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Careers in Geoscience: Coal Exploration

RGM - Van der Merwe · Coal City, IN · Yesterday
OTHRFull-time

About the role

Coal exploration geologists identify and assess the location, quality, and size of coal deposits within exploration permits. Their work is a mix of office-based tasks and fieldwork, including field mapping, drilling, and sampling from drill core. They typically work for publicly listed mining and exploration companies, with some opportunities in private companies.

Coal exploration aims to locate deposits for underground or open-cut coal development, primarily in coal-producing basins in Queensland (Bowen, Galilee, and Surat) and New South Wales (Sydney).

Responsibilities

  • Compile and analyze historical data, including geophysics, field mapping, coal quality, and drilling.
  • Generate targets based on available data.
  • Plan exploration programs to test generated targets.
  • Assist in collecting samples in the field, including:
    • Geophysical data (2D/3D seismic, gravity, and magnetic surveys).
    • Field mapping data (lithology, strike/dip, structure).
    • Chip samples (lithology data, proximate analysis).
    • Core samples (lithology data, geotechnical analysis).
    • Coal quality samples (coal quality data).
  • Analyze geological data using specialist computer applications and model data in 2D and 3D.
  • Report to management, state authorities, and/or shareholders (ASX).
  • Advise managerial, technical, and engineering teams on project development.

Requirements

  • Knowledge of a range of sciences and their applications.
  • Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Practical and computer literacy, with the ability to analyze numerical and graphical data.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in geological mapping, rock recognition, structural geology, geophysics, GIS, and practical fieldwork.

Qualifications

Core subjects:

  • Geology
  • Structural Geology
  • Stratigraphy
  • Sedimentology
  • Tectonics
  • Coal Quality

Specialty subjects:

  • GIS
  • Geophysics
  • Coal Petrology
  • Hydrogeology

A "competent person" for reporting to the ASX must have at least five years’ experience in the commodity and activities engaged in, generally recognized by membership level of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) as a minimum requirement. Graduate Members can transition to Full Membership after achieving five years of relevant experience, allowing them to sign off on ASX reports under the JORC Code 2012.

Employers

Coal exploration geologists are typically employed by:

  • Consulting organizations
  • ASX-listed junior explorers
  • Mid-tier mining companies
  • Major mining companies specializing in coal
  • Exploration contracting companies
  • Geophysical contractors
  • Government agencies
  • CSIRO
  • Private tenure holders

In Australia, most opportunities are located in Queensland and New South Wales.

Residential and Lifestyle Options

  • More likely based in a capital city or regional center (e.g., Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Mackay, Moranbah) with work areas either local or remote.
  • Fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in/drive-out (DIDO) on set roster systems.
  • Campaign-based work (operating at an exploration site for the duration of a work program, such as a drill program).
  • Field time can range from 70% for early-career geoscientists to around 20% for experienced and management-level professionals.

Opportunities

  • Domestic and international travel opportunities.
  • Varied work programs and multi-disciplinary teamwork.
  • Outdoor lifestyle.

Drawbacks

  • Frequent absence from home, including international work.
  • Long hours, shift work, and weekend work with irregular schedules.
  • Exploration does not always yield successful results.

Schedule

Coal exploration geoscientists typically work a regular schedule when based in city or regional offices. Fieldwork may involve rosters or campaign-based work, including longer workdays and/or shift work. Common rosters include:

  • 2 weeks on, 1 week off (2/1).
  • 8 days on, 6 days off (8/6).

Graduate geoscientists can expect to spend up to 70% of their time in the field collecting data, samples, or drilling.

Location

In Australia, coal exploration geologists are most likely based in capital cities or major coal-producing regional centers, such as:

  • New South Wales: Newcastle, Singleton, Wollongong.
  • Queensland: Mackay, Moranbah, Emerald.

International Opportunities

Yes, coal exploration is active worldwide, and Australian geoscientists are well-regarded in this field. Key regions include Indonesia, India, China, and the USA.

Education Recommendations

For school students, a solid grounding in mathematics and science (particularly chemistry and physics) is important. If available, Geology or Earth Science at the school level is highly recommended.

Physical Requirements

Working as a geoscientist can be physically demanding, especially during fieldwork. Activities may include:

  • Walking to remote sites.
  • Mapping and collecting samples.
  • Working around drill sites.
  • Operating from 4WD vehicles or helicopters.

A good level of fitness is generally required.

Technology in the Field

Geoscience often utilizes cutting-edge technology, including:

  • 3D modeling and visualization tools (some originally developed for the mining industry).
  • Mobile technology for data collection and analysis.
  • Advanced geophysical and GIS applications.

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