Mine Surveying as a Career

Have you ever considered a career in the mining industry? This past week we hosted Mr Clever Dick, Chief Mine Surveyor at Unki Platinum Mine. Located in the Midlands Province, Unki Platinum Mine is part of the Anglo American Group. Do enjoy the discussion hosted by Gracious Nyathi.

GN: Welcome to Phakama Career TALKS where we hope to learn from you about your journey in your career.

You are currently working as a Chief Surveyor at Unki Platnum Mine. Kindly tell us more about what you do in your current role.

CD: Yes I am the Chief Surveyor at Unki. The role of Chief Surveyor is a legal requirement and appointment according to Mining (Management and Safety) Regulations,1990. It is also a requirement according to the Mining regulations that a mine (large to medium) has an appointed qualified Mine Surveyor. The role manages specialist survey services in a Mine environment. This includes survey systems, monthly planning survey requirements and monthly reports appropriate to the survey function.

GN:What led you into mine surveying? When and how did your journey into mine surveying begin?

CD: After high school in 1983, I went job hunting and fortunately found one as a learner Surveyor at Blanket Mine in 1984. At that time, it was just after independence and there were very few black surveyors in the Mining industry and also I was good at Mathematics and found it easy to assimilate in that role.

GN: What would you say have been the major factors that have contributed to growth in your career, factors that have led you to where you are today?

CD: Learning through established professional groups like SAIMM, IMSSA, AMSZ, these are professional organizations where a lot of information is shared which assists one to grow in their fields of expertise. Remember these establishments have been around for a long time and their past current trends assists one how to grow.

GN: I’m sure your work requires the application of particular skills and competencies. What skills and competencies should one have in order to be a mine surveyor?

CD: Leadership and analytical skills are very crucial apart from Mine Surveying skills. Experience has it that most technical people lack leadership skills, which is foundational in achieving most of the set business objectives

GN: Your work does come with opportunities and challenges. What would you say are the high and lows of working as a mine surveyor?

CD: The high is when I was appointed Competent person for the mine ore Reserves. The Life of a Mine is depended on the amount of Ore reserves it has at any given time. The accuracy and declaration of the same require a Competent Person who declares these figures which ultimately end in the public domain.

The low is when we had a misholing underground which was largely my oversight where I did not check on the procedures the Surveyor responsible had used. This eventually cost the company a lot of money

GN: As a mine surveyor, you obviously work with other professionals in the mining industry in order to achieve the objectives of the organisations you work for. Please give us an insight into the other professionals you work closely with and the kind of work they do.

CD: This role is central to all departments ie Mining, Engineering, Process and all Service departments through coordinating reports be it internal or external. The Chief Surveyor signs off the mine reports that are published in the public domain.

GN: There is likely someone following our discussion today thinking about becoming a mine surveyor. What is the number of normal entry points into this line of work? What subjects should they study at high school and college? Where can they go to study?

CD: Mathematics, English, any Science subject and Geography. You can study at the School of Mines in Byo. We have seen State universities taking on students in Geomatics which doesn't really touch much on Mine Surveying, though we have Graduate Trainees from these Colleges in our organization, but we align them inhouse to Mine Surveying. For one to practice you then need to do Certificate of Competence in Mine Surveying offered the Ministry of Mines through the Chief Government Mine Engineering Department

GN: What is your parting shot to those thinking about venturing into careers in the mining industry?

CD: Mining is quite challenging but with innovation and current Technology a lot has been simplified compared to when I started. So, I am sure most of you would find it interesting to venture into mining, besides it being highly rewarding