The Orientation of Mining Contractors
Still listed as the most dangerous industry in developing economies such as India and China, mining is connected to distinctive accidents such as cave-ins and chemical leakage. The orientation of mining contractors to reach the necessary level of safety, varies significantly from country to country.
Up until 2001, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics listed mining as their most dangerous industry for the workers involved, but this has now been outranked by work in industrial fishing, roofing and aircraft-related work. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) connect this improvement in the safety of mining contractors with stronger regulations, safer machinery and an improvement in orientation procedures, although dangerous accidents such as cave-ins are still known to occur.
Dangers Involved in the Mining Industry
70% of the earth’s minerals are obtained through surface mining, where the rock covering the desired minerals is removed. As the more expensive and most dangerous method, underground mining will only be used if it is necessary, perhaps if the minerals are not close enough to the surface. With whichever technique is chosen, there are several unique challenges which are crucial for any minering contractors to be aware of.
Surface mining has been identified as the cause of large-scale land disruption. With underground mining, necessary information such as effective ventilation systems, local ground support and the most reliable ways of carrying material to the surface are critical for all mining contractors to be aware of.
Most fatalities occur in developing countries, especially China, with the largest mining industry in the world. In the US, these figures have been steadily decreasing. A record low of 18 deaths was recorded in 2009. In the 1980s, the average annual number of work-related injuries in the mining industry was 27,524, by 2006-2007 figures had dropped to 11,800.
Positive Changes in Safety Regulations
Throughout the last 25 years, the level of safety regulations has increased, providing workers with safer machinery and an improved orientation process. Sam Baker, a sophomore mining engineering major with Penn State, who spent time in a 1500 feet underground modern coal mine in Colorado, stated:
“Coal mining in the US is an industry that dates back to the late 1700s when men took their lives in their own hands…. Today’s mining operations are actually entwined with technology and innovations that not only increase production but also the safety of its workers.”
For example, modern safety precautions including the use of respirators and ventilation systems have nearly eliminated the problem of mineral dust causing black lung disease which used to be deadly in mines.
Benefits of Working in the Mining Industry
Mining is shown to be one of the highest paid areas in the industrial sector of work. There are large differences from country to country. For example, the average mining engineer with 1-5 years of experience in Canada has a base pay of $70,000, while in Australia this figure is $105,000.
The annual income in India is extremely low compared to countries like the US and Australia; although while the average Senior Software Developer earns $7,569 or more, mining engineers are revealed to make an average of $15,250.
Mining may involve living on an isolated site perhaps for a one-two week period, but food and accommodation are generally paid for by the company.
