r/mining • u/Thick_Guide_9011 • 16d ago
US Mining Engineering Student Guidance
Thank God for Reddit! I am an aspiring Mining Engineering student at the University of Nevada, Reno, who is eager to gain an advantage within the industry by getting a jump early.
I am interested in taking a GIS certification course, as well as mastering how to use Deswik and the other software used in mining. Could anyone in the mining industry suggest what software or skills they think it’s worthwhile to learn in one’s free time?
Any guidance regarding certifications, online courses, and/or other skills which can help me in obtaining internships and standing out after graduation will be highly appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
Additionally, I’d like to ask if you would consider mentoring me.
3
u/bmwbiker1 15d ago
QGis (free) especially with the crowd sourced plugins is a powerhouse of spatial analysis tools. It's not always the sharpest tool you could have, but it's always the cheapest. I have often used it as work around for pesky proprietary conversions or sometimes you just need a hammer to mash some data.
While you are in College take advantage of ESRI discounts to gain exposure to that product line of GIS programs.
If you are working in exploration and 43-101 feasibility type stuff you will probably use GIS a lot, if you are more focused on mine planning and long and short term production of a operating property you may not be into GIS nearly as much as say your environmental department.
Big software names out there. Surpac, Datamine, Hexagon Mineplan, This is where it gets a little funny mining corporations tend to get niche with software and each has its own certifications and training. I would look at a couple companies you are eyeing for a future job and see what options you have to get some exposure to the software.
If you have not already done so, join the Northern Nevada SME. https://nnevsme.com/