Mine surveyor

Job overview
Mine surveyors conduct surveys both underground and on the surface in order to produce information for the construction of mine plans.

What do people do in this job?
Mine surveyors are responsible for the monthly preparation and updating of the entire surface and underground plans of a mine.

They plan the direction and extent of all underground workings, and use advanced surveying techniques and instruments to follow up these directions underground.

Each month they measure the quantity of work done by the mining contractors underground, and calculate their contract earnings.

Mine surveyors' work has to be very accurate.

They work underground most mornings of the week, giving direction lines for the miners to follow, or taking samples of the reef.

During the afternoons they do calculations in their offices.

Senior survey personnel perform management functions, as well as managing the underground ore reserve.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Mine surveyors should have a good mathematical background and be able to work accurately at all times.

They must also be physically fit and have to undergo an annual medical examination.

What qualifications are needed?
Good school-leaving results in science, particularly mathematics, with additional tertiary training in those subjects an advantage.