Geotechnologist Career Description
Geotechnologists are persons who do scientific research on and in the crust of the earth with the objective of locating and extracting natural resources, or of determining subsurface conditions and locating building materials prior to building large civil constructions.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Geotechnologists are initially given a broad and generalised training, but will in time specialise in one of five directions, namely mining and exploration geology, geophysics, geohydraulics, engineering geology and geochemistry and will be involved in the following types of activities:
Geophysics
Geophysics is the study of the physical (magnetic, gravitational, electrical, mechanical and radioactive) properties of the earth, and sophisticated instruments are used to determine slight variations in these properties. From these measurements deductions can be made about the possible presence of ores in depth, of groundwater and about subsurface conditions that may affect the foundations of large civil constructions. Geophysics involves field measurements and the subsequent computer processing of the data, and it requires a thorough understanding of mathematics, physics and geology. Knowledge of electronics is advantageous for the maintenance of equipment.
Geohydrology
Geohydrology is the study of the recharge, flow, chemistry and recovery of groundwater, and it is primarily concerned with the search for new groundwater resources. However, the location of suitable waste-disposal sites, the recognition of possible groundwater pollution and source apportionment of groundwater pollutants also fall within the realm of geohydrology. Geohydrology involves fieldwork, usually incorporating aerial photographs and geophysics, as well as water quality investigations and pump tests. Computer literacy is essential.
Engineering geology
Engineering geology technicians assist in the
collection of surface and subsurface geological data in order to provide input needed for the design of foundations of large civil constructions like dams, bridges, large buildings, new townships, etc. They also assist with the location and testing of building materials that will be used in large construction projects.
Engineering geotechnologists may also work on construction sites where they are involved with surface mapping, drilling projects or geophysical observations. They are also involved with computer analysis.
Geochemistry
This involves the analysis of rocks, soils or water samples to determine different physical or analytical properties. The fieldwork involves the collection of disturbed or undisturbed samples.
In geochemical laboratories these samples are analysed by a wide range of methods using sophisticated equipment such as electron microscopes, X-ray diffractometers and spectrographs. The results are interpreted and modelled to assist geologists in their decision-making program.
Mining Geotechnologist
Mining geotechnologists, playa vital role in advising mine management on the location, structure and distribution of ore, in monitoring and controlling the grade of ore mined and predicting and locating new ore reserves. A good part of the geotechnologists time is spent underground or in the open pit. Mine geotechnologists / geologists form together with mining engineers, surveyors, metallurgists and other specialists an integral part of the technical management team. Geostatistics and computer graphics are used extensively by mining geotechnologists in ore evaluation and grade control as well as
applied rock mechanics. Strong communication and management skills are a necessity for this occupation.
Exploration Geotechnologist
The aim of geological exploration is to find deposits of economically important minerals in quantities large enough to be mined at a
profit. Satellite imagery, aerial photographs, geophysical mapping and field mapping are used to produce geological maps of
prospective areas. Samples are taken and analyzed and the results plotted on geochemical terrain maps. With the help of geophysical methods additional maps are made showing geophysical characteristics of the rocks in the region. Using all this information, bore holes may be drilled to obtain sub-surface information on the composition and structure of the rocks. Eventually a potential ore body may be discovered, leading to a more detailed exploration and to economic feasibility studies before a new mine is finally developed. Most mining companies and exploration groups are engaged in exploration programmes to find new deposits. Exploration activities are
carried out in the field and exploration geology offers an outdoor life, often in remote parts of the world. In addition to relevant scientific and management competence, knowledge of foreign languages is a useful skill for exploration geotechnologists and geologists.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Prospective geotechnologists must have an enquiring and analytical mind. They must be interested in their natural physical environment and be fond of travelling and outdoor life. They must be practically minded and capable of working independently and in isolation, but must also be able to work in a team. They must be observant, capable of conceptual, differential and divergent thinking, and must have good three-dimensional perception.
Where can I work?
Large mining companies, as well as research institutes, government departments, laboratories and educational institutions employ geotechnologists.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
With enough experience geotechnologists can work as private consultants for mining companies or research institutes.
|
