Profession mine geologist

Mine geologists locate, identify, quantify and classify mineral resources and their geological characteristics and structure. They provide advice to mine managers and engineers at existing and prospective mineral operations.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Chemistry

  The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

• Geology

  Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

Skills

• Prepare technical reports

  Prepare technical reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.

• Address problems critically

  Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.

• Supervise staff

  Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.

• Advise on geology for mineral extraction

  Provide advice of the impact of geological factors on the development of mineral production. Take into account factors such as cost, safety, and characteristics of deposits.

• Provide information on geological characteristics

  Provide information on geological structures, host rock quality, groundwater implications and details on the mineralogical and textural composition of ores to enable mining and processing to be planned efficiently. The geological model is used to design the mine workings for minimum dilution and maximum ore extraction.

• Determine characteristics of mineral deposits

  Prepare and conduct geological mapping, logging, sampling and assay of drill core and other subsurface rock samples. Analyse results in plans and sections, with particular emphasis on geostatics and sampling theory. Examine in 3D the maps, deposits, drilling locations or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value and potential profitability of mineral deposits.

• Plan mine operations

  Provide advice during site location; plan surface mining and underground mining activities; implement safe and non-polluting extraction of ores, minerals and other materials.

• Use mine planning software

  Use specialised software to plan, design and model for mining operations.

• Communicate on the environmental impact of mining

  Prepare talks, lectures, consultations with stakeholders and public hearings on environmental issues related to mining.

• Deal with pressure from unexpected circumstances

  Strive to achieve objectives despite the pressures arising from unexpected factors outside of your control.

• Communicate on minerals issues

  Communicate on minerals issues with contractors, politicians and public officials.

• Advise on mining environmental issues

  Collaborate with engineers, surveyors, geotechnical staff and metallurgists, involved in environmental protection and land rehabilitation after mining activities.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB