Mining Machinery Engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that applies the principles of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and mining engineering for analysis, design, manufacturing and maintenance of mining equipment. It includes study of various aspects of equipment used in earthworks, mineral processing, bulk material handling, drilling and construction.
History
Surface mining equipment evolved at a high pace in the 20th century as the scale of mining grew up. In the first twenty years of the 1900s, steam power was largely replaced by internal combustion engines and electric motors. Till the 1970s such equipment mainly used mechanical system and cables for power transmission after which they started to be replaced by hydraulic drive system for small machines. However, mechanical and cable drives are still dominant in large machines.
Similar development took place in underground machinery. Drilling and blasting replaced manual cutting of ores. Lately, use of continuous mining machines has become order of the day to comply with environmental regulations and increase production. Increased safety regulations require machinery engineers to be well versed with standards.
Employment
Since Mining Machinery Engineering is a wholesome branch covering Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Mineral Engineering and Electrical Engineering, employment opportunities are tremendous. It provides careers in mining, heavy earth moving equipment, construction industry, mineral processing and related sectors. It is recognized by the Ministry of Labor, Government of India as equivalent to mechanical and electrical engineering for working in mines.
Recruitment Scope
The unique branch of Mining Machinery has a vast recruitment scope. Engineers gain hands-on experience in opencast and underground machinery along with bulk material handling equipment like crushers, conveyors and feeders. The course also includes construction equipment such as Motor Graders, Dozers and Compactors.
The multi-disciplinary skillset helps companies save costs as engineers can solve problems across domains.
Alumni
Alumni of Mining Machinery Engineering from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, College of Engineering Manthani hold key positions in mining, construction and heavy machinery industries.
0 Comments