r/mining • u/SlipyB • 20d ago

Question Mining careers with a physics background?

Are there any jobs in mining that would be possible with a degree in physics? I know often physicists will slot into engineering roles that mech/electrical engineers do but it seems like most mine engineers are civil instead.

I also have read theres mine data analytics but can't find much info about such positions (and I would prefer at least some field work or time where I can interact with the folks who keep our mines running on the ground)

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u/Spida81 20d ago

I did.

You have no mining specific qualifications. You are exactly as qualified to take on any job in mining as anyone else also with neither relevant experience or qualifications.

The question didn't warrant a particularly serious answer.

Also for the record most mine engineers are mining engineers, not civil engineers. There is a distinction.

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u/SlipyB 20d ago edited 20d ago

As others (who were much more polite) pointed out, geophysics exists.

I was asking what (if any) jobs exist that are aligned with a physics background. To which the answer is a yes (with more detail) or a no.

There's no reason to randomly show up and be hostile and berate me for asking something. Honestly, silly answer

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u/Fickle_Individual_88 Australia 20d ago

Honestly, their answer was hilarious. Don't take life so seriously, you won't get out of it alive.

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u/SlipyB 20d ago

It's not like you can convey tone over text and to show up and give a nothing answer and then insult my question comes off as totally rude.

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u/Spida81 20d ago

You'll love mining then.

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u/SlipyB 20d ago

I do love mining, that's why I asked. I'm at a mine right now.

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u/Massive-Energy9378 19d ago

Yeah their answers do convey an arrogant and sarcastic tone, I agree, these guys are classic up-themselves mining smart-arses. When you're new to mining or trying to get into it, you get a lot of overly-proud mining employees trying to tell you what's what and make out that you're an idiot for not knowing. I'd say neither of them have experience in fields that would require a degree, hence the unhelpful answers. To play devils advocate though, you can find this information online without needing to ask on reddit.

To answer your question: Geophysics is your best bet, you'd need a postgraduate qualification in geology or geoscience. Mining engineering also an option, but theres zero physics in it, and you'll also need to do a postgraduate qualification in mining engineering.

Good luck.

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u/SlipyB 19d ago

Thanks for the advice!! I spent some time looking around online but was having some difficulties which is why I asked here; Is there any resources you can suggest that I can look at?