Last edited 02 Sep 2016

Minerals surveyor

1 Introduction
2 Responsibilities
3 Qualifications and skills
4 Find out more
- 4.1 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 4.2 External resources

[edit] Introduction

Mineral surveyors work as part of a team to assess the commercial potential of sites for mining or quarrying. They assess risk, predict environmental impacts, map mineral deposits, and can also work to restore sites post-extraction of the raw materials. They prepare and undertake surveys to assess economic viability of sites and to support planning applications, as well as assisting with the contractual negotiations and establishing rights to working a mine.

Although mineral surveying is quite a small field in the UK, there are a number of employers, including:

Local authorities.
Planning authorities.
Statutory and government bodies.
Private surveying firms.
Environmental consultancies.
Mineral extraction and quarrying companies.
Landowners with mineral assets.

The type of operations that mineral surveyors can be involved in includes:

Mineral processing plants.
Concrete and cement works.
Brickworks.
Recycling plants.
Onshore oil and gas installations.
Methane extraction sites.
Mine water treatment plants.
Waste transfer stations.
Landfill and waste management sites.

[edit] Responsibilities

The responsibilities and tasks of a mineral surveyor vary according to the area of work, but may include the following:

Feasibility studies, risk assessments and environmental impact assessments.
Safety management advice for developing mineral sites.
Exploring potential sites for mineral extraction, by taking samples, recording results, providing valuations of deposits, and so on.
Using geographic information systems (GIS) to chart surface areas.
Building 3D digital models using CAD software to map a site.
Researching and consulting to establish mining and mineral rights (e.g. site ownership, boundaries, access and extraction rights).
Liaising with local authorities, planning authorities, and the public, as well as providing information and preparing applications for clients.
Predicting the environmental implications of mineral extraction and helping to provide restoration solutions.

[edit] Qualifications and skills

Mineral surveyors generally tend to have graduated with degrees in civil or mining engineering, earth sciences, geography, geology and surveying. Some universities offer postgraduate courses dedicated to mineral surveying.

It is possible to attain chartered status through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Mineral surveyors need to have the following skills:

Good communication skills.
Strong scientific and mathematical proficiency.
Methodical approach, accuracy and good analytical skills.
Understand maps, charts and graphical data.
Understand surveying technology and CAD software.
Knowledge of minerals, geology, health and safety implications, and planning legislation.