Fig.1 http://mininglink.com.au/story/mining-industry-decline-sees-engineers-and-geologists-struggle-for-workFig.2 http://i1.wp.com/sphinxminingsystems.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/surpac_environment1.png |
What do they do?
A typical day as a Geologist would be on the hunt for precious materials and minerals. This work would be in the laboratories, offices and on the field. How they do this is, study nature, composition and the earth structure to find the richest sources underground! They would also give advice on extraction of these sources to mining engineers as well as mine rehabilitation and environment protection. Geologists work with special equipment to detect ores and minerals deep underground. So he/she would map out the area they believe to have valuable resources available. Find geological data on the location, structure, and distribution of the minerals, for the mining engineer. After the information has been recorded the mine quarry or pit will be made into a computer 3D model. They do this to make it easier for the engineers to see. Figure 2 shows this. Both the Geologist and Mining Engineer would find the best solution for approaching the environment and extracting the minerals from the ground. Without the Geologists, mining companies would not know where to dig, how deep and when to stop. They are one of the most important people on a mining site. |
Fig.3 http://www.montana.edu/news/pressroom.php?id=7372Where do they work?Geologists work in laboratories, offices and on the field. Laboratory work happens to examine materials and minerals. Offices are normally used for computer work and creating 3D models of mines and other research. On the field means, out looking for sources of ores and or examining land for future work in the industry. This is an important faze because it tells the engineers what is below the surface and where.
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Fig.4 https://au.pfinance.yahoo.com/photos/photo/-/14402100/top-australian-mining-jobs-and-salaries/14402146/Why is success important?In any mining operation, understanding the geology of the ore body and waste rocks is a crucial part of successful research estimation geotechnical engineering, mine planning and mineral processing. Not doing the job right the first time could cost the mine millions of dollars. This could be because they didn't locate enough or no materials and minerals at all.
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Fig.5 http://miningjobsbolivia.com/What does this field do during the phase?The field - Geology in Mining prevents millions of dollars being wasted on drilling for something that hasn't be located yet. Such as minerals and materials as well as an ore. Geologists help engineers locate minerals and other useful sources. They use special equipment to do this.
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What does a Geologist do on a normal day at a mine?
- explore specific areas of the earth to determine its structure and the types of rocks or minerals that are present
- study rock cores, cuttings and samples
- study geostatistics and sampling theory
- study fossilised life forms and date rock strata
- study the nature and effects of natural events such as erosion, sedimentation, glaciation, earthquakes and volcanic hazards
- locate and manage groundwater resources, investigate groundwater contamination and land salinity
- undertake geochemical sampling of stream sediment and soils
- undertake ground or airborne magnetic, gravity and other geophysical surveys
- examine geological specimens in laboratories using optical and electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction and other electronic, chemical and mechanical techniques
- advise on determining the economic viability of extracting earth resources
- advise on the geological suitability of sites for structures such as tunnels, roads, coastal installations, bridges and water supply schemes
- contribute information about land use, planning and rehabilitation, and the effects of pollution on seabeds to environmental assessments
- use computers to integrate and interpret data sets of geological information
- prepare geological models to describe processes and predict future situations
- prepare geological reports and maps.