Thread: work experience in a mine??

Hello everyone...

Is there anyone who did some experiences in a mine... for example in Australia?

I would really appreciate to receive tips and suggestions... and also negative opinions.. if they come from real experiences!!!

thanks!

What kind of work?

I'm sorry...

I thought it was implied...

I meant as Geologist!!!

thanks

Haha, that's what I though, but I just wanted to make sure!

There are several different positions that can be had. For example, if the mine you're working at is in an exploration stage, either seeking to expand their deposit or find a new one, you could be involved in core-logging or surfacing mapping. The former can be a bit tedious, but you learn a LOT about the rocks. The latter can be very fun if you're an outdoorsy type person.

'Beat' geologists typically do underground mapping, as well as identify and mark out ore zones for the miners to come in a blast. Depending on the mine and your level of experience, you may be involved in lab/office-style work looking at geochemistry and working with engineers on stope and drift (tunnel) design.

A lot of this type of work would also include constructing cross sections of the deposit, which, especially if you are dealing with Archean deposit (e.g. lode gold, over 2.5 billion years old), can be very complex and challenging.

If you're a person with a few years experience, you may be into resource modelling using 3D computer programs and such - a lot of office type stuff. Geophysicists working in hardrock also follow a similar role.

Beyond that you could be a project/production manager overseeing other geologists and working closely with engineers and the company bigwigs.

...that's just from my limited experience. The reality, of course, is much more complex and variable depending on the type of mining. My experience is limited to nickel and gold in Archean terranes.

thanks a lot for your full reply... I just have two other questions:

1) Are you yet working in a mine?

2) If not any more... why? Is it because of the fatigue of this kind of job?

In any case... I'm asking this question because after my degree I've never met this kind of company... I'm from Italy and we do not have too many mines and also is a bit difficult to find a job as geologist.... and in any case now... after few other work experience I'm following a analisys rock laboratory because I'd like to do a short experience inside a mine so that I can send my cv in Australia where I know that there are many job opportunity on this field...

I hope in an other reply to receive other interesting informations about your personal experiences in other to decide if is the case for me to move in this direction... bye!

Originally Posted by gius

1) Are you yet working in a mine?

2) If not any more... why? Is it because of the fatigue of this kind of job?

I've toured a couple of mines (Red Lake, Thompson) and worked at a nickel mine as a summer student logging core (all my exploration is gold related). So my experience is limited, no question, but I'd say on a general basis it's accurate for the Canadian hard rock scene.

In terms of industry I prefer exploration because it's more varied, and that's my primary driver in avoiding production. As well, a lot of the mines I could be working at are way out in the boonies, and while I enjoy visiting such places, I don't know if I'd want to live there.

In any case... I'm asking this question because after my degree I've never met this kind of company... I'm from Italy and we do not have too many mines and also is a bit difficult to find a job as geologist.... and in any case now... after few other work experience I'm following a analisys rock laboratory because I'd like to do a short experience inside a mine so that I can send my cv in Australia where I know that there are many job opportunity on this field...

Before the economy tanked, several recent grads from our department found good work in Australia. I don't know how it's doing now, but I suspect things are slowly on the upswing. It sounds like you have a very good plan, and who knows, you may even be able to get a job there without prior experience (especially if things start to take off again).

Unfortunately, if Italy doesn't have this type of work, I don't have any ideas on how to get that initial experience. I know in Canada the summer break for students is typically our initiation into the industry, simply because there's a lack of professional geos to the amount of virgin territory available. I imagine Australia's probably similar to that Canada in that regard, but it's just conjecture on my part.

I hope in an other reply to receive other interesting informations about your personal experiences in other to decide if is the case for me to move in this direction... bye!

Well, I can't think of anything off the top of my head, except the fact that the choice between a major and junior company can also play a role. My experience has been solely with junior companies. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!