Many different types of employees with various skills and training are needed in the underground mining industry. Underground mining jobs are available to a wide range of people due to the industry’s versatility. Professional occupations such as geologists, mining engineers, and environmental engineers may be found underground, but the majority of jobs are in extraction and construction, such as machine operators, mine safety inspectors, mechanics, and carpenters.
A geologist will typically use data to test new mining sites in order to determine if resources for mining exist. Geologists use seismic data and core samples to locate extraction sites that contain high-purity minerals and travel to potential mining locations. A bachelor’s degree in one of the physical sciences is usually required to work as a geologist in the mining industry. Many geologists in the mining industry also complete specialized mining programs.
The planning of the mining operation is the responsibility of mining engineers. They collaborate with drafters and technicians to design the mine’s structure and determine the best design for efficient extraction. Engineers working in underground mining jobs may also be in charge of overseeing the project and resolving any issues that arise. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in engineering is required, with a focus on coal mining or another specialty.
Mining projects may be overseen environmental engineers to ensure that they comply with federal and local regulations. They may also serve as consultants during the design phase, assisting engineers in developing a mine that complies with government regulations in terms of environmental safety. Underground mining jobs are typically filled those with a natural science or environmental engineering background; they may also require additional ongoing training to ensure that the engineer is up to date on the most recent environmental regulations.
On the mining sites, the majority of underground mining workers are employed. Many different types of machine operators are employed in underground mining operations. Operators of drilling machines are usually in charge of drilling the holes that will be filled with explosives. After the explosives have been detonated, the loading machine operators use a power shovel to clean up the remaining debris and load it onto a surface transport truck.
A continuous-mining machine operator may be required for some projects. To ensure safe and consistent mining, these operators typically control mining machines remotely. A high school diploma is usually required for machine operators, but it is not always the case. Those who have completed two years of vocational training advance more quickly and may not be required to work as an assistant or apprentice for several years before being promoted.
Mine safety inspectors look for loose fixtures, hazardous chemical leaks, and proper ventilation systems in the work area. If the mine fails to meet safety standards, the inspector is usually in charge of shutting it down until the situation improves. Mining inspectors may begin as operators and progress after completing several sessions of safety education and procedure training.
Mechanics are in charge of restoring and maintaining mining equipment, whereas carpenters are in charge of building mine structures and some equipment. Because of the unique conditions of underground mining, carpenters and mechanics typically require additional training beyond their standard vocational trade courses. With the certificate programs, most vocational schools will offer additional specialized training.