Ontario's mining and related sectors offer a wide range of exciting career options - jobs that involve fulfilling work, high salaries, as well as opportunities for advancement, adventure and travel. The types of positions available include that of geologist, environmental scientist, miner, mill operator, heavy equipment driver, engineer, fiancial/investment analyst, occupational health & safety officer, community liaison manager and computer programmer, among many others. Want to explore your options? Check out MiHR's Mining Careers Map, which includes profiles of many of the jobs available in mining operations, complete with skill and educational requirements, as well as compensation ranges.
Training requirements are as varied as the jobs, from entry-level to university-level and everything in between. Ontario colleges and universities offer specialized education and training programs ranging from mining technology to engineering, robotics, satellite imaging and international business. Among the institutions offering mining-related programs are:
Brock University Earth Sciences, Environmental Geosciences University of Guelph Environmental Geoscience and Geomatics, Environment and Resource Management Lakehead University Geology, Environmental Management, Environmental Sustainability Laurentian University Earth Science, Environmental Geoscience, Mining Engineering, and the Goodman School of Mines McMaster University Geography and Earth Sciences University of Ottawa Earth Sciences, Geology Queen's University Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering;Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing and Environmental Engineering, and Mine-Mechanical Engineering University of Toronto Earth Sciences, Environmental Geosciences Geophysics; Mineral Engineering Western University Geology, Environmental Geosciences, Geophysics University of Waterloo Geology,Environmental Geosciences, Geophysics, Geological Engineering University of Windsor Earth and Environmental Sciences York University Earth Science, Environmental Science/Studies, Geomatics Engineering York University Schulich School of Business Global Mining Management Collège Boréal Techniques du Genie de Construction (Civil et Minier), Technology du Genie di Construction (Civil et Minier) (Entrer Tech du Genie Construction) Cambrian College Mining Engineering Technology, Mining Engineering Technician; Mining Foundations, Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment, Trades Canadore College Environmental Management Confederation College Mining Techniques, Mining Engineering Technician, Environmental Technician, Trades, Geographical Information Systems Fanshawe College Geographic Information Systems Graduate Certificate Program, Environmental Design and Planning, Environmental Technology Fleming College Earth Resources Technician, Resources Drilling and Blasting, Blasting Techniques, Resource Mapping Technician, Geographical Information Systems Applications Specialist, Geographical Information System Cartographic Specialist, Heavy Equipment Operator, Heavy Equipment Techniques, Resource Mapping Technician, Health Safety and Environmental Compliance, Environmental Technician, Environmental Technologist, Ecosystem Management Technician, Ecosystem Management Technologist, Trades Northern College Environmental Technician - Water and Wastewater Systems Operations, Heavy Equipment Techniques, Mining Engineering Technician, Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technician Sault College Natural Environment Technician - Conservation and Management Natural Environment Technologist - Conservation and Management The Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) Common Core Training
There is also a range of scholarships available for anyone who plans to study geoscience and mining at Ontario colleges and universities.
CIM’s Mentorship Program seeks to connect post‐secondary students in mining disciplines with industry mentors to facilitate knowledge transfer, reduce student attrition, develop future leaders, and provide every opportunity for students to have a successful and rewarding career in the mining industry.
For Indigenous people who are interested in exploring career options in mining, there is a pre-employment training program offered by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council and the Assembly of First Nations called Mining Essentials. It teaches both the essential skills and work readiness skills that the mining industry has deemed necessary to gain an entry-level position. What makes Mining Essentials unique among other work-readiness programs is that the skills are taught using workplace examples in conjunction with traditional Indigenous teaching methods and mediums. Read a program overview.
Modern Mining & Technology Sudbury (MMTS) is on a mission to excite younger generations about the future of mining through a series of fun and educational events. MMTS is made up of volunteers from diverse industries and backgrounds and has been a part of the community for many years. Through partnerships with the mining industry, government, and educational institutions, MMTS educates and enlightens youth about the many careers that contribute to an innovative and world-class mining sector in Sudbury and northern Ontario.
The Ontario government offers resources that open up the skilled trades for young people and businesses. Click here to learn about the benefits of hiring an apprentice, how to get a job in the skilled trades, and apply for grants and incentives. For a full list of skilled trades in Ontario, please visit Ontario.ca/trades. Search job profiles to find out if the job you are interested in is in demand, how much it pays, education requirements and more. View ads highlighting good-quality, well-paying and flexible careers in the trades for students and parents on ONgov Youtube.
Given that Ontario's mining industry is forecasting the need for thousands of additional workers in the coming years, it is an excellent time to plan a career in mining. Consider some of the benefits listed by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council:
One of the highest paying industrial sectors in Canada
A technologically advanced industry that welcomes highly skilled workers
A major player in Canada's economy and a leader on the world stage
An enviable safety record that is second to none among heavy industries in Canada
A strong commitment to sustainable development practices that protect the natural environment and respond to the needs of local communities
Visit the following links and check out our LINKS & RESOURCES page for information on building a career in mining.
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