Employee Spotlight: Patrick Dickie, George Fisher Mine trailblazer in surveying

Surveyor Patrick Dickie is a trailblazer for George Fisher Mine’s Technical Services department, having been the mine’s first surveying Cadet, successfully completing his study and commencing work as a Surveyor.

The surveying cadetship was introduced at George Fisher Mine following positive outcomes at Mount Isa Copper Operations, offering a unique pathway for employees to build a technical career with no prior experience. The program combines hands-on learning, full-time work with the team, and university study to facilitate professional growth.

Patrick, who previously worked in Operational Technology with an IT background, applied for the cadetship, underwent interviews and pre-screening, and was ultimately selected. Eager for a career shift and new challenges, he joined the Survey team as a cadet, working full-time while studying part-time at the University of Southern Queensland, where he earned an Associate Degree in Surveying.

Nathan Gamble, Manager – Technical Services at GFM, says the business is proud to have supported Patrick through the surveying cadetship.

“It takes dedication and determination to work full-time, complete a university degree, and juggle family life. We offered as much support as possible to ensure Patrick had every chance of success,” says Nathan.

“One of the ironic things is Patrick’s senior, Andrew Griffin, was the first Survey Cadet to complete the program at MICO. Having a senior that understands the challenges has been useful to provide a first-hand perspective of the challenges endured”.

This cadetship, a first at George Fisher Mine, is designed to attract, recruit, and develop surveyors within the mining industry. Surveyors are crucial in mining, and responsible for precisely measuring and mapping the physical features of mining areas.

In underground mines, surveyors control the location and direction of tunnels, map all underground passages, and scan vertical openings and stope voids. Their work supports the mine by providing operational development plans and monthly drone scan reconciliations.

In both open-cut and underground settings, surveyors create mine plans and calculate the volume of materials moved or minerals mined, playing a pivotal role in efficient and safe mining operations.