answers
Peter
Student
Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
7
Questions
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Mining electrical engineer, what advice would you give someone like me?
What advice would you give someone like me to aim for in this role?
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3 answers
Robert Epstein
General Manager
127
Answers
Wake Forest
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Peter,
Yours are great questions. As an E.E., let me add another dimension to your career search. Consider being a part of all the industries that serve the mining community. For example, I worked to develop viewing devices to see in the dark and locate potential hot spot in mines. We took military night-vision thermal imagers and re-engineered them specifically for use in mines. Rather than work all day in or near mines, we’d be there part-time researching in mines in order to develop safe and effective devices for use by miners. There are many other careers that contribute to mining operations. Best of luck!
Yours are great questions. As an E.E., let me add another dimension to your career search. Consider being a part of all the industries that serve the mining community. For example, I worked to develop viewing devices to see in the dark and locate potential hot spot in mines. We took military night-vision thermal imagers and re-engineered them specifically for use in mines. Rather than work all day in or near mines, we’d be there part-time researching in mines in order to develop safe and effective devices for use by miners. There are many other careers that contribute to mining operations. Best of luck!
Marcelo Schiavo, MBA, PMP
Project Manager
10
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Marcelo’s Answer
my advice is to build a strong foundation in electrical engineering while embracing the technologies shaping the future of mining, such as automation, AI, robotics, data analytics, and renewable energy. The most successful engineers are those who can combine technical expertise with problem-solving, communication, and continuous learning. Technology will change throughout your career, but your ability to adapt and learn will always be your greatest asset.
At the same time, remember that success is more than professional achievement. Take care of your health, maintain strong relationships, and make time for interests outside of work. A rewarding career is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay curious, focus on creating value for people and society, and measure success not only by what you accomplish, but also by the quality of life you build along the way.
At the same time, remember that success is more than professional achievement. Take care of your health, maintain strong relationships, and make time for interests outside of work. A rewarding career is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay curious, focus on creating value for people and society, and measure success not only by what you accomplish, but also by the quality of life you build along the way.
Teklemuz Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
713
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
Build a solid base in electrical engineering and gain hands-on skills in High-Voltage and Low-Voltage systems, including working with substations, transformers, switchgear, protection, motors, VSDs, troubleshooting and more. Get real-world experience, learn from seasoned engineers, and strengthen your communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
Focus on solving problems at their source instead of just addressing symptoms. For instance, if a transformer overheats, look into loading, cooling, and connections. If a VSD keeps tripping, check fault history and motor condition to find the true cause. Take responsibility, learn from mistakes, and strive to be the engineer people rely on during tough times. Make safe choices, offer practical solutions, and help boost reliability and productivity.
Focus on solving problems at their source instead of just addressing symptoms. For instance, if a transformer overheats, look into loading, cooling, and connections. If a VSD keeps tripping, check fault history and motor condition to find the true cause. Take responsibility, learn from mistakes, and strive to be the engineer people rely on during tough times. Make safe choices, offer practical solutions, and help boost reliability and productivity.