Mining Engineer onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: PE license, MSHA training (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: deswik or Vulcan; autoCAD; GIS; drones
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Mining Engineer training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Follow MSHA rules
Monitor ground stability
Ensure ventilation
Plan for emergencies
Shadow an experienced mining engineer through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: plan an open-pit bench sequence
Supervised practice: check underground ventilation
Supervised practice: inspect a pit wall for stability
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Design mines: independently
Plan production: independently
Design ventilation: independently
Plan ground support: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, PE license)
Discuss the career path: Mine Engineer → Senior Engineer → Chief Engineer
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Plan an Open-Pit Bench Sequence
Check Underground Ventilation
Inspect a Pit Wall for Stability
Mine design
Geology
Ventilation
Rock mechanics

How to measure onboarding success

Weeks to first qualification sign-off
Procedure compliance and safety observations
Recordable incidents and near-misses
First-year retention

How Mining Engineer training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Mining Engineer Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Mining Engineer Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Mining Engineer Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Mining Engineer Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)