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Science & ResearchISCO 2165

Mine surveyor

A mine surveyor is a person who prepares and maintains mine plans in line with statutory requirements and with what the management of a mine needs.

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Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

maintain plans of a mining site

manage staff

manage mine site data

process collected survey data

perform surveying calculations

About mine surveyor

Mining surveying rests on measurement underground and at surface. The surveyor carries out survey calculations, sets out and checks control networks in the workings, transfers direction from the surface into the mine through a shaft, and marks the face. Mine plans are drawn up and brought up to date after every advance.

A mineral surveyor also keeps the record of progress in mining operations and of ore or mineral extracted, manages data on the workings, and presents reports to management. Scientific reports are prepared as well.

The work joins fieldwork to digital tools: geographic information systems and mathematics are used to lay measurements over deposit plans, surface mapping and the boundary of the mining lease. The surveyor supervises the survey staff and answers for the accuracy of measurements, on which the safety of the workings and the accounting for output both depend.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a mine surveyor.

1

Mine Planning and Documentation

  • Prepare and maintain comprehensive mining plans compliant with statutory requirements
  • Create thematic maps and technical drawings showing mining boundaries and operations
  • Update mining plans based on operational progress and geological discoveries
  • Ensure all plans meet management objectives and regulatory compliance standards
2

Surveying and Data Collection

  • Conduct precise surveying calculations using advanced mathematical methods
  • Collect spatial data and field measurements for mining site mapping
  • Process collected survey data using GIS and specialized surveying software
  • Manage mine site data and maintain accuracy of spatial records
3

GIS and Report Generation

  • Create thematic maps and GIS reports for mining operations and analysis
  • Identify and resolve GIS issues and data inconsistencies
  • Present reports and maps to management and regulatory authorities
  • Prepare scientific and technical reports on mining progress and geology
4

Production and Operations Monitoring

  • Monitor physical progress of mining operations against approved plans
  • Track ore and mineral production volumes and document production records
  • Maintain records of mining activities and ensure compliance with operational boundaries
  • Analyze geological factors and their impact on mining operations and planning
5

Staff Management and Supervision

  • Manage and supervise surveying staff conducting fieldwork and data collection
  • Provide guidance on surveying methodologies and technical standards
  • Evaluate staff performance and coordinate training on new technologies
  • Ensure fieldwork meets quality standards and regulatory requirements

European Skills Framework

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

Essential (16)

impact of geological factors on mining operationsimpact of geological factors on mining operationsBe aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.geographic information systemsgeographic information systemsThe tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...maintain plans of a mining sitemaintain plans of a mining sitePrepare and maintain surface and underground plans and blueprints of a mining site; carry out surveys and perform risk assessment of potential mining sites.manage staffmanage staffManage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the wor...maintain records of mining operationsmaintain records of mining operationsMaintain records of mine production and development performance, including performance of machinery.manage mine site datamanage mine site dataCapture, record and validate spatial data for the mine site.process collected survey dataprocess collected survey dataAnalyse and interpret survey data acquired from a wide variety of sources e.g. satellite surveys, aerial photography and laser measurement systems.perform surveying calculationsperform surveying calculationsPerform calculations and gather technical data in order to determine earth curvature corrections, traverse adjustments and closures, level runs, azimuths, marker placements, etc.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...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.create thematic mapscreate thematic mapsUse various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.create GIS reportscreate GIS reportsUse relevant geographic informations systems to create reports and maps based on geospatial information, using GIS software programmes.present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.identify GIS issuesidentify GIS issuesHighlight GIS-issues that require special attention. Report on these issues and their development on a regular basis.
Optional (7) — show
minerals lawsminerals lawsLaw related to land access, exploration permits, planning permission and minerals ownership.mining engineeringmining engineeringFields of engineering relevant to mining operations. Principles, techniques, procedures and equipment used in the extraction of minerals.health and safety hazards undergroundhealth and safety hazards undergroundThe rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground.delineate mine areadelineate mine areaSet out and recover documentation such as marks or stakes to be used in surveying.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.operate surveying instrumentsoperate surveying instrumentsOperate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.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.

geographic information systems specialist6 shared essential skillshydrogeologist5 shared essential skillsmine development engineer5 shared essential skillsmine shift manager5 shared essential skillsgeochemist4 shared essential skillsmine manager4 shared essential skillsmine mechanical engineer4 shared essential skillsmine planning engineer4 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a mine surveyor do?

Mine surveyors prepare and maintain mining plans in line with statutory and management requirements. They keep records of the physical progress of mining operations and of ore or mineral production.

What skills does a mine surveyor need?

A mine surveyor needs 16 essential skills, including impact of geological factors on mining operations, geographic information systems, mathematics, maintain plans of a mining site, manage staff.

Will AI replace mine surveyor jobs?

The AI disruption score for mine surveyor is 52/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: process collected survey data, perform surveying calculations, maintain records of mining operations. Most resilient: negotiate land access, dimension stone, operate surveying instruments.

Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills16

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