Minerals surveyors gather, manage and interpret data which is used in all stages of minerals mining. Sometimes known as mining surveyors, their work covers every stage of a mine's working life, from finding a site to restoring the land after a mine closes. 

The job can involve working on a range of sites, including quarries, underground tunnels and storage facilities, and focuses on five main areas:

Feasibility:

• carrying out surveys on potential sites to find mineral deposits
• using the surveys to decide whether to explore a site
• assessing the environmental impact of exploration.

Mining and mineral rights:

• researching records to find out about site ownership, boundaries and access
• preparing planning applications, dealing with land owners and local authorities
• valuing sites and deposits as part of contract negotiations to buy or lease a site.

Site and deposit surveying:

• building precise 3-D models of the site using digital imaging and lasers 
• tracking progress of tunnelling using specialist equipment 
• charting and mapping surface areas using satellite global positioning systems (GPS)
• managing and interpreting data and rock samples 
• using computer modelling to analyse data and create mine design and extraction plans.

Mapping (known as 'mine cartography'):

• using geographic information systems (GIS) to produce maps of the site area
• looking at the structure of the mine, the deposit layers, and the type of contaminants in the rock
• updating maps during the mine's development.

Geomechanics:

• investigating rock structures
• calculating pressures between layers of rock
• monitoring ground movements to identify potential hazards and instabilities
• using data to make ongoing risk assessments of mine workings.

Once a mine is exhausted, surveyors work closely with engineers and planners to plan how to restore the land. This may mean trying to recreate the original habitat or converting the land for leisure, industry or business. It could also involve decontaminating affected areas.

Minerals surveyors will normally work with mine engineers and managers in the day-to-day operation of the site, and attend meetings with contractors and clients.

Hours and Environment

Minerals surveyors work 35 to 40 hours a week. Early starts, late finishes and weekend work may be required, depending on deadlines. The work is mainly office based, either at the company office or on site.

Underground working can be noisy, dirty and damp and involve working in cramped conditions. Surface sites are subject to all weather conditions. Safety regulations in mine workings must be strictly observed so protective clothing and equipment is used when required.

Skills and Interests

To be a minerals surveyor, you should:

• have excellent geological knowledge
• be familiar with surveying technology and CAD programs
• have excellent maths, science and IT skills, particularly databases
• have strong analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
• be able to work to a high degree of accuracy
• be able to analyse and interpret graphical data
• have a comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation, environmental regulations, and health and safety issues
• have strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills
• be able to prioritise and plan effectively
• keep up-to-date with new developments
• be able to work as part of a team and take responsibility for decision making.

Entry

To qualify as a minerals surveyor you will need an appropriate degree qualification followed by professional development (see Training). Relevant degrees include minerals surveying, mining engineering, surveying and civil engineering. Related degrees such as geology or geography may be acceptable.

For a degree course the minimum entry requirements are five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two A levels/three H grades. For a HND the requirement is four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus one A level/two H grades, or equivalent.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

For holders of non-accredited degrees, a postgraduate course in surveying will be required.

Holders of a BTEC HNC/HND or foundation degree in surveying may be able to work as a surveying technician whilst undertaking further study to fully qualify. See profile for Surveyor: Technical.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) Faculty for Architecture and Surveying have details about surveying careers and relevant degree programmes. See Further Information for contact details.

Training

Within surveying, it is accepted that gaining chartered status is a highly recommended way of enhancing career prospects. This can be achieved through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) Faculty for Architecture and Surveying.

To qualify as a chartered surveyor through the RICS, you have to study for a degree accredited by the RICS for minerals surveying. You must also complete the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

CIOB candidates need to hold an accredited honours degree. After obtaining the degree, graduates have to obtain two years' relevant experience. Those with a higher national certificate or diploma may join as associate members and upgrade to corporate membership through further study.

As a minerals surveyor, you can work towards NVQ/ SVQ Level 4 in Valuation and/or Spatial Data Management.

Minerals surveyors can also specialise in waste management and environmental engineering. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) offers a range of training courses in this area.

For more details about qualifying routes, accredited courses and professional development, contact RICS, the CIOB and CIWM in Further Information.

Opportunities

This particular field of surveying is relatively small in the UK but the outlook points to modest growth over the next few years. Employers include private coal mining and quarrying companies, mineral estate owners, HM Customs and Revenue’s Mineral Valuations Office, large corporations and local authorities. Some surveyors work as consultants, surveying and managing mineral estates on behalf of small mining companies or large landowners.

National and European directives covering waste and pollution management, and recycling are likely to increase the scope for working in areas, such as wastes management, pollution control and land remediation (restoration after mine workings cease). Related fields such as research and development in surveying instrumentation and technology may also offer openings.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries for newly qualified staff are between £20,000 and £23,000.
Experienced surveyors earn between £24,000 and £36,000.
Senior staff with chartered status can earn upwards of £40,000.

Further information

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