Geologists are essential to every stage of mining operations, from exploration through to grade control and resource estimation. With Australia's resources sector expanding into critical minerals and battery metals, demand for skilled geologists continues to grow. Salaries range from $90,000 for graduates to $250,000+ for senior resource geologists and exploration managers.
Your resume must demonstrate not only your technical geological knowledge but also your proficiency with industry software, field experience, and ability to communicate findings effectively. This guide will help you create a compelling geology resume that showcases your expertise.
Quick Stats
Salary Range: $90,000 - $250,000+ (depending on experience and specialisation) Work Arrangement: FIFO, residential, and exploration camps Key Requirements: Geology degree, software proficiency, field experience
Mining Geologist Resume Example
Emma Williams
Senior Mine Geologist
Professional Summary
Senior mine geologist with 9+ years of experience across gold, lithium, and base metals operations in Western Australia. Expertise in grade control, resource estimation, and geological modelling using Leapfrog, Surpac, and Micromine. Proven track record of improving reconciliation outcomes and reducing dilution through optimised grade control practices. Strong communicator with experience presenting technical findings to operations teams and senior management. Member of AusIMM and AIG.
Employment History
Senior Mine Geologist
Pilbara Minerals, Pilgangoora, WA
- Lead grade control team for lithium spodumene operation producing 680ktpa concentrate
- Developed improved grade control model reducing dilution by 12% and increasing ore recovery
- Manage geological database (acQuire) ensuring data quality and QAQC compliance
- Coordinate with mining and processing teams on ore delivery and stockpile management
- Contribute to resource model updates and mine planning geological inputs
Mine Geologist
Northern Star Resources, Kalgoorlie, WA
- Performed grade control duties for underground gold mine producing 150kozpa
- Created geological interpretations and ore wireframes using Leapfrog Geo
- Logged diamond and RC drill core, maintaining detailed geological records
- Improved reconciliation from 92% to 98% through enhanced grade control procedures
- Trained junior geologists and vacation students
Graduate/Project Geologist
Evolution Mining, Murchison, WA
- Completed graduate program rotating through exploration, grade control, and resource geology
- Conducted field mapping and target generation for brownfields exploration
- Assisted with resource estimation and reporting under JORC Code
- Gained experience in both open-cut and underground geological operations
Education
Bachelor of Science (Geology) - Honours
University of Western Australia, Perth, WA
Graduate Diploma in Geostatistics
Edith Cowan University, Online
Certifications & Training
Skills
Bullet Point Assistant
1. What did you do?
2. What metric did you improve and in what time span?
3. Connect your action to your strategy.
Key Sections of a Mining Geologist Resume
Professional Summary
Your summary should immediately communicate your geological expertise, software capabilities, and industry experience.
Strong Summary Elements
- +Specify commodity experience (gold, lithium, iron ore)
- +List key software proficiencies
- +Mention professional memberships (AusIMM, AIG)
- +Quantify achievements where possible
Common Weaknesses
- -Generic 'experienced geologist' statements
- -Missing software competencies
- -No mention of commodity types
- -Vague experience descriptions
Employment History Tips
Geology roles require demonstrating technical depth alongside practical application. Structure your experience to highlight:
- Technical contributions - Modelling, estimation, interpretation work
- Operational improvements - Reconciliation, dilution, recovery metrics
- Software applications - Specific tools used and outcomes achieved
- Communication - Reports delivered, presentations given, cross-functional collaboration
Quantify Your Impact
Instead of "Improved grade control processes," write "Enhanced grade control procedures resulting in reconciliation improvement from 92% to 98% and a 15% reduction in ore loss."
Essential Qualifications
Geology roles require specific qualifications and ongoing professional development:
Qualifications & Memberships
- Bachelor of Science (Geology) or equivalent
- Honours or postgraduate degree (advantageous)
- AusIMM membership (MAusIMM preferred)
- AIG membership (MAIG for competent person status)
- Standard 11 or state mining induction
- First Aid Certificate
- 4WD/Remote area training (for exploration)
- Working at Heights (for pit geology)
Technical Skills & Software
Software proficiency is crucial for modern geology roles. Be specific about your experience with each platform.
