Gaggle of Dykes

There has always been a bit of a battle between geology and the production teams at a mine. The mining guys are mostly engineers and they want a full proof answer right now that will apply to the rest of the mining area as well. Geology isn't fortune-telling. We have a certain amount of boreholes (i.e. data points) which gives us an indication of the expected geology, but there will be some local variations. This leads to some very funny meetings and a bit of friction between geologists and engineers. 

Simplified geology showing horizontal sedimentary rock layers intruded by green dolerite.

Many geological terms are a bit strange to engineers. They only want to know if geology will affect production rates and how the bonus might then also be affected. The typical engineer doesn't care that it's an igneous intrusion and should be called a dolerite sill. To most miners any hard rock between him and his coal is a dyke.

This can cause a lot of frustration for a mine geologist. As a scientist, you want to be as accurate as possible when describing any geological feature. In meetings however, you easily lose the production guys if you mention too many detailed geological terms. It has become a bit of an inside joke among geologists at how far we can push this. We could be mentioning a gaggle of dykes or massive dolerite splays (all of which are completely incorrect and illogical) and no-one would pay attention or care. Does it stop mining? Yes? Then fix it! That's the more typical response :-).

The opposite to this is that some people get attached to a new geological term that they heard you say months ago and know everything is called a stringer of whatever. And since you're typically the lone geologists among tens of mining engineers, your voice does get drowned out a bit. Most of the time you try and be as accurate as possible and as simple as possible. Sandstone in the coal seam = hard rock in the coal, will use more picks on mining machine. Micaceous minerals in sandstone in floor of coal seam = soft floor, when wet machine will slip and cut into floor.

What many mining engineers love to do is blame geology. If their sections are not performing - somehow geology is responsible. This means that you develop quite a thick skin and you deliver your opinions with conviction. You are the geologist - your say on the rocks are final.

I must admit that not all mining engineers and production teams are like what I've mentioned above. Mostly it becomes more of playful teasing between the departments. I work very well with my production and engineering teams. They rib me for not working shifts underground and not seeing how thick the stone was becoming months ahead of time. I tease them with the fact that I can and often will change my mind - they have no such luxury :-).