Underground Mining Machine Operators
Overview
Underground mining machine operators work deep beneath the earth's surface, using powerful machines to load and move valuable materials like coal, ore, and rock onto conveyor belts or into transport cars. They operate complex equipment including power shovels and conveyor systems, while also performing important maintenance tasks like replacing hydraulic parts, lubricating machinery, and keeping work areas clean and safe. This hands-on career requires strong mechanical skills, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work in challenging underground environments as part of a close-knit team. Many operators start with on-the-job training or technical school programs focused on heavy machinery operation.
Did you know?
Underground mining operators must adhere to strict OSHA safety regulations and undergo extensive safety training due to the high-risk nature of the work environment.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$64,348.42 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Science
Key Responsibilities
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
- Direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials.
- Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.
- Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.
- Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
- Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
- Read written instructions or confer with supervisors about schedules and materials to be moved.
- Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails.
- Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.
- Measure, weigh, or verify levels of rock, gravel, or other excavated material to prevent equipment overloads.
- Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
- Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.
- Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
- Move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts.
- Signal workers to move loaded cars.
- Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.
- Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
- Maintain records of materials moved.
- Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.
- Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
- Monitor loading processes to ensure that materials are loaded according to specifications.
- Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.
- Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.
- Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines.
- Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
Career Considerations
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Underground mining operators must adhere to strict OSHA safety regulations and undergo extensive safety training due to the high-risk nature of the work environment.
Physical and Health Demands
The role requires excellent physical condition and poses long-term health risks from dust exposure, confined spaces, and operating heavy machinery underground.
Industry Economic Volatility
Employment stability can be affected by fluctuating commodity prices, environmental regulations, and the ongoing transition toward renewable energy sources in America.