Ok, feeling guilty for not answering the questions asked. I can best speak of the underground mining end, but some will aply to surface/open pit mining.
What types of jobs are available?
To answer this accurately I would need to contact the mining companies themselves, as you may want to.
I need some detail on four different (preferably dominate) jobs...
Geologists, mine engineering, miners, and health/safety to include health physics.
Geologists: A degree is a must, and a post grad would help, although I've heard more than one mining company say that they don't like Ph.d's, "cost to much and they think they already know everything", or something like that. Most State Universities offer geology degrees though the universities in mining states are more likely to have better (and more respected) programs. There are colleges that specialize in geology/mining, Colorado School of Mines, South Dakota School of Mines, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, to name a few. With the degree one also needs the experience in the geology of uranium.
Salary: dependant on degree and experience ($35K - low 6 figures)
Mine Engineers: What applied above for geologists, also applies to mine engineers. Although knowledge specific to uranium may not be needed, knowledge/experience with the rock type, mostly, but not limited to sandstone.
Salary: dependant on degree and experience ($35K - low 6 figures)
Miners: Speaking for underground operations only, miners usually work under contract, meaning, to keep it simple, that they are paid by the amount of rock they move. To expand that a little bit, they get paid an hourly wage and by the amount of rock they move and the grade (Uranium content), this is adjusted for the distance the miners have to move the material, i.e. deeper in the mine, farther away from the dump, more money. Miners are normally compensated for the number of roof support bolts they install, installing these takes time away from breaking/moving rock. There are other things that take time away from the main objective of moving rock that are usually compensated.
Contract miners are usually compensated through a graded system, a "C" miner (apprentice), "B" Miner (Journyman), and "A" (Master), each getting paid a graded percentage of the contract amount.
Of course any mining company wants you to come in with experience, but due to where most Uranium mining is performed, i.e. the boonies, most have training programs.
Salary: Hard to say these days, there are so few left, but likely in the $35k - 100K range. The more rock you break and the better you are at keeping the grade (this does take skill and experience), the more you make.
Health/Safety and Health Physics: Well you have this Wedsite to direct you on that part of your research.
Salary: likely in $30k - 70k range, depending on position. Sorry guys no diem.
As far as the living experience, I spent close to 5 years living in Ticaboo, Utah, 250 miles away from the nearest mall, movie theater, etc. The nearest next town is 60 miles away and most of those folks worked at the mine or mill. I miss it alot.
Mining towns, anywhere, are a little ruff and tumble (work hard/playhard), but usually people you can count on.
Oh, by the way we were 10 miles from Bullfrog marina on Lake Powell. In the summertime, and its a fairly long one, fishing, water skiing, girls.....
Hope this helps you out with your research
