Continuous Mining Machine Operators

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Ore and minerals mined from deep within the Earth’s crust are used every day to manufacture steel, cement, glass, and more. Mining operations workers use machines and equipment to extract these materials in often challenging and potentially risky conditions. Continuous mining machines are self-propelled behemoths that rip coal, ores, rock, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors or into shuttle cars. Mine cutting and channeling machines cut or channel along the face or seams of coal mines and stone quarries to enable materials to be removed from the Earth's surface. Operators ensure these machines run smoothly, stay within safe operating guidelines, and that mining areas are stable and ventilated. They make adjustments to optimize machine operations, and repair equipment as needed. Earth drillers operate a variety of drills to tap water and salt deposits under the Earth’s surface, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. Earth drillers and mine cutting machine operators usually need a high school diploma, while continuous mining machine operator positions typically have no specific education requirements.