Mine geologist
Also known as: mining geologist, mineralogist, geophysicist, mine stratigrapher, resource geologist, exploration geologist
About this occupation
Mine geologists locate, identify, quantify and classify mineral resources and their geological characteristics and structure. They provide advice to mine managers and engineers at existing and prospective mineral operations.
A specialisation of geologist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- use mine planning software
- advise on geology for mineral extraction
- address problems critically
- plan mine operations
- provide information on geological characteristics
- geology
- communicate on the environmental impact of mining
- communicate on minerals issues
- advise on mining environmental issues
- supervise staff
- deal with pressure from unexpected circumstances
- determine characteristics of mineral deposits
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (O*NET 17-2151.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
- Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
- Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.
- Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
- Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
- Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$106,220 a year (2025), 6,080 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.4)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.6)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.6)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.3)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Petroleum Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Industrial Engineers
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Chemical Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.