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How a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers) can use AI, task by task

O*NET 17-2151.00: Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety EngineersMedian pay $106,220/year (BLS, May 2025)18 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Mine Engineer, Mining Consultant, Mining Engineer, Planning Engineer, Project Engineer, Safety Engineer, Safety Representative.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 27%AI-assist 50%Stays human 22%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 4 AI-ready, 10 AI-assist and 4 human-led tasks out of 18. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

AI can draft these 4

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.

Monthly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.

Context: We use GijimaAst Mining Solutions International Mine2-4D and Modular Mining Systems DISPATCH; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Topic: [describe]
Audience: [engineering, sales]

Draft a report tailored to the audience. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Internal technical report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare technical reports for use. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare technical reports for internal use..

Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Word.
Here's what I have for the schedules, reports and estimates of the costs: [rough notes, the facts, figures and decisions behind it]

Write a clear first draft that I can check and finish. Keep it [one page / short / formal], laid out so I can paste it into Microsoft SharePoint or Microsoft Word. Use headings if they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Draft the schedules, reports and estimates of the costs

Step 1Pull up the last schedules, reports and estimates of the costs you did, or jot 5 rough bullets for the next one.
Step 2Paste the prompt and put those bullets in [rough notes]. Pick the length in [one page / short / formal] to match what goes into Microsoft SharePoint or Microsoft Word.
Step 3Fix every [CHECK] against your source and anything else that's wrong, then compare the time with writing the schedules, reports and estimates of the costs from scratch. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Estimate operational costs.. Also involves: Schedule operational activities.; Prepare operational reports..

Examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits.

Monthly

AI pulls out what matters from long documents in seconds.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a long document, manual or policy into AI and ask for the parts that matter to you. You get a summary in seconds, then you read the key sections it points you to.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits.

Context: The work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Documents: [paste the specs, schedules, orders or system charts]
My goal: [what work I need to plan or approve]

Pull out the requirements, dependencies and deadlines, then propose a work sequence. List conflicts or gaps between documents and the questions to resolve before approval.

10-minute exercise: Plan work from technical documents

Step 1Choose a plan or approval you're working on now.
Step 2Paste the source material into [Documents] and state [My goal].
Step 3Check the conflicts it found against the originals. Raise the real ones before you sign off.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review technical documents to plan work..

Conduct or direct mining experiments to test or prove research findings.

A few times a year

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to conduct or direct mining experiments to test or prove research findings.

Context: The work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Project: [design, artwork, safety research]
Question: [what you need to know]

Summarize relevant knowledge and sources. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Research to inform my work

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct or direct mining experiments.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check one claim against an official or professional source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.. Also involves: Research industrial processes or operations.; Research topics in area of expertise..

AI can help you prep these 10

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Design, implement, and monitor the development of mines, facilities, systems, or equipment.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to design, implement, and monitor the development of mines, facilities, systems, or equipment.

Context: We use Autodesk AutoCAD and Bentley MicroStation; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Equipment: [safety, mining]
Requirements: [function, standards]

Generate design concepts. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Equipment design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design, implement, and monitor the development of mines, facilities and systems.
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design industrial equipment.. Also involves: Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.; Design structures or facilities..

Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Oracle Primavera Systems; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Operation: [process, integration, production]
Constraints: [equipment, cost, safety]

Compare methods and recommend an arrangement with steps. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Determine the method

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select or develop mineral location, extraction and production methods.
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine operational methods..

Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.

Context: We use Statistical software and Trimble Geomatics Office; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Operation: [plant, mine, line]
Data: [paste production rates or performance data]

Show trends, losses and their likely causes, and 3 improvements with estimated impact. Include formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Productivity review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor mine production rates.
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Verify one calculation and propose one improvement.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations..

Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.

Context: We use Modular Mining Systems DISPATCH and Statistical software; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Job: [survey, inspection, operation]
Requirements: [accuracy, cost, conditions]

Compare options in a table and recommend one. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Select equipment or technology

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations.
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.. Also involves: Determine operational methods.; Prepare detailed work plans..

Design, develop, and implement computer applications for use in mining operations such as mine design, modeling, or mapping or for monitoring mine conditions.

Monthly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 51% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to design, develop, and implement computer applications for use in mining operations such as mine design, modeling, or mapping or for monitoring mine conditions.

Context: We use Business software applications and GijimaAst Mining Solutions International Mine2-4D; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Tool: [what it should do]
Stack: [language, platform]
Constraints: [security, performance]

Propose a design, then code with tests and security notes. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Build a tool

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design, develop, and implement computer applications.
Step 2Fill in [Tool], [Stack] and [Constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run the tests and read every line.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop software or computer applications..

Implement and coordinate mine safety programs, including the design and maintenance of protective and rescue equipment and safety devices.

