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What is a Mining Geologist?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Geology is a field of science that pertains to the earth. Geology studies structure, composition, and the physical properties of the world we live in. A mining geologist is a professional who applies this science to mining. It is the primary responsibility of this geologist to ensure that minerals, rocks, and gems are extracted from mines, pits, and quarries in a manner that allows maximum profit and involves minimal problems.

In order to profit from materials extracted from the earth, those materials must first be located. Using tools such as aerial photographs, field maps, and geophysical surveys, the mining geologist determines where valuable materials are and estimates how much of those materials are in that location. He is usually the individual who will determine the life span of the mining venture and who will determine how profitable it is likely to be, by assessing the grade and structure of mineral bodies.

A mining geologist is responsible for mapping out the locations of valuable minerals.
A mining geologist is responsible for mapping out the locations of valuable minerals.

It is also the duty of a mining geologist to map the area where he believes valuable minerals are. He must record and compile geological data so that the mining engineer has accurate details of the location, structure, and distribution of minerals in a deposit. Additionally, he must make computer models of the mine, quarry, or pit that he can share the mining engineer. Together, the two find the best approach for establishing the work environment and extracting the valuable materials. These responsibilities make these geologists indispensable, for without them, mining companies would not know where to dig, how deep to dig, or when to stop digging.

A mining geologist collects and studies rock samples to determine the quality of the minerals.
A mining geologist collects and studies rock samples to determine the quality of the minerals.

The job of a mining geologist does not end once the work area is set up and extraction begins. He must continue to study the materials that are extracted and assess their quality. This requires attention to detail and excellent color vision, as it is sometimes necessary to note slight variations in rocks and minerals.

The mining geologist’s constant exploration and sampling is part of his responsibility for environmental impact. He needs to assess and solve problems pertaining to what the extraction of natural materials does to the land and the people living on it. For example, he may discover through his research that there is a high probability that houses within a certain radius are in danger of sink holes. Such problems need to be avoided, not solved after the fact.

Once extraction begins, a mine geologist will study the materials to access their quality.
Once extraction begins, a mine geologist will study the materials to access their quality.

The mining geologist also needs to provide advice on how to keep the mining environment safe. He does this by identifying dangers such as rock faults, ground water or conditions that could result in uncontrolled explosions. Workers lives and the mining company’s assets are at stake if he is unable to perform these tasks.

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Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

I've always found the earth and the rocks and minerals that re beneath the surface to be very interesting, so I think this would be a rewarding field. It's also nice that mining geologists work to protect the earth. This is very important when it comes to selecting areas to be mined.

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    • A mining geologist is responsible for mapping out the locations of valuable minerals.
      By: malajscy
      A mining geologist is responsible for mapping out the locations of valuable minerals.
    • A mining geologist collects and studies rock samples to determine the quality of the minerals.
      By: Paul Moore
      A mining geologist collects and studies rock samples to determine the quality of the minerals.
    • Once extraction begins, a mine geologist will study the materials to access their quality.
      By: io
      Once extraction begins, a mine geologist will study the materials to access their quality.