Geotechnicians collect and process rock and soil samples for geomechanical testing. They also describe the quality of rock mass, including structure, discontinuities, colour and weathering. Mine geotechnicians may measure the size of underground openings. They report the collected information to geologists and engineers as required.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Providing technical assistance to aid in research on and development of processes to determine the properties of metals and new alloys;
(b) Providing technical assistance in geological and topographical surveys, and in the design and layout of oil, natural gas and mineral ore extraction and transportation systems, and processing and refining plants for minerals and metals;
(c) Preparing detailed estimates of quantities and costs of materials and labour required for mineral, oil and natural gas exploration, extraction, processing and transport projects;
(d) Monitoring technical, regulatory and safety aspects of the construction, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of mineral ore, oil and natural gas exploration, extraction, transport and storage installations and of mineral processing plants;
(e) Helping plan and design mines, mine shafts, tunnels and underground first-aid facilities;
(f) Collecting and preparing rock, mineral and metal samples, performing laboratory tests to determine properties, analysing and reporting test results and maintaining testing equipment;
(g) Using microscopes, electromagnetic irradiation machines, spectrometers, spectrographs, densitometers and tension testing machines;
(h) Assisting scientists in the use of electrical, sonic or nuclear measuring instruments in both laboratory and production activities to obtain data indicating potential sources of metallic ore, gas, or petroleum.