Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Operate underground loading machine to load coal, ore, or rock into shuttle or mine car or onto conveyors. Loading equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.

Median Annual Wage: $50,290

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (61%); Less than high school diploma (39%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Miner Operator; Miner; Loader Operator; Loading Machine Operator; Shuttle Car Operator; Load Haul Dump Operator (LHD Operator); Muck Hauler; Production Miner; Under Ground