Continuous Mining Machine Operators

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-5041
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
• Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
• Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
• Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
• 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.
• Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.
• Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.
• 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.
• Install casings to prevent cave-ins.
• Scrape or wash conveyors, using belt scrapers or belt washers, to minimize dust production.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, 15/16 wrenches, Adjustable hand wrenches, Belt conveyor systems, Boom roof bolters, Channel lock pliers, Continuous miners, Continuous mining machine remote controls, Fleet monitoring system software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
• Helpers--Extraction Workers
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
• Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Continuous Mining Machine Operators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.