A professional who explores likely regions to discover valuable mineral deposits, using topographical maps, surveys, reports, and knowledge of geology and mineralogy. Responsibilities include:

• Examines outcrops, placer, and stream channels for mineral content.
• Drills, dynamites, or digs trenches or pits along rock formations or creek beds to obtain rock samples.
• Breaks off samples and tests them for presence of minerals with heat, acid, magnifying glass, or by pulverizing and washing or panning.
• Assays samples for preliminary quantitative estimate.
• Collects data on rock formations, using geophysical instruments and devices, such as geiger counters and electronic sounding equipment, and determines feasibility of staking and developing claim.
• Stakes claim according to federal or state legal requirements.
• Develops mineral deposits by means of placer or hard rock mining.
• May sell interests in discovered areas.