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Testing & tagging in mining Truflo Pumping Systems – Dependable mine dewatering systems Fuelling success with Body Armour McLanahan – Maximum production, unwavering support Flexible online and face to face training with experienced accredited provider Machining and fabrication service since 1980s Optimising mining operations with integrated IT/OT solutions Lighten the load — literally and safely Half-year results glitter for Westgold Miller Made for the Mine Site Broons: the crushing and compaction specialist Welding Industries Australia – Miller – Made for the mine site Fortescue swoops up Red Hawk Growing critical minerals processing power in WA Atlas achieves first production Custom Buckles Australia Crusher Screen Sales & Hire DTN – Lean on us – Gain trusted weather insights and intelligence AUSTLIFT® – Chain Block Series Aussie Pumps – Aussie Extreme Crusader Hose – Experience the innovation in action UQ Start-UP Unlocks Copper Mining matters 100 years strong at Ulan Coal Dartbrook hits the bullseye Aurelia Metals ascends to the peak BHP Yandi – Leading the way in electrification Innovation and safety go green NSR Indigenous: Empowering Australia’s mining industry Innovation and its role in improving ESG outcomes Brooks brings in the big guns Collaborative approach to mining research bears fruit Flood rescue: Aussie gears up New Acland thrives in 2025 Tanami: Newmont’s Tier 1 titan Innovation in the Isaac Region BHP builds up for big finish in FY25 South32’s Worsley receives key approval Pilbara Minerals acquires Latin Resources Australia pours $1b into green iron Engineering mining’s future

Engineering mining’s future

Engineering mining’s future-

From the first survey of untouched ground to the final stages of land rehabilitation, engineers are the backbone of any mining operation.

Their expertise shapes every stage of a mine’s life cycle, ensuring efficiency, safety and sustainability. Whether it’s a geotechnical engineer analysing rock stability; a civil engineer overseeing infrastructure from exploration to closure; or industrial, mechanical, mining and production engineers optimising operations, their contributions are critical to a mine’s success.

As the mining industry faces increasing pressure to meet ESG standards, the role of engineers is evolving beyond traditional technical responsibilities.

Today, engineers are not just problem-solvers but innovators, tasked with designing and implementing sustainable solutions that align with modern expectations. From integrating renewable energy into operations to advancing automation and land rehabilitation techniques, engineers are shaping the future of mining — one that  balances productivity with environmental responsibility.

 A key role

KPMG infrastructure assets and places and engineering assets and project delivery director Dulani van den Broek
KPMG infrastructure assets and places and engineering assets and project delivery director Dulani van den Broek

KPMG infrastructure assets and places and engineering assets and project delivery director Dulani van den Broek says engineers in the mining industry have always played a key role in driving efficiencies across the entire mining value and it is expected that the role will only increase in the future with greater technological change in the sector and the increased demand for resources required to produce batteries.

“Today, engineers also have a focus on enhancing their leadership abilities to complement their technical expertise to better contribute to the strategic goals of the mining companies they serve,” she said.

“During the exploration phase, they must assess the viability of a site, taking into account environmental impacts, long-term resource sustainability and ore quality.

“These factors directly influence the outcomes during development and extraction. A key example is seen in looking at ore quality and blending strategies which can affect operational costs, particularly given that processing facilities may require more energy to handle varying ore grades thus increasing costs and emissions.

“In the rehabilitation phase, mining engineers look at the most effective methods for land restoration, with particular attention paid to biodiversity, soil and water quality.”

 Today’s challenges

One of the most pressing challenges faced by mining engineers today is the ongoing struggle with social perceptions of mining, which can create public resistance and complicate project approvals.

This may often lead to heightened scrutiny of mining operations, particularly when local communities, environmental groups and other stakeholders voice concerns about the potential impacts on health, ecosystems and cultural heritage.

In regions where mining has historically been a cornerstone of the economy, like in Australia, the balance between development and environmental stewardship is delicate. Public perceptions can significantly delay or complicate project approvals and so mining engineers, therefore, must not only address the technical challenges of resource extraction but also navigate the complex social landscape, ensuring that their projects meet the environmental, cultural and ethical expectations of the communities they affect.

Alongside this, the lengthy and often complex environmental approval processes further hinder the smooth progression of mining operations, but there’s also the issue of the mining industry facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals — largely due to a decline in graduates pursuing mining and processing engineering degrees.

Ms van den Broek notes Engineers Australia is actively working to address these challenges by providing thought leadership, training programs and increasing industry involvement.

By helping to raise awareness about the vast opportunities within the mining sector, she says Engineers Australia is encouraging the next generation of engineers to pursue careers across various disciplines, ensuring that the industry has the expertise needed to navigate these complex hurdles.

Optimising resource extraction

Currently, engineers are increasingly focused on optimising resource extraction while minimising environmental impact and technological innovation is key to this progress according to Ms van den Broek.

“Optimising resource extraction requires considering data analytics, artificial intelligence and the adoption of advanced technologies and processes aimed at minimising waste and energy consumption,” she said.

“Additionally, emerging ore processing methods, such as flotation techniques and bioleaching, help improve resource recovery while reducing environmental impacts.

“Circular economy principles play a key role in recycling through secondary extraction. However, it is important to consider the costs and energy intensity involved in the recycling process.

“One example is seen in the composition of a mobile phone which contains approximately 60 different metals, but process plants are typically capable of extracting only two concentrates from the raw materials.

“Pyrometallurgical processes, which involve high-temperature treatments, can usually extract two to three metals.

“This highlights the challenge of efficiently recovering and utilising the wide variety of materials present in electronic waste, but also the opportunity in pointing to the need for more advanced and specialised recycling technologies to improve the recovery of these valuable metals.”

This ongoing innovation promises to help engineers refine resource extraction while making strides toward more sustainable mining practices.

Looking ahead

As we look ahead to the future, the role of engineers in the mining industry will be even more crucial in balancing economic viability with environmental and social responsibility and according to Ms van den Broek, there is a growing need for increased numbers of engineers and technical expertise to help it along.

“By advancing extraction and processing technologies, mining and process engineers can make a significant impact on an industry that is essential to our everyday lives,” she said.

“Looking back on my career, I’ve gained experience across the mining and energy sectors on three continents.

“Now, through my work with KPMG Australia, I’m able to leverage this expertise to assist numerous mining and energy companies in solving the complex challenges faced by the sector and capitalising on the considerable opportunities ahead.”

As the industry adapts to ever-changing demands and heightened expectations around sustainability and social responsibility, the evolving role of engineers will determine how well mining can not only thrive but also leave a positive legacy.

Engineers will be the key to creating solutions that balance economic growth with the environmental and social impact of mining, paving the way for a more responsible and resilient future.

The potential to transform the sector lies in the hands of these professionals — individuals whose expertise and innovation will shape the mines of tomorrow and ensure that mining remains a cornerstone of the global economy while fostering greater responsibility for the planet and its people.