Career Details :: Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Description
Operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the face and load it onto conveyors or into shuttle cars in a continuous operation.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Moves levers to sump (advance) ripper bar or boring head into face of coal seam.
- Drives machine into position at working face.
- Repairs, oils, and adjusts machine and changes cutting teeth, using wrench.
- Moves lever to raise and lower hydraulic safety bar that supports roof above machine until other workers complete their framing.
- Starts machine to gather coal and convey it to floor or shuttle car.
Related Careers
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
- Grader, Bulldozer, and Scraper Operators
- Helpers, Extraction Workers
- Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining
- Mine-Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
- Shuttle Car Operators
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Operating Vehicles or Equipment
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Repairing & Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Performing General Physical Activities
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Degree of Automation
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Outdoors
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Institutions Offering Related Majors
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