Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Continuous mining machine operators operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors, shuttle cars, or trucks in a continuous operation.
The machine operators' mining job is to position safety or support equipment. They test air quality at worksites and inspect completed work to ensure proper installation. Besides, they operate mining equipment and position construction or extraction equipment.
People starting in this career usually have no formal educational credentials or work experience. One to twelve months of apprenticeship is enough for beginning this career.
People who want to apply for this role must have completed mining machine operator training and possess mechanical knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses repair, and maintenance. They are also efficient with production and processing and are knowledgeable in raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Continuous miners are proficient with operation and control. operation monitoring, equipment management, figuring out operation errors, judgement and decision making which are useful in their careers and to get a decent mining machine operator salary.
To be successful, a continuous miner should generally have good manual dexterity and steady hands, as well as strong hearing and vision. Miners should have good natural limb coordination and reaction times.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- ITI Course Fitter
Tasks
- Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
- Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.
- Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.
- Drive machines into position at working faces.
- Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
- Observe and listen to equipment operation to detect binding or stoppage of tools or other equipment malfunctions.
- Repair, oil, and adjust machines, and change cutting teeth, using wrenches.
- Move levers to raise and lower hydraulic safety bars supporting roofs above machines until other workers complete framing.
- Install casings to prevent cave-ins.
- Guide and assist crews laying track and resetting supports and blocking.
Progression Routes
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