Mining Geologist

Mining geologists work in all aspects of the mining industry, from exploration, to mine design, to evaluating ore quality, and to assisting in minimizing the impact of mining on the local environment.

Summary

The mining industry has been a traditional employer of geoscientists. Though mining efforts have expanded greatly in parts of the world, especially South America, employment of geoscientists in the mining industry has remained stable. Geoscientists work in all aspects of the mining industry, from exploration, to mine design, to evaluating ore quality. More recently, many geoscientists working in the mining industry are also focusing on the environment, particularly in reclamation and groundwater management issues in an effort to minimize the impact of mining on the local environment.

Educational Requirements

Geoscientists need at least a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. In several states, geoscientists may need a license to offer their services to the public. A Ph.D. is necessary for most high-level research and college teaching positions.

A degree in geosciences is preferred, although degrees in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, or computer science are usually accepted if they include coursework in geology.

Salary Information 2018

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following information corresponds to the salaries of Mining Geologists in 2018. The bottom 10% of earners made less than $58,310, the median salary was $83,010, and the top 10% of earners made more than $123,260.

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Information retrieved from Chron: Planetary Science Jobs, Career Cornerstone Center: Geosciences and Bureau of Labor Statistics: Geoscientists.