Essential Geology Software
Geological Modelling:
- Leapfrog Geo / Leapfrog Edge
- Surpac (GEOVIA)
- Micromine
- Datamine Studio RM
- Vulcan (Maptek)
Database Management:
- acQuire
- Geobank
- DataShed
- Maxwell
Resource Estimation:
- Supervisor (Datamine)
- Isatis
- Snowden Supervisor
- GS3 (Geovariances)
Other Technical:
- ArcGIS / QGIS
- Python for data analysis
- SQL for database queries
- Power BI / Tableau for reporting
- Oasis Montaj (geophysics)
Geology Career Pathways
Graduate Geologist
Focus your resume on:
- Academic achievements and thesis topic
- Vacation work and internships
- Field camp experience
- Software exposure from university
Mine Geologist / Project Geologist
Highlight progression in:
- Grade control competencies
- Logging and sampling skills
- Modelling and interpretation
- Operational collaboration
Senior Geologist / Resource Geologist
Emphasise:
- Resource estimation experience
- JORC/NI 43-101 reporting
- Technical leadership
- Mentoring and training
Chief/Principal Geologist
Showcase:
- Strategic planning contributions
- Competent Person sign-offs
- Cross-functional leadership
- Technical excellence
Geology Specialisations
Different geology roles have different emphases. Tailor your resume accordingly:
Exploration Geology
- Target generation and prospectivity mapping
- Field mapping and structural interpretation
- Drill program design and management
- Remote sensing and geophysics integration
Mine Geology / Grade Control
- Grade control procedures and reconciliation
- Ore body knowledge and domain modelling
- Production geology and stockpile management
- Blasthole sampling and assay interpretation
Resource Geology
- Estimation methodologies (OK, ID, MIK, etc.)
- Geostatistical analysis
- Classification and reporting (JORC, NI 43-101)
- Model validation and reconciliation studies
Resume Writing Tips for Geology Roles
Demonstrate Technical Credibility
Geology is a technical profession. Your resume should showcase:
"I look for geologists who can demonstrate they understand the 'why' behind their work - not just that they can run software, but that they understand geological principles and can communicate their interpretations."
Show Commodity Diversity or Specialisation
Depending on your career goals:
- Diverse experience - Shows adaptability, useful for consulting or varied operations
- Deep specialisation - Shows expertise, valuable for specific commodity focus
Include Field Skills
Don't neglect practical field competencies:
- Core logging and sampling
- Geological mapping
- Drill supervision
- Underground/pit geology experience
- Remote area work capability
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Strong Resume Elements
- +Specific software with version/proficiency level
- +Commodity types clearly listed
- +Quantified improvements (reconciliation %, dilution reduction)
- +Professional memberships with status
Weaknesses to Address
- -Generic 'proficient in geological software'
- -Missing commodity/deposit type experience
- -Vague 'improved processes' claims
- -Outdated or missing professional memberships
Competent Person Status
For senior geologists, demonstrating pathway to or achievement of Competent Person status is valuable:
- AIG Member (MAIG) - allows sign-off under JORC
- AusIMM Chartered Professional (CP Geo)
- Minimum 5 years relevant experience
- Specific deposit type expertise
Ready to Advance Your Career?
A well-crafted resume showcasing your technical expertise, software proficiency, and professional credentials will position you for success in Australia's diverse geology market.
Next Steps
- Update your resume with current software competencies
- Ensure professional memberships are current
- Browse geology jobs on Resource Jobs
- Consider additional qualifications to enhance your profile
Looking for more mining resume examples? Check out our guides for Mining Supervisor, Boilermaker, FIFO & Entry-Level Mining, Mining Engineer, and Haul Truck Operator roles.