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ESCO occupation

mineralogist

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Mineralogists study the composition, structure and other physical aspects of the earth. They analyse various minerals and use scientific equipment to determine their structure and properties. Their work mostly focuses on the classification and identification of minerals by taking samples and performing further tests, analysis and examinations.

2114.3 ISCO 2114 ESCO source
Competences
73
Groups
4
Essential
46
Optional
27

Competences and skills

73 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
geological mapping

The technique used to create maps that clearly illustrate the geological features and rock layers of an area that may be useful for mining projects and geological explorations.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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Essential skills and competences 44 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
determine crystalline structure

Perform tests such as x-ray examinations in order to determine the composition and type of crystalline structure of a specific mineral. This structure is the way the atoms are arranged in a unique geometrical pattern within a mineral.

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implement mineral processes

Carry out mineral processing operations, which aim to separate valuable minerals from waste rock or grout. Oversee and implement processes such as samping, analysis and most importantly the electrostatic separation process, which separates valuable materials from mineral ore.

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Sector-specific

7 competences
advise on geology for mineral extraction

Provide advice of the impact of geological factors on the development of mineral production. Take into account factors such as cost, safety, and characteristics of deposits.

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apply safety procedures in laboratory

Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

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collect geological data

Participate in the collection of geological data such as core logging, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveying, digital data capture, etc.

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examine geochemical samples

Analyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such as minerals, rock or soil.

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manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

research
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operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

digitalresearch
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test raw minerals

Take samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.

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Cross-sector

35 competences
apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

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apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

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apply statistical analysis techniques

Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

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communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

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conduct field work

Conducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.

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conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

research
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demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

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develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

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disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

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evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

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increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

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integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

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interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

digitalresearch
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manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

digitalresearch
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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

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manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

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mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

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operate microscope

Operate a microscope, an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye to see.

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operate scientific measuring equipment

Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

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perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

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perform sample testing

Examine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.

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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

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process data

Enter information into a data storage and data retrieval system via processes such as scanning, manual keying or electronic data transfer in order to process large amounts of data.

digital
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promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

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promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

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publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

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speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

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synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

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think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

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Optional knowledge 9 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
geographic information systems

The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).

digital
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impact of geological factors on mining operations

Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.

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minerals laws

Law related to land access, exploration permits, planning permission and minerals ownership.

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petrology

The scientific field of geology that studies the composition, structure, texture, other characteristics, and regional gradations of rocks.

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sedimentology

The study of sediments, namely sand, clay, and silt, and the natural processes undergone in their formation.

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Cross-sector

4 competences
geochemistry

The scientific discipline that studies the presence and distribution of chemical elements in the geological systems of Earth.

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geodesy

The scientific discipline that combines applied mathematics and earth sciences in order to measure and represent the Earth. It studies phenomena such as gravitational fields, polar motion, and tides.

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geography

The scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth. It explores the social, political, and economic characteristics of human societies as well as the morphological properties of the Earth.

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geology

Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

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Optional skills and competences 18 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

13 competences
assist with geophysical surveys

Assist with a range of specific, geophysical surveys, using diverse methods such as seismic, magnetic and electromagnetic methods.

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communicate on minerals issues

Communicate on minerals issues with contractors, politicians and public officials.

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determine characteristics of mineral deposits

Prepare and conduct geological mapping, logging, sampling and assay of drill core and other subsurface rock samples. Analyse results in plans and sections, with particular emphasis on geostatics and sampling theory. Examine in 3D the maps, deposits, drilling locations or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value and potential profitability of mineral deposits.

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develop geological databases

Develop geological databases in order to acquire and organise information.

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develop scientific theories

Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.

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evaluate mineral resources

Search for mineral resources, including minerals, oil, natural gas and similar non-regenerative resources after obtaining legal rights to explore in a specific area. Endorse the assessment of the mineral reserves.

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interpret geophysical data

Interpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.

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label samples

Label raw material/product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.

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model mineral deposits

Geologically model mineral deposits in order to determine their location, their aspect and their economic potential.

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prepare geological map sections

Prepare geological sections, a vertical view of the local geology.

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provide information on geological characteristics

Provide information on geological structures, host rock quality, groundwater implications and details on the mineralogical and textural composition of ores to enable mining and processing to be planned efficiently. The geological model is used to design the mine workings for minimum dilution and maximum ore extraction.

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separate metals from ores

Apply various chemical and physical methods to separate minerals from their ores such as magnetic, electric or chemical methods

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use earth sciences tools

Employ a number of tools as geophysical, geochemical, geological mapping and drilling to discover mineral deposits.

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Cross-sector

5 competences
apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

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collect data using GPS

Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

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collect samples for analysis

Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

Scope note
Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
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create thematic maps

Use various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.

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teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

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