Minerals surveyor
Contents |
[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.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building survey.
- Condition survey.
- Ecological survey.
- Geographic information system GIS.
- Geophysical survey.
- Ground conditions.
- Land surveying.
- Site appraisals.
- Site surveys.
- Soil survey.
- Surveying instruments.
- Surveyor.
[edit] External resources
- Prospects - Minerals surveyor
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.