Mining Machine Operators

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Mining is the process of extracting natural minerals from the earth. There are two types of mining: surface mining and underground mining. The type of mine depends on how deep the minerals are under the earth's surface. Both mine cutting and channeling machine operators and continuous mining machine operators work in each type of mine to extract minerals.

Cutting machine operators cut a strip under the mineral seam to control where the ore will fall. They use a huge electric chain saw, with a blade from six to 15 feet long, to cut the strip, or "kerf." Channeling machine operators drill holes in the ore where workers place explosives. This process is very dangerous and is being phased out.

Continuous mining eliminates the drilling and blasting of conventional mining. It uses a machine called the continuous miner. Continuous mining machine operators sit or lie in the machine's cab. They operate levers that control the ripper bars that cut or rip minerals out of the mine face. The same machine can load the ore directly onto a conveyor or shuttle car. Some of these machines can be operated by remote control, which increases safety.

Both types of mining machine operators must observe the operation of their equipment. They listen to the mining sounds to be sure the equipment is operating properly. Most operators repair and adjust their machines. They lubricate them and replace broken or worn parts.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Forklift Operators
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators
• Paving Equipment Operators
• Pipelayers
• Roof Bolters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to mining machine operators.

• Operate machines that cut or channel along the face or seams of mine surfaces.
• Drill holes in the mine face to place explosives.
• Operate levers to advance the ripper bar into the mine face. Cut or rip out ore.
• Operate levers to load ore directly onto a conveyor or shuttle car.
• May operate machines by remote control.
• Monitor machine operation to detect malfunctions.
• Repair, oil, and adjust machines. Replace broken or worn parts.

Common work activities

Mining machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Evaluate information against standards
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Teach others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Assist and care for others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, mining machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of mine workers.
• Have a low level of job-required social contact. Operators can use radios to communicate with coworkers, but are isolated while operating mining machines.

Physical work conditions

• Always work outdoors.
• Often wear safety attire, such as hard hats.
• Are often exposed to noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment. There is some possibility of moderate injury.
• Are often exposed to contaminants, such as coal dust, rock dust, or harmful gas.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions, such as explosions or cave-ins. There is a medium likelihood of moderate injury.
• Are sometimes exposed to dim lighting conditions in underground mines.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts or burns. There is some possibility of slight injury.
• Are sometimes exposed to whole body vibration.
• Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot temperatures in underground mines. May be exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures when mining surface mines.

Work performance

• Must be highly accurate in performing the job. Errors could cause serious safety hazards.
• Must be constantly aware of frequently changing or unusual events in mining operations.
• Must be sure all details of the job are done and that safety precautions are followed.
• Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of the machinery.

Hours/travel

• Usually work more than 40 hours a week.
• May work evening or night shifts at mines that operate 24 hours a day.

Physical demands

Mining machine operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for mining machine operators to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for mining machine operators to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See objects in very low light.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Mining machine operators need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Repair machines or systems.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Mining Technology

Training

To work as a mining machine operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some people train to be mining machine operators by taking formal training. A few professional-technical and two-year schools offer mine technology courses. Most of these schools are in areas of the country where mining is done.

On-the-job training

Most mining machine operators receive training on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you may first work as a helper. Training includes:

• operation and maintenance of mining machines;
• mine safety; and
• first aid.

Training usually lasts up to a year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire recent graduates of high school vocational programs in mining. They also look for graduates of junior college or technical programs in mine technology. Such programs usually are found at schools in mining areas.

Employers often hire those who have experience as mining machine operators' helpers.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Continuous Mining Machine Operators 
• Mine Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Currently, there is no state specific wage information available for mine cutting and channeling machine operators.

Wages vary by area of the country and employer. Wages also vary by the type of machinery used and the type of mining operation. Workers in underground mines tend to earn more than miners on the surface. In addition, mining machine operators who belong to a union tend to earn higher wages than non-union workers.

Mining machine operators who work full time generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Nearly half of all miners work in the coal mining industry. More than half of US coal is produced in three states: Kentucky, Wyoming, and West Virginia. Metal mining is more prevalent in the West and Southwest. Nonmetallic mineral mining is the most widespread.

Major employers:

• Coal mining companies
• Nonmetallic mineral mining companies
• Metal mining companies

National outlook

Demand is expected to show little to no change for this occupation. Increased natural gas mining is creating some growth in this occupation. However, it is a very small occupation and very few jobs will be created.

Job openings will open as current operators retire or leave this occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

United Mine Workers of America 

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Continuous Mining Machine Operators (47-5041.00) 
• Mine Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators (47-5042.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Channeling-machine Runner (930.383-010) 
• Continuous-mining-machine Operator (930.683-010) 
• Cutter Operator (930.683-014) 
• Driller, Machine (930.382-010) 
• Drilling-machine Operator (930.482-010) 
• Flame Channeler (930.684-010) 
• Long-wall Shear Operator (930.662-010) 
• Shale Planer Operator (930.663-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled