Mexico’s proposed higher mining royalties could block nearly $7bn in investments
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More from the CostMine 2013 Survey of Canadian Mine Salaries, Wages and Benefits. This time we look at the annual salaries (in thousands of Canadian $) for mainly engineering types in Canadian mines. Some country-wide averages:
Most of my clients at mines where I consult are the Mil Plant Superintendent. This because the tailings facility usually falls under the mill super. So let us look in some detail at salary ranges and salaries by region of the country.
In the Eastern Region of Canada, the range for mill supers is 79 to 191 K, with an average of 130 K. In the Western Region the range is 113 to 205 K, with an average of 138 K.
It matters whether the mine is surface or underground. The average mill super’s salary for surface mines is 135 K, and for underground mines is 143 K.
And the most important factors is the kind of mine:
The oil sands pay well!
Similar figures for the Chief/Senior Engineer are:
Engineering technicians do not do too badly either. Overall the country-wide average salary is $76,700. The range in the east is 70 to 81 K. The range in the west is 73 to 89 K.
Hope you are above the average. 
2 Comments
Krusty1234
It’s no secret that salaries and general compensation has stagnated or even rolled back the past couple of years. Operating companies with good balance sheets have taken advantage and utilize the “state of the industry” excuses for keeping people’s wages lower.
For ground level engineers and geologists, this is a back breaker.
These posted figures are another huge drawback for the industry as young talent will assess this return on their life investment against today’s costs of living and simply decide: it’s not worth it anymore…and then find another industry that may pay less, but keeps them closer to home.
Langa Zeka
I agree with you Krusty1234, young professionals will definitely look at other industries. Surveying industry is the hardest hit, as a lot of professionals tend to fail to realize its significance with the mining and construction sectors.