Saturday, June 27, 2015

Mine Surveyors & What They Do

By Carey Bourdier


When you think about mining, you might just think about gold and silver mining, but there are many types of mining and this can be an excellent career option for someone who enjoys math and science. Just like a land surveyor, these professionals use a variety of tools such as a theodolite or inclinometer. Here is some information about the career of a mine surveyor.

First of all, it is important to note that there are many different minerals that are mined throughout the world. Among the substances that are extracted from the ground, you might have iron, copper, tin, salt, fluorite, gypsum, phosphor, potassium, spar, chrome and many other minerals. Obviously, each type of mining is different and requires a different approach to planning and maintenance.

Of course, this profession definitely requires a college degree and many professionals in the mining industry have graduate degrees in mining engineering. As a student you will learn how to use surveying tools such as a GPS, a theodolite, a gyroscope and an inclinometer. You also will study many aspects of mining and minerals, including metallurgy, which is the study of elements with metallic properties. Earth sciences and environmental sciences probably will be part of your coursework as well as learning about all of those optical instruments.

The gyroscope is sometimes combined with a theodolite to create a gyro-theodolite. This is a device that can measure true north. It is particular helpful while constructing mining tunnels as it can help maintain orientation. This device also is used for tunnel engineering, such as for the construction of the massive Channel Tunnel that links England and France. By itself, the theodolite is an optical instrument that measures horizontal and vertical angles. This optical instrument is used by surveyors as well as many different kinds of engineers.

One of the most important aspects of the profession of mine surveyor is safety. Mining is a dangerous venture, both for the people working in the mine as well as having a big impact on the environment. Underground mining can be particularly risky, and safety will be a primary concern as you and your theodolite or gyro-theodolite plan out the best ways to create underground tunnels and excavate minerals.

When it comes to surface mining, you still must consider safety and environmental impact. Quarrying, open-pit mining and strip mining are the three types of surface mining. At an open-pit mine, you might extract anything from gypsum to limestone or perhaps clay or even coal. A quarry actually is an open-pit mine, but at a quarry refers to a mine where stone is extracted and not any other type of mineral or material. If you are extracting lignite or some other mineral that rests close to the ground, this is called strip mining, where strips of earth are removed to expose lignite or perhaps coal. Surveyors use the same types of tools for surface mining as they do for underground mining, such as the clinometer and the theodolite.




About the Author:



No comments:

Popular Posts