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Science & ResearchISCO 2114

Mine geologist

A mine geologist is a person who locates, identifies, quantifies and classifies mineral resources and advises mine directors and engineers on current and future extraction.

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Rate 5 of the 14 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

advise on mining environmental issues

deal with pressure from unexpected circumstances

plan mine operations

supervise staff

prepare scientific reports

About mine geologist

Mine geologists establish the properties of a deposit: thickness, grade, the run of the beds, faulting and water. Resources are quantified, which means turning drilling and sampling results into tonnage and quality, and then classified by how well they are known. Information on geological properties goes to the engineers and to the mine's management, who plan further extraction on that basis.

The geologist also advises on geological matters during mining: marking the boundary between waste rock and ore, warning about a weakened zone, and updating the deposit model after every new exposure. Pressure has to be handled as well when unexpected circumstances arise in the workings. For future workings, the geologist assesses how geological conditions will affect extraction.

The geologist prepares scientific reports and geological documentation and advises on the environmental side of mining: dewatering, ground subsidence, the handling of extractive waste. The geologist also supervises geological staff.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a mine geologist.

1

Geological Survey and Data Collection

  • Conduct field surveys to examine rock formations and geological structures
  • Collect rock and core samples and analyze their composition and characteristics
  • Use specialized drilling and sampling equipment to obtain subsurface geological data
2

Mineral Resource Analysis and Quantification

  • Analyze and classify mineral deposits based on type, grade, and quality
  • Determine characteristics of mineral deposits including depth, extent, and accessibility
  • Estimate mineral reserves and assess economic viability of extraction
3

Geological Modeling and Interpretation

  • Create detailed geological models using specialized software and data visualization tools
  • Interpret geological data and subsurface structures to identify mineral potential
  • Provide information on geological characteristics relevant to mining operations
4

Mining Planning and Technical Advisory

  • Advise mine managers and engineers on geology for optimal mineral extraction methods
  • Plan mine operations with consideration to geological conditions and safety
  • Assist in determining mining feasibility and resource development strategies
5

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

  • Advise on mining environmental issues and sustainability concerns
  • Communicate environmental impact assessments of mining activities to stakeholders
  • Ensure geological assessments comply with environmental regulations and standards
6

Reporting and Communication

  • Prepare detailed scientific reports documenting geological findings and assessments
  • Communicate complex geological data to non-technical stakeholders clearly
  • Supervise staff and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on mining projects

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (14)

geologygeologySolid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.chemistrychemistryThe 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 fa...advise on mining environmental issuesadvise on mining environmental issuesAdvise engineers, surveyors, geotechnical staff and metallurgists on environmental protection and land rehabilitation related to mining activities.communicate on minerals issuescommunicate on minerals issuesCommunicate on minerals issues with contractors, politicians and public officials.deal with pressure from unexpected circumstancesdeal with pressure from unexpected circumstancesStrive to achieve objectives despite the pressures arising from unexpected factors outside of your control.communicate on the environmental impact of miningcommunicate on the environmental impact of miningPrepare talks, lectures, consultations with stakeholders and public hearings on environmental issues related to mining.plan mine operationsplan mine operationsProvide advice during site location; plan surface mining and underground mining activities; implement safe and non-polluting extraction of ores, minerals and other materials.supervise staffsupervise staffOversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.prepare scientific reportsprepare scientific reportsPrepare 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.use mine planning softwareuse mine planning softwareUse specialised software to plan, design and model for mining operations.address problems criticallyaddress problems criticallyIdentify 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 a...provide information on geological characteristicsprovide information on geological characteristicsProvide 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 planne...advise on geology for mineral extractionadvise on geology for mineral extractionProvide 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.determine characteristics of mineral depositsdetermine characteristics of mineral depositsPrepare 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 s...
Optional (10) — show
loggingloggingThe process of felling, cutting trees and transforming them into timber, including mechanical felling and processing.advise on mine developmentadvise on mine developmentProvide advice on the development and construction of mines, facilities, systems and production rates to assess operational effectiveness.maintain records of mining operationsmaintain records of mining operationsMaintain records of mine production and development performance, including performance of machinery.develop site remediation strategiesdevelop site remediation strategiesConduct field studies and and provide advice on areas with polluted soil or groundwater at industrial sites and mining sites. Devise methods to store excavated soil. Develop strategies to rehabilitate...monitor mine productionmonitor mine productionOversee mining production rates in order to estimate operational effectiveness.negotiate land accessnegotiate land accessNegotiate with landowners, tenants, mineral rights owners, regulatory bodies or other stakeholders to obtain permission to access areas of interest for exploration or sampling.assess operating costassess operating costEstimate the operating cost in terms of manpower, consumables and maintenance.advise on mine productionadvise on mine productionProvide advice on the preparation of schedules and reports on mine production, facilities, systems and production processes and production rates to assess operational effectiveness.advise on mine equipmentadvise on mine equipmentProvide advice on mining and equipment for mineral treatment; communicate and collaborate with engineering experts.dimension stonedimension stoneThe types of stones that are cut and finished following detailed specifications of size, shape, colour, and durability. Dimensional stones are commissioned for usage in buildings, paving, monuments, a...

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

environmental mining engineer6 shared essential skillsmining geotechnical engineer6 shared essential skillsgeochemist5 shared essential skillsmine development engineer5 shared essential skillsmine manager5 shared essential skillsmine planning engineer5 shared essential skillsmineral processing engineer5 shared essential skillspetroleum engineer5 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a mine geologist do?

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.

What skills does a mine geologist need?

A mine geologist needs 14 essential skills, including geology, chemistry, advise on mining environmental issues, communicate on minerals issues, deal with pressure from unexpected circumstances.

Will AI replace mine geologist jobs?

The AI disruption score for mine geologist is 60/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: maintain records of mining operations, assess operating cost, prepare scientific reports. Most resilient: deal with pressure from unexpected circumstances, negotiate land access, dimension stone.

AI Replacement Risk

60/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills14

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