Groundsure is an environmental and mining consultancy company specialising in assessing the risks associated with historical mining subsidence and contaminated land. During my time with Groundsure, my role involved planning, designing and undertaking site investigations to determine the presence or absence of historical mining features. This involved researching the historical records to determine the most likely locations, to maximise efficiency on site. Mining features were identified either by means of continuous trenching, site stripping or by open hole drilling. This data was used to construct 2D plans and cross sections, as well as 3D models to aid interpretation. This enabled the construction of technical reports, which were widely accepted by mortgage, insurance and structural engineering companies. In addition to the investigation, my role also involved designing and implementing mining remediation methods such as mine shaft securing, to safeguard against any future mining subsidence affecting both existing buildings and new developments. Historical mining also presents a contamination risk to a range of receptors. In addition to mining investigation and remediation, I was also involved in undertaking contaminated land surveys right through from Phase 1 Desktop Surveys, through to Phase 4 Remediation Verification Reports.

Responsible for carrying out a range of tests on varying rock types to determine their characteristic properties. Main duties included calculating the energy required for certain ore types to be crushed to a particular size fraction. This was dependent on the required processing technique. Tests were conducted in a small scale secondary ball mill and involved the use of specialised excel programs to calculate the kilowatt hour per tonne.

Field exploration Geologist focused on mapping and analysing soil geochemistry anomalies with the aim of delineating undiscovered Sn – W related deposits, as well as finding possible extensions to lodes within areas of known mining activity. Responsible for collecting soil samples within the field, as well in house sample preparation and analysis of soils using handheld XRF. Successfully indicated extensions to a known W mineralised Fe Lode which resulted in a follow up DC drilling program. Other responsibilities included planning and managing a soil geochemistry project undertaken by 4 university students from Camborne School of Mines. I was involved in all aspects of planning, from initial desk studies, right through to the day to day running of the project. Guidance was provided both in the field, and during the interpretation and analyses of the data.

Worked alongside Treliver Minerals during their initial exploration phase to test for extensions to their calc-silicate tin deposit located near St Columb Major in mid Cornwall. During a three month project I contributed to the collection of approximately 2500 soil samples which were then prepared for analysis and then assayed using handheld XRF. This was used to successfully indicate extensions to the tin hosting east-west striking calc-silicates, and was also used to remap faults within the area based on soil colour and geochemistry. The project was presented as a formal 40 page report alongside a 20 minute verbal presentation and accounted for 1/5 of my degree classification.