The mining sector is an available option for those seeking employment in Canada. Mining involves the extraction of various materials from the earth, which can be done both below and above ground. Precious metals, diamonds, base metals, uranium, limestone, coal and oil shale are only a sample of the materials mined in various parts of the world (wiki Canada). Canada has a very active mining industry. Individuals have the opportunity to work in Canadian Gold Mines, Diamond Mines, Copper Mines, Coal Mines, Asbestos Mines, Nickel Mines and Silver Mines, amongst others.

Mining Jobs in Canada can be found in most provinces and include both above surface mining jobs and quarry mining jobs with mining operations available across Canada. Surface mining jobs don’t differ much from quarry mining jobs either in scope or the degree of difficulty and inherent danger. All surface mining jobs are preformed above ground, hence the name. Quarry mines, are also above ground,

Surface Mining Jobs:

Surface mining jobs might involve the extraction of minerals and metallic ores. Both placer deposits and lode deposits may be a target for extraction. Placer deposits are those that include minerals found in the sand of beaches and river gravels, amongst other sources. Lode deposits are those that are often found in rock (wiki Mining).

Quarry Mining Jobs:

Quarry mining involves the extraction of aggregate and dimension stone. Miners may be looking for limestone, marble, slate, marble sandstone or granite. Crushed rock, sand and gravel quarries are quite common. Extraction requires the use of surface mining techniques (Britannica mining).

Some of Canada’s highest demand mining jobs include Mining Driller Jobs, Blasting Jobs in mines and quarries and Electrician Jobs as listed on the Canadian Government’s Eligibility Criteria for Federal Skilled Worker Applications as of June 26, 2010.

Compensation For Canadian Mining Workers

The compensation for mining workers varies based on an employee’s position at the mine. Based on a review of 42 mines, both underground and open pit, general managers made, on average, $168,000. Mine managers earned $133,000, mine geologists $74,000, Chief Engineers $98,000, Personnel Managers $99,000, Secretaries $44,000. Workers have the opportunity to earn bonuses and further increase their earnings. A surface mine general manager is eligible for a bonus equal to 35% of his or her employee’s bonuses if more than 500 people are employed at the mine.

The average mine worker can significantly increase their take home pay, nearly doubling it, simply by earning incentives and bonuses. The median take home pay, based on the aforementioned 42 mines, is $30 per hour for a Canadian mine electrician, $27 an hour for a mechanic, $25 for a Heavy Equipment Operator, $26 per hour for a Drill Operator. Labourers earn $19 an hour. Mines which extract fossil fuels pay the most for Mechanics, Electricians and Surface Labourers (Techno Mining).

In Summary

Mining is a well paying occupation. Workers in Canadian mines, across the board, tend to make more than their southern counterparts, U.S., mine workers. Executives obviously are compensated most generously. However, engineers, personnel managers, geologists and managers are paid well. Labourers are also fairly compensated. Workers in these positions have the opportunity to nearly double their pay if they qualify for special bonuses and incentives. Mining does have inherent dangers. Individuals that are considering these positions should take the time and make the effort to learn as much as possible about them. This will allow every individual to make an informed decision regarding whether or not a job in the mining sector is an appropriate one. Those that decide that it is, will find that they have a decent number of options as it concerns what types of mining company to work in. Canada has gold, diamond, copper, coal, asbestos, nickel and silver mines, amongst other types.

Sources:

Wiki Mining: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining

Britannica Mining:http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/486355/quarry

Techno Mining: http://technology.infomine.com/articles/1/1408/mining.wages.salaries/canadian.mining.wages.aspx