Role Description

You’ll explore the best way to extract raw materials from the ground, using blasting, drilling and excavation methods. 

You might also work in processing plants that refine raw materials, like china clay, slate and stone (aggregates) for use in industries like construction.

Before a new mine or quarry is opened, you’ll work with minerals surveyors to decide if mining plans are commercially workable. 

To do this, you’ll:

• use ground-surveying techniques to check the site’s geology 
• drill earth and rock samples for lab testing
• build up computer models of a site and its deposits
• make recommendations on how to proceed
• If mining goes ahead, you’ll:
• manage the day-to-day running of operations
• oversee technical staff
• produce progress reports
• monitor health and safety
• draw up plans to guard against emergencies like a tunnel collapsing or flooding
• You might also make sure the site can be restored as closely as possible to its original state after the quarry workings end.