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

Feb 2, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Mining Surveyors are responsible for the accurate surveying and mapping of mines, which has a direct effect on the safety of mine workers. They use sophisticated equipment such as total station and GPS systems to measure, document and analyze the physical characteristics of a mine site. In addition, they must ensure that all equipment used is calibrated and in good working condition.

By collecting data and mapping the mine accurately, Mining Surveyors help to identify potential hazards, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure that all safety protocols are followed. Furthermore, their data is critical for the efficient operation of a mine, as it provides the necessary information for the design and operation of a mine.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma. Prospective mining surveyors must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete a postsecondary program. Those interested in becoming mining surveyors must complete a postsecondary program in surveying, geomatics, or a related field.
Become certified. Certification is often required for those wanting to become mining surveyors. The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) offers certification for mining surveyors. Applicants must have at least four years of experience and pass an exam to become certified.
Obtain licensure. Licensure requirements vary by location, but most states require mining surveyors to be licensed in order to practice. Licensure typically requires applicants to have a certain amount of work experience, as well as pass an exam.
Consider obtaining specialization. Those wanting to become mining surveyors may consider pursuing specialty certifications, such as in underground surveying or geophysical surveying, in order to gain more specialized knowledge and experience.

Mining is an important activity for many countries as it produces a large amount of resources that are used for different purposes. However, mining requires careful planning and skilled surveyors to ensure the process is efficient and safe. Surveyors are responsible for mapping out the land and its features in order to determine the best route for mining operations to take place.

They also inspect the site for potential hazards and provide detailed reports on the findings. By having an experienced and knowledgeable surveyor, mining operations can prevent accidents, increase productivity, and save resources. Furthermore, surveyors can also help to identify areas of potential exploitation and recommend ways to mitigate any potential risks.

As a result, mining operations are becoming increasingly reliant on the services of surveyors to ensure they are running efficiently and safely.

You may want to check GIS Surveyor, Geodetic Surveyor, and Highway Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

Analyzing geological data to determine the most efficient and cost-effective mining methods
Interpreting survey maps, aerial photographs, and other data to assess mineral resources
Developing ground control systems to ensure safe and efficient operations
Designing and preparing plans for the layout of underground and surface mining facilities
Supervising drilling, blasting, and other mining-related activities
Conducting quality control inspections of mining sites and equipment
Coordinating with engineers and other professionals to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
Evaluating mining operations for cost efficiency and recommending changes for improvement
Maintaining accurate records of mining operations
Assisting with the development of new mining technologies

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mining laws and regulations
Understanding of surveying technology, equipment and software
Ability to interpret geological maps, drill logs and mineral exploration reports
Proficiency in mining engineering design and development
Ability to analyze and interpret aerial photographs, topographic maps and other data sources
Experience with surveying instruments and software packages
Excellent problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions
Ability to adhere to safety regulations and procedures

The role of a Mining Surveyor is critical to the success of any mining operation. As they are responsible for the measurement, planning and management of the land, they must possess a variety of skills to accurately assess the characteristics of the land and its resources. Knowledge of land surveying, engineering, geology, topography, and construction are among some of the most important skills that a Mining Surveyor must possess.

Furthermore, having a good understanding of local legislation and regulations is also key, as it allows a surveyor to ensure that all laws are followed and that resources are used in a safe and sustainable manner. When all these skills are combined effectively, a Mining Surveyor can accurately plan and manage the land, creating a successful mining operation with minimal disruption to the environment.

Land Development Surveyor, Building Surveyor, and Mine Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the Mining Surveyor field?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when conducting surveys?
How would you handle a difficult situation when surveying a mining site?
Describe your experience with managing different surveying projects.
What challenges have you encountered when conducting surveys at a mining site?
How do you stay up to date on the latest surveying technologies and methods?
What strategies do you use to ensure safety while conducting surveys?
What experience do you have with analyzing data collected from mining surveys?
How would you go about making sure that a survey meets the standards of the mining industry?
Describe a successful project you have worked on in the past as a Mining Surveyor.

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. Software used to create geographic information systems (GIS) maps and analyze spatial data. (eg: ArcGIS)
Surveying Equipment. Equipment used to measure and determine land boundaries on the earth's surface. (eg: Total Station)
Mine Design Software. Software used to design and plan mine exploration and operations. (eg: Vulcan Mine Planning)
Drilling Equipment. Equipment used to drill holes into the ground for mining operations. (eg: Rotary Drill)
Remote Sensing Software. Software used to collect data from satellites and other remote sources. (eg: ERDAS Imagine)
Data Logging Devices. Devices used to store and record data from sensors and other devices. (eg: Geobot)
Mapping Software. Software used to create and analyze detailed maps of mining sites. (eg: Surfer)
3D Modeling Software. Software used to create 3D models of mining sites for planning and analysis. (eg: AutoCAD)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Mine Surveyors (IMS)
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
Mining and Metallurgical Society of America (MMSA)
International Association for Engineering and Mining Surveying (IAEMS)
Mining and Geoscience Industry Council (MGIC)
Society of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME)
International Institute for Mine Surveying (IIMS)
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)

We also have Utility Surveyor, Marine Surveyor, and Environmental Surveyor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Mine Planning. The process of determining the most efficient way to extract minerals from the Earth.
Mineral Exploration. The search for ore deposits using a variety of techniques, including geophysical, geochemical, and geological surveying.
Geotechnical Surveying. A surveying technique used to assess the physical properties of the ground, such as its composition, topography, and stability.
Mapping. The process of creating maps of landforms, mineral deposits, and other features of interest.
GIS Mapping. The use of geographic information systems (GIS) to map and analyze data related to landforms, mineral deposits, and other features of interest.
Data Collection. The process of gathering data through surveys, interviews, experiments, and other methods.
Sampling. The process of systematically collecting samples from a population in order to make inferences about the population.
Mine Reclamation. The process of restoring land affected by mining activities to its previous condition or better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mining Surveyor?

A Mining Surveyor is a professional who specializes in the surveying and mapping of land and resources related to mining operations.

What kind of qualifications do I need to become a Mining Surveyor?

To become a Mining Surveyor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, geology, or a related field. You may also need to obtain a professional license or certification from an organization such as the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG).

What kinds of tasks does a Mining Surveyor perform?

A Mining Surveyor performs tasks such as surveying and mapping mining sites, collecting data and samples, preparing reports and maps, assessing the environmental impacts of mining operations, and providing advice and recommendations on mining operations.

What type of equipment does a Mining Surveyor use?

Mining Surveyors use specialized surveying equipment such as laser rangefinders, GPS receivers, and total stations to measure and map the terrain. They may also use software to analyze data and create maps.

What are the job prospects for Mining Surveyors?

The job outlook for Mining Surveyors is expected to be good, with an estimated 8% growth in employment from 2019 to 2029. With an increasing demand for minerals, the demand for Mining Surveyors is expected to remain strong.