Overview

What is a Minerals Surveyor? 

Mineral Surveyors are built environment specialists that advise on whether a site has commercial potential for mineral extraction. Their expertise in surveying helps businesses identify and prepare mineral sites, all while considering the potential risks and environmental impact of this work. 

Surveyors in this area can work on a wide range of different operations, including concrete and cement works, recycling centres, mineral processing plants, methane extraction sites and waste transfer stations among many others. 

How much do Minerals Surveyors earn? 

The average salary of a Minerals Surveyor is usually between: £20,000 – £70,000 

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Skills

What’s required for the role?

  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Commercial awareness
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills and creativity
  • Technical skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Scientific knowledge
  • Maths and numerical skills
  • Digital literacy and IT skills
  • The ability to negotiate
  • Stakeholder management
  • Organisational skills
  • A driving licence
  • The ability to interpret maps and data
  • Knowledge of environmental issues

Details

What does a Minerals Surveyor do? 

Mineral Surveyors have a wide range of responsibilities, including: 

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Conducting surveys, feasibility studies, risk assessments and environmental impact studies on potential extraction sites

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Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce 3D digital models

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Charting surface areas via global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS)

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Creating site maps with information on mine structures and deposit layers

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Researching land records and establishing ownership and access to sites

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Dealing with transactions and negotiating contracts for land ownership

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Handling communications with local authorities

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Aiding clients in the preparation of planning applications

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Assessing and developing ways to mitigate the potential environmental implications of mineral extraction projects

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Providing valuations of mineral deposits

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What is the work environment like?

As with much of the built environment, a career in mineral surveying will see your time split between office and site work, with much of the latter underground in mines or challenging environments.

In the office, you’ll be using digital technologies to build on your findings on-site, and will need to attend meetings with clients or other professionals. On-site, the work can be physically demanding and active, and you may have to travel to various different locations in your role.

Mineral Surveyors can expect to find opportunities from a variety of different employers, including local authorities, statutory and government bodies, extraction companies and specialist consultation firms among many others.

Opportunities

Is mineral surveying a good career? 

Mineral surveying is undoubtedly a physical role, demanding a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal and communication skills. This type of surveying is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with data but also want a hands-on career full of variety, and are happy to dedicate extra time and effort into their work when required. 

However, the rewards for working as a Mineral Surveyor are significant; including secure employment, a long-term career path, plenty of opportunities to specialise and considerable earning potential in higher positions. 

Sustainability is also a prominent issue in mineral extraction activities, which is reflected in the work specialist surveyors do for clients and their responsibility to the sustainability agenda. For people who are motivated by climate change and the need to reduce our impact on the environment, a role as a Mineral Surveyor is a chance to play a key role in facilitating this. 

What’s more, mineral surveying is a globally-recognised career, meaning there are opportunities for employment outside of the UK and this profession could take you into all kinds of different working environments. 

Become a minerals surveyor

Who can become a Minerals Surveyor? 

There are no restrictions on who can become a Minerals Surveyor. At UCEM thousands of students from various backgrounds have undertaken their studies and successfully launched careers across the built environment. Find out about their experiences below: 

How to become a Minerals Surveyor 

To start a career in mineral surveying, employers will typically require a relevant degree in civil or mining engineering, earth sciences, economics, geography, geology or surveying. 

This could be a degree accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or if you have a non-cognate degree, you could undertake an RICS-accredited postgraduate degree and work towards MRICS status. Degree apprenticeships are another alternative to traditional university study, giving you the combination of academic qualifications and hands-on, technical experience you’ll need. 

Along with obtaining degrees, online CPD courses in relevant subjects can strengthen your employment credentials, such as:  

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