Description

Underground mine service and support workers perform a range of duties related to the operation of orepasses, chutes and conveyor systems, the construction and support of underground structures, passages and roadways, and the supply of materials and supplies to support underground mining. They are employed by coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines.

Job Titles

• Backfiller – underground mining
• Blaster helper – underground mining
• Cage tender
• Conveyor operator – underground mining
• Crusher operator – underground mining
• Driller helper – underground mining
• Haulageman/woman – underground mining
• Lamp keeper – underground mining
• Materialman/woman – underground mining
• Mine construction worker
• Orepass tender – underground mining
• Pipeworker – underground mining
• Raise miner helper
• Skip tender
• Timberman/woman – underground mining
• Trainman/woman – underground mining

Main Duties

• Operate and maintain ore chutes or conveyor systems to control flow of ore or coal in underground mine
• Operate construction equipment such as bulldozer, grader or backhoe to build and maintain underground passages and haulageways
• Construct and repair wood or metal supports and structures such as bulkheads, platforms, drift doors and chutes using construction and mining tools
• Attach and extend ventilation and water pipes and related mine services
• Assist miners in setting up and operating various drills and other mining machinery
• Supply and maintain backfill distribution of sand, rock or other materials
• Operate diesel or electric track haulage equipment such as ore trains to distribute personnel and supplies and to convey ore from orepass to primary crusher or skip
• Maintain supply storage areas and maintain equipment and supplies such as explosives, drill bits, fire extinguishers, lamps and batteries
• Perform routine maintenance of machinery.

Workplaces

• Coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines

Skills

• Operation and Control
• Equipment and Tool Selection
• Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
• Preventative Maintenance
• Quality Control Testing

Abilities

• Depth Perception
• Multi-Signal Response
• Reaction Time
• Auditory Attention
• Body Flexibility

Personal Attributes

• Adaptability
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Stress Tolerance
• Analytical Thinking

Similar Occupations

• Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction (73402)
• Underground production and development miners (83100)
• Mine labourers (85110)

Source: OaSIS