Case studies: Minerals surveyor: Jack Townsend

Jack Townsend works as a chartered minerals surveyor for a specialist mineral surveying company.

I always had an interest in this profession and I studied a Bsc (Hons) in Mineral Estate Management at Sheffield Hallam University. After graduation I worked for a national company of chartered surveyors in their specialist minerals department. After a year I changed jobs and went to work for the company where I had done my sandwich year from university, again specialising in mineral estate management work.

As my degree was so specialised, it was essential in gaining my first graduate position.

As mentioned I currently work for the company where I did my sandwich year, and since I have come back, I’ve acquired the company. I’m now in the process of building up the business.

We carry out mineral estate management work for mineral owners throughout the country, which ranges from quarry valuation, option and lease negotiation, rent reviews, assessing planning applications and general mineral management.

I find the industry fascinating and it is a fundamental part of the UK economy. Generally speaking, the people in the industry are exceptional.

As for advice for students thinking about this as a profession, my advice is to stay the course, it does not always provide the best remuneration packages but it does provide a fascinating career and a great deal of satisfaction.