Mining and geological engineers use geological and engineering principles to design ways to safely and efficiently extract minerals and other resources. They plan mines, choose equipment, manage ventilation and safety, and plan how land is restored. Automated equipment is spreading in mining. Deciding how to mine safely stays with engineers.
The short answer: low exposure to generative AI, with automation a factor. The ILO's 2025 index rates mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals as not exposed with a score of 0.29. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 300 openings a year. Projections are estimates, not guarantees.
How exposed mining engineers are
The International Labour Organization scores occupations' tasks from 0 (cannot be automated with generative AI) to 1 (could be done without a human operator), and groups them into gradients from 1 to 4, with 4 the most exposed; below them sit minimal exposure and not exposed (ILO Working Paper 140, 2025).
| Occupation (ISCO-08) | ILO category | Mean task score (0 to 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Related Professionals | Not exposed | 0.29 |
What the BLS projects
| Occupation | Projected change 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|
| Mining and geological engineers | Grow 4% | About 300 |
The BLS ties growth to demand for coal, metals and minerals used in construction materials, electric vehicles, smartphones and computers. It says increased automation of mining activities is expected to offset some of this growth.
What automation is taking on
- Driving haul trucks and drills with autonomous systems.
- Monitoring ground, air and equipment with sensors from a control room.
- Updating mine plans faster from survey and drilling data.
What stays with mining engineers
- Mine design: deciding how and where to dig safely and at a sensible cost.
- Safety: ventilation, ground control and emergency planning.
- Permits and land: environmental rules, communities and restoring sites.
- Checking AI help: generated plans and figures can be wrong, which NIST calls confabulation (NIST AI 600-1). See checking AI output.
How the job is changing
Demand for minerals used in batteries and electronics supports the field, while automated equipment means fewer people are needed on site. Engineers who can plan and run automated mines are better placed. This page is general information, not career advice.
See also will AI replace geoscientists?, will AI replace heavy equipment operators? and will AI replace engineers?
Pay and how to get in
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual pay for mining and geological engineers at $106,220 in May 2025, against $50,980 for all workers. The typical education needed to enter is: bachelor's degree. See how this job compares in AI exposure by pay and AI exposure by education level.
Questions and answers
Will AI replace mining engineers?
Not on current projections. The BLS projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 300 openings a year.
How exposed are mining engineers to AI?
The ILO rates mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals as not exposed with a score of 0.29.
Does automation affect mining engineers?
Yes. The BLS says increased automation of mining activities is expected to offset some growth.
What drives demand?
The BLS points to coal, metals and minerals for construction, electric vehicles, smartphones and computers.