CWI - What is Mining

Today’s mining industry is a far cry from days gone by. With growing opportunities, College of Western Idaho (CWI) provides you the training to get into this industry with the cutting edge skills needed to be successful. From an office with a view of nature’s beauty to state-of-the-art technologies, seeing deep into what is hidden below, Mining Technicians play a critical role in today’s mining operations. They help keep projects running safely, efficiently, and responsibly while supporting sustainability, productivity, and innovation. Working in surface or underground environments, technicians: Operate and monitor mining and hauling equipment. Use technology to track production, safety, and environmental data. Inspect sites and equipment to ensure compliance and efficiency. Support exploration, extraction, and processing activities. Collaborate with engineers, supervisors, and safety teams to improve operations. CWI prepares you for these careers through hands-on training and industry-aligned coursework. This program develops practical skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, production processes, and environmental awareness relevant to modern mining operations. The Mining Technician Associate of Science degree prepares you to enter this evolving industry with practical, workforce-ready skills. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in core logging, geologic mapping, drilling and sampling methods, hydrology, GIS, environmental compliance, and mining operations. Students also earn Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) certification and gain experience working with industry-relevant tools and software. Graduates are well positioned for careers in mining operations, equipment support, production monitoring, and technical roles that support the continued growth and stability of the mining industry. Learn more: https://cwi.edu/academics/academic-transfer/mining-technician