Subsequent to asking for career advice and guidance from friends and workers in the mining industry, Jacques Theart decided to put his mathematical, draughting, and problem-solving skills to the test by following the challenging career path of a mining surveyor. Jacques is now a senior mining surveyor at Harmony Gold Mine in Mpumalanga.

Mine surveying basically involves the measuring and observing of areas to be mined, and the recording of the results obtained on mine plans or maps that are drawn to scale. The surveyor also evaluates and processes the data which is acquired during each month, measures the extent of work done by the underground mining workers, and calculates their earnings and bonuses accordingly.

Basics

The average salary of a mine surveyor is in the region of R100 000 to R200 000 per annum, but this varies according to education and experience.   

Job description

"This job entails the installation of survey pegs in the underground mines, and the offsetting of the work in these mined-out areas. I work very closely with the mining personnel and guide them in the right direction to extract optimal ore from the mine. I am also required to determine accurate measurements of the mined- out areas for purposes of the workers` bonuses," Jacques explained.

Required studies or experience

"Taking maths and science subjects in matric would definitely be advantageous for future growth in this line of work," says Jacques. "Previous experience on the mines is also beneficial if one wants to advance in this career. Internal COM exams, as well as a university degree or survey diploma would also help to climb the ladder to a higher level in

Personality type

"A mining surveyor must be a completely dedicated and an exceptionally honest person. Surveyors must be able to handle potential manipulation; they must be neat and meticulous with measurements and calculations; and, as with most mine-workers, they must also be physically and medically fit."

An average day

"An average day basically involves preparations for the underground jobs; going underground to install survey pegs; and giving instructions and guidelines to the mine workers. I plot all the information and data collected onto plans, and give these records to all the relevant people. I also measure the tons of matter that has been mined in order to determine the bonus payments for the contract workers."

The best thing about the job

"As long as excavations are being carried out, there will always be work opportunities for surveyors. This is a lucrative career path to follow if one is dedicated and studies hard. I enjoy being thorough in my job – I always check everything more than once to ensure that the chances of making mistakes are extremely minimal. I also enjoy working with, and being a part of the whole mining team."

The worst thing about the job

"Mining surveyors very seldom get credit for their role in the mining industry. I feel that we could do with more acknowledgement from our department for the work we do."

"I am very happy in my current job, but I would like to further my studies and advance to management level. My dream job would be that of an ore reserve manager," smiles Jacques.

Chantelle Gradidge