How to Be Mine Surveyor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 18, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing use of drones in mining operations has had a significant effect on the industry. Not only has it improved the efficiency of operations, but it has also dramatically reduced costs and improved safety for those working in the mines. Drones are able to take measurements from difficult-to-reach areas, and provide an up-to-date picture of the mine's environment.

This helps surveyors make more accurate decisions about the best way to proceed with operations. drones provide mine surveyors with detailed analysis of the site, enabling them to create an accurate 3D map of the mine and track changes in its structure. As a result, mine operators are able to plan more effective strategies to extract minerals, while improving safety and reducing costs.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in mining engineering is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a mine surveyor. Coursework in surveying, engineering, mathematics, physics, business, and other related topics will help prepare you for a career as a mine surveyor.
Obtain Professional Certification. Professional certification is not mandatory for mine surveyors, but it is recommended. Certification is available through the American Society for Mine Surveyors (ASMS). Eligibility requirements include having a bachelor's degree in mining engineering and having at least five years of experience in the field.
Acquire Relevant Experience. After obtaining your degree, you may need to gain some relevant experience before applying for positions as a mine surveyor. Internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level positions are available and can provide you with the experience you need to become a successful mine surveyor.
Become Licensed. Mining surveyors may need to be licensed in order to work in certain states. Licensing requirements vary by state, but may include passing a licensing exam, passing a background check, and completing continuing education courses.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as ASMS can help you stay up to date on the latest developments in the field and provide networking opportunities.

Surveyors require a high level of skill and knowledge in order to be reliable and competent. To achieve this, they need a combination of formal education, professional training, and practical experience. Formal education involves completing a college degree in surveying or a related field, such as geomatics or engineering.

Professional training is typically provided by associations and licensing bodies, which must be maintained over time to ensure that surveyors stay up to date with relevant standards and regulations. Finally, practical experience can be gained through internships or apprenticeships, which provide valuable on the job training in the field. Only by having all of these elements can surveyors develop the skills necessary to be reliable and competent professionals.

You may want to check Geodetic Surveyor, Soil Surveyor, and Property Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

Mine Surveyor: Responsible for collecting and interpreting geospatial data related to mining operations, and performing surveys to ensure compliance with safety regulations and mine plans.
Mine Manager: Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a mine, enforcing safety regulations, and ensuring that production meets set targets.
Mine Engineer: Responsible for designing, constructing and maintaining the underground mine infrastructure and equipment, as well as developing new methods and technologies to improve mining operations.
Environmental Scientist: Responsible for monitoring and assessing the environmental impact of mining activities, and recommending strategies to protect the environment.
Safety Officer: Responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations, providing safety training, and conducting regular safety inspections.
Geologist: Responsible for conducting geological surveys to evaluate potential ore deposits, and monitoring geotechnical changes in the mine over time.
Metallurgist: Responsible for investigating the properties of ore samples, performing laboratory tests to determine their suitability for processing, and recommending methods for extracting minerals from the ore.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mining operations
Knowledge of safety regulations
Ability to interpret geological data
Knowledge of surveying equipment and tools
Knowledge of land surveying techniques and principles
Ability to read and interpret maps
Ability to use surveying software and GPS systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Good interpersonal skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work effectively in a variety of weather conditions
Knowledge of mine site mapping and recordkeeping

Having a strong technical knowledge of surveying is the most important skill for a mine surveyor. Knowing how to use surveying instruments accurately and efficiently is essential for the job, as they are used to measure angles, distances, and elevations to map out the topography of a mine. This data is then used to plan the layout of the mine and its infrastructure, as well as to detect any potential safety hazards.

Furthermore, an understanding of geology and geological mapping is necessary to interpret the data collected and make decisions on the best course of action. Good communication skills are also necessary, as a mine surveyor often works with other professionals such as engineers, geologists and miners. Finally, being organized and detail-oriented is important in order to keep track of progress made on a project and to ensure that all data is recorded accurately.

With all these skills combined, a mine surveyor can effectively measure and map out mines for safe and efficient operations.

Railroad Surveyor, Environmental Surveyor, and Utility Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of mine surveying?
What methods and techniques do you use to ensure accurate measurements?
How do you ensure safety when surveying underground worksites?
What do you consider to be the most important skills for a successful mine surveyor?
How do you stay up to date with the latest technology used in mine surveying?
Describe a challenging situation youve faced in a previous survey job and how you handled it.
What do you think is the most efficient way to design a mine survey plan?
What strategies do you use to find areas of potential risk in a mine?
How have you incorporated new software solutions into your surveying workflow?
How do you collaborate with other teams to make sure a mine surveying project is successful?

Common Tools in Industry

Total Station. A surveying instrument that measures distances and angles to the object being surveyed. (e. g. Leica Total Station)
GPS Receiver. A device used to receive location and time information from a satellite navigation system. (e. g. Garmin GPS Receiver)
Data Collector. A handheld device used to collect, store, and transfer survey data from a total station or GPS receiver. (e. g. Trimble Data Collector)
Magnetic Locator. An instrument used to locate ferrous objects such as iron ore and underground pipes. (e. g. Teknetics Magnetic Locator)
Laser Level. An instrument used to create a precisely leveled line or surface in a horizontal or vertical plane. (e. g. Stabila Laser Level)
Theodolite. An optical instrument used to measure angles in the vertical and horizontal planes. (e. g. Wild Theodolite)
Mine Survey Software. A computer program used for analyzing and managing survey data collected from total stations, GPS receivers, and other instruments. (e. g. Carlson Mine Survey Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society of Mine Surveying (ISM)
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME)
American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL)
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC)
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)
International Association for Petroleum Land Management (IAPLM)
American Institute for Professional Geologists (AIPG)
Geological Society of America (GSA)

We also have Hydrographic Surveyor, Construction Surveyor, and Highway Surveyor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Mine Mapping. The process of creating a map of an underground mine and its surrounding environment, including surface features, geologic features, and structures.
Mining Equipment. Any machinery or tools used in the mining industry to extract minerals from the ground.
Mine Surveying. The process of measuring and recording the location, size, and shape of underground excavations and features.
Survey Markers. Permanent marks placed on the surface of the ground to identify points of reference for surveyors.
Mine Geology. The study of the geology of an underground mine and its environs, including the stratigraphy, structure, mineralogy, and lithology of the area.
Mine Safety. The practice of protecting workers from hazardous conditions in underground mines.
Mine Ventilation. The process of providing fresh air to underground mines in order to reduce the risk of fires, explosions, and exposure to hazardous gases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mine Surveyor?

Mine Surveyor is a software program used to manage and track mine survey data. It is used by surveyors, engineers, and other professionals in the mining industry to ensure that all data is accurate and up-to-date.

What features does Mine Surveyor provide?

Mine Surveyor provides tools for creating and editing maps and plans, tracking survey points, calculating volumes and areas, plotting data, and managing survey projects. It also includes features for importing and exporting data, generating reports, and sharing data with other users.

How does Mine Surveyor benefit the mining industry?

Mine Surveyor helps to improve accuracy, reduce costs, and increase safety in the mining industry. By allowing users to quickly and accurately track survey data, it can help to reduce errors, minimize downtime, and improve operational efficiency.

Is Mine Surveyor compatible with other software programs?

Yes, Mine Surveyor is compatible with a variety of other software programs including AutoCAD and GIS systems. It also supports most common file formats, including DXF, DWG, and Shape files.

What platforms does Mine Surveyor support?

Mine Surveyor supports Windows operating systems and can be installed on desktop or laptop computers. It also includes a mobile version which can be used on iOS or Android devices.