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Surface Mining Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Mining Engineer

Hoyt Lakes, MN ยท On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

... surface mining operations. This role contributes to the development of safe, practical, and economically viable mine plans aligned with operational and strategic objectives. Working closely with ...

Posted today

... surface mining operations. This role contributes to the development of safe, practical, and economically viable mine plans aligned with operational and strategic objectives. Working closely with ...

Posted today

Project Director

Hoyt Lakes, MN ยท On-site

$199K - $235K/yr

Reporting to the President & General Manager, the Project Director is accountable for the overall leadership, governance, and successful delivery of major capital projects within a surface mining ...

Project Director

Hoyt Lakes, MN ยท On-site

$199K - $235K/yr

Reporting to the President & General Manager, the Project Director is accountable for the overall leadership, governance, and successful delivery of major capital projects within a surface mining ...

Project Director

Minneota, MN ยท On-site

$199K - $235K/yr

... surface mining environment. This role is responsible for ensuring projects are executed safely, on time, and within budget, while aligning with organizational strategy and capital objectives. The ...

WV ยท On-site

Physical examination of surface and underground work areas of the mine (three hours prior to men ... Thorough knowledge of underground mining practices, equipment and procedures, State and Federal ...

Mine Drill and Blast Engineer

Hibbing, MN ยท On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

S. inMine Engineering or related fieldor equivalent. * 5-7 years of recent mining experience ... Must be able to physically perform all these responsibilities safely: walk on uneven surfaces ...

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Surface Mining information

See Minnesota salary details

$16

$26

$33

How much do surface mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface mining in Minnesota is $26.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $29.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is surface mining?

Surface mining is a method of extracting minerals located close to the Earth's surface, as opposed to underground mining. It involves removing soil, rock, and other materials (overburden) to access the desired mineral deposits. Common types of surface mining include open-pit mining, strip mining, and quarrying. This method is widely used for mining coal, iron, copper, and various other minerals. Surface mining is generally more cost-effective and safer than underground mining, but it can have significant environmental impacts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in surface mining, and why are they important?

To thrive in Surface Mining, you need knowledge of mining techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery, GPS surveying systems, and mining-specific software like MineSight or Surpac is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills in this field. These skills ensure efficient, safe extraction of resources while minimizing environmental impact and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by surface mining professionals, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Surface mining professionals often encounter challenges such as managing site safety, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. To address these, it's important to follow strict safety protocols, participate in regular training, and maintain clear communication with supervisors and team members. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest industry practices and technology helps professionals operate more efficiently and mitigate risks on the job.

What is the difference between Surface Mining vs Underground Mining?

AspectSurface MiningUnderground Mining
Work EnvironmentOpen pits, exposed to weatherUnderground tunnels and shafts
Required CertificationsMining safety training, heavy equipment operationMining safety training, underground safety protocols
Industry UsageCommon in coal, copper, and gold miningUsed for minerals like gold, silver, and zinc
Work ConditionsOutdoor, physically demanding, high visibilityConfined spaces, potentially hazardous

Surface Mining involves extracting minerals from open pits, offering outdoor work with heavy machinery. Underground Mining requires working in tunnels below the surface, with safety protocols for confined spaces. Both roles demand safety certifications and are vital in the mining industry, but differ mainly in environment and method of extraction.

What are popular job titles related to Surface Mining jobs in Minnesota?

For Surface Mining jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surface Mining jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Mining jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Surface Mining job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,670 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Mining Engineer

NEWRANGE COPPER NICKEL LLC

Hoyt Lakes, MN โ€ข On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Description:

Job Summary


Reporting to the Study Manager, or any other individual designated by the Company, the Mining Engineer is responsible for supporting mine planning, design, and scheduling activities for surface mining operations. This role contributes to the development of safe, practical, and economically viable mine plans aligned with operational and strategic objectives.


Working closely with operations, geology, environmental, and project teams, the Mining Engineer applies sound engineering practices to support short- and long-term planning, technical analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.


All roles at NewRange serve as a courageous safety leader, leading by example and fostering a proactive safety and sustainability culture based on the common values of health, safety, environment, and communities.


Responsibilities


Operational Support

  • Collaborate with operations teams to ensure mine plans are safe, practical, and aligned with site requirements.
  • Participate in daily operational interactions and planning discussions to support safe and efficient production.

Mine Planning & Design

  • Develop mine designs, plans, and scheduling models using mining software such as Deswik and Whittle.
  • Develop and maintain regular schedules to support operational execution and planning alignment.
  • Perform pit optimization analysis on a regular basis to support economic extraction strategies.
  • Support short-term, medium-term, and long-term planning activities.
  • Contribute to Life-of-Asset mine planning on an annual basis.
  • Prepare mine design documentation and engineering calculations supporting mine development and planning activities.

Engineering Analysis & Technical Support

  • Perform engineering calculations and technical analysis to support mine design and operational decision-making.
  • Apply engineering judgment and problem-solving skills in complex or non-standardized situations where established procedures may not exist.
  • Conduct trade-off studies and evaluations to optimize mine design, scheduling, and project outcomes.
  • Support budgeting and forecasting activities through development of production assumptions and planning inputs.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce mining impacts through engineering solutions.
  • Develop solutions informed by knowledge of mining market conditions, emerging technologies, and industry trends.

Reporting & Documentation

  • Prepare technical reports, schedules, and presentations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Support annual mineral resource and ore reserve reporting.
  • Develop and maintain documentation related to mine planning processes, engineering studies, and project evaluations.
  • Utilize Microsoft Office applications to prepare analysis, reports, and presentations.
  • Support process mapping and documentation of mine planning workflows.

Consultant & Contractor Coordination

  • Develop scopes of work for technical studies, trade-off analyses, and engineering support activities.
  • Coordinate with consultants, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and technical specialists to support project requirements.
  • Review and evaluate external technical work and incorporate findings into mine planning activities.

Other Duties

  • Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet operational needs.


This job description is intended to provide a summary of the typical functions of the job and is not a comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. NewRange reserves the right to modify or assign other duties as necessary to meet operational needs.


Requirements:

Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering is required.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in mine planning, mine design, or mining engineering within surface mining or resource development operations.
  • Professional engineering designation or eligibility for registration is considered a strong asset.
  • Experience with mine planning and optimization software is required.


Skills and Abilities


  • Experience with mining software including Deswik and Whittle.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to apply sound engineering judgment in complex and non-routine situations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong collaboration skills with multidisciplinary teams including operations, geology, and environmental groups.
  • Knowledge of mining methods, market conditions, and emerging technologies to support innovative solutions.


Physical Job Requirements & Working Conditions


This role requires the ability to work in both office and active project site environments, including occasional travel to operating or construction sites. Physical requirements may include extended periods of sitting and computer use, walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs or accessing elevated platforms, and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, respiratory protection and high-visibility clothing. The position may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, and other typical construction or industrial site environments, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and compliance with all health, safety, and environmental standards.


Refer to the position-specific Physical Inventory for details.


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement


NewRange is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.