A few times a year

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to implement and coordinate mine safety programs, including the design and maintenance of protective and rescue equipment and safety devices.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Statistical software; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Activity: [engineering work, repairs, operations]
Rules: [regulations, regulators]

List compliance checkpoints, who signs off and records needed. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Compliance coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you implement and coordinate mine safety programs.
Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm requirements with the regulator or compliance lead. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Coordinate safety or regulatory compliance activities..

Test air to detect toxic gases and recommend measures to remove them, such as installation of ventilation shafts.

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to test air to detect toxic gases and recommend measures to remove them, such as installation of ventilation shafts.

Context: We use Statistical software and Trimble Geomatics Office; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Workplace or task: [describe]
Concern: [injury, exposure, hazard]

List hazards to check, questions for workers, measurements, standards, and corrective actions. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Workplace safety investigation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you test air.
Step 2Fill in [Workplace or task] and [Concern] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Walk the area with the checklist and log findings. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Investigate safety of work environment.. Also involves: Advise others on health and safety issues..

Evaluate data to develop new mining products, equipment, or processes.

A few times a year

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to evaluate data to develop new mining products, equipment, or processes.

Context: We use Modular Mining Systems DISPATCH and Microsoft SharePoint; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Project: [describe]
Data: [proposals, engineering data]

Analyze requirements and feasibility. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Mechanical requirements review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate data to develop new mining products.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems..

Select or devise materials-handling methods and equipment to transport ore, waste materials, and mineral products efficiently and economically.

A few times a year

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to select or devise materials-handling methods and equipment to transport ore, waste materials, and mineral products efficiently and economically.

Context: We use Statistical software and Trimble Geomatics Office; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Job: [survey, inspection, operation]
Requirements: [accuracy, cost, conditions]

Compare options in a table and recommend one. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Select equipment or technology

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select or devise materials-handling methods and equipment.
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.. Also involves: Determine operational methods.; Develop technical methods or processes..

Design mining and mineral treatment equipment and machinery in collaboration with other engineering specialists.

A few times a year

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to design mining and mineral treatment equipment and machinery in collaboration with other engineering specialists.

Context: We use Autodesk AutoCAD and Bentley MicroStation; the work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Equipment: [safety, mining]
Requirements: [function, standards]

Generate design concepts. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Equipment design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design mining and mineral treatment equipment and machinery.
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Design industrial equipment..

These stay human 4

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Impact of decisions: important results · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day

Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.

Monthly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.

Context: The work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Project: [building, site]
Plans and specs: [key requirements]

Make a site observation checklist by trade or area and a field report template. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Site observation checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inspect mining areas.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Plans and specs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Write the field report with the template.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards..

Supervise, train, and evaluate technicians, technologists, survey personnel, engineers, scientists or other mine personnel.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to supervise, train, and evaluate technicians, technologists, survey personnel, engineers, scientists or other mine personnel.

Context: The work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Team: [engineers, specialists, subcontractors]
Issue or goal: [quality, schedule, coordination]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Supervising technical staff

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise, train, and evaluate technicians and technologists. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Issue or goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.. Also involves: Train personnel on proper operational procedures..

Devise solutions to problems of land reclamation and water and air pollution, such as methods of storing excavated soil and returning exhausted mine sites to natural states.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to devise solutions to problems of land reclamation and water and air pollution, such as methods of storing excavated soil and returning exhausted mine sites to natural states.

Context: The work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Problem: [bottleneck, test issue]
Data: [describe]

Plan a team discussion and actions. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Fix an operational problem

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you devise solutions.
Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Resolve operational performance problems..

Lay out, direct, and supervise mine construction operations, such as the construction of shafts and tunnels.

A few times a year

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to lay out, direct, and supervise mine construction operations, such as the construction of shafts and tunnels.

Context: The work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
Project: [describe]
Issues: [schedule, quality, safety]

Prepare a site meeting plan. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Directing construction

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you lay out.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Issues] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Direct construction activities..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Speakingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Monitoringimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Coordinationimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Social Perceptivenessimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Active Listeningimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Use drone technology for aerial surveys and inspections of mining sites to enhance safety and efficiency.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a mining / geological engineer (including mining safety engineers). Part of my job is to use drone technology for aerial surveys and inspections of mining sites to enhance safety and efficiency.

Context: The work draws on engineering and technology, mathematics and design.
What's involved: [drone technology: where, when, who's affected]

Make me a step-by-step checklist to use drone technology, the details I should double-check before I start, and a 3-line template for noting it's done.

10-minute exercise: Checklist: drone technology

Step 1Before you next use drone technology, fill in [What's involved] with the real details.
Step 2Strike any step that doesn't match how your workplace does it, and add what only experience teaches.
Step 3Afterward, note it with the 3-line template and one thing you'd do differently next time. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

New O*NET task (05/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so it was labelled by hand.

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (79% of workers)

  • Certificate or some college 1%
  • Associate's 1%
  • Bachelor's 96%
  • Graduate degree 3%
  • On-the-job training: 1–2 years
  • Related experience: 4–6 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStationMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word