A mining geologist uses geology to locate and extract valuable materials from the earth. They map out areas, evaluate materials, and assess environmental impact to ensure safety and profitability.
Geology is a field of science that belongs to the earth. Geology studies the structure, composition and physical properties of the world we live in. A mining geologist is a professional who applies this science to mining. It is this geologist’s primary responsibility to ensure that minerals, rocks, and gems are extracted from mines, shafts, and quarries in a manner that allows for maximum profit and minimal hassle.
To profit from materials extracted from the earth, they must first be located. Using tools such as aerial photographs, field maps, and geophysical surveys, the mining geologist determines where valuable materials are located and estimates the amount of those materials at that location. It is usually the individual who will determine the life span of the mining enterprise and who will determine how profitable it is likely to be, by assessing the grade and structure of the ore bodies.
It is also the duty of a mining geologist to map out the area where he believes valuable minerals are found. He must record and compile geological data so that the mining engineer has accurate details about the location, structure and distribution of minerals in a deposit. Additionally, he must create computer models of the mine, quarry, or pit that he can share with the mining engineer. Together, the two find the best approach to establish the working environment and extract the valuable materials. These responsibilities make these geologists indispensable, because without them mining companies wouldn’t know where to dig, how deep to dig, or when to stop digging.
A mining geologist’s job doesn’t end once the work area is set up and mining begins. He must continue to study the materials that are extracted and evaluate their quality. This requires attention to detail and excellent color vision, as it is sometimes necessary to notice subtle variations in rocks and minerals.
The mining geologist’s constant exploration and sampling is part of his responsibility for environmental impact. He needs to evaluate and troubleshoot what extracting natural materials does to the earth and the people who live on it. For example, he may discover through his research that there is a high probability that homes within a certain radius are at risk of sinkholes. Such problems must be avoided, not fixed afterwards.
The mining geologist must also provide advice on how to keep the mining environment safe. He does this by identifying hazards such as rock faults, ground water or conditions that could cause uncontrolled explosions. The lives of the workers and the resources of the mining company are at stake if it is unable to perform these tasks.
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