Minerals surveyor
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Mineral surveyors work as part of a team to assess the commercial potential of sites for mining or quarrying. They assess risk, predict environmental impacts, map mineral deposits, and can also work to restore sites post-extraction of the raw materials. They prepare and undertake surveys to assess economic viability of sites and to support planning applications, as well as assisting with the contractual negotiations and establishing rights to working a mine.
Although mineral surveying is quite a small field in the UK, there are a number of employers, including:
- Local authorities.
- Planning authorities.
- Statutory and government bodies.
- Private surveying firms.
- Environmental consultancies.
- Mineral extraction and quarrying companies.
- Landowners with mineral assets.
The type of operations that mineral surveyors can be involved in includes:
- Mineral processing plants.
- Concrete and cement works.
- Brickworks.
- Recycling plants.
- Onshore oil and gas installations.
- Methane extraction sites.
- Mine water treatment plants.
- Waste transfer stations.
- Landfill and waste management sites.
[edit] Responsibilities
The responsibilities and tasks of a mineral surveyor vary according to the area of work, but may include the following:
- Feasibility studies, risk assessments and environmental impact assessments.
- Safety management advice for developing mineral sites.
- Exploring potential sites for mineral extraction, by taking samples, recording results, providing valuations of deposits, and so on.
- Using geographic information systems (GIS) to chart surface areas.
- Building 3D digital models using CAD software to map a site.
- Researching and consulting to establish mining and mineral rights (e.g. site ownership, boundaries, access and extraction rights).
- Liaising with local authorities, planning authorities, and the public, as well as providing information and preparing applications for clients.
- Predicting the environmental implications of mineral extraction and helping to provide restoration solutions.
[edit] Qualifications and skills
Mineral surveyors generally tend to have graduated with degrees in civil or mining engineering, earth sciences, geography, geology and surveying. Some universities offer postgraduate courses dedicated to mineral surveying.
It is possible to attain chartered status through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Mineral surveyors need to have the following skills:
- Good communication skills.
- Strong scientific and mathematical proficiency.
- Methodical approach, accuracy and good analytical skills.
- Understand maps, charts and graphical data.
- Understand surveying technology and CAD software.
- Knowledge of minerals, geology, health and safety implications, and planning legislation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building survey.
- Condition survey.
- Ecological survey.
- Geographic information system GIS.
- Geophysical survey.
- Ground conditions.
- Land surveying.
- Site appraisals.
- Site surveys.
- Soil survey.
- Surveying instruments.
- Surveyor.
[edit] External resources
- Prospects - Minerals surveyor
Featured articles and news
Quality Planning for Micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
A CIOB Academy Technical Information sheet.
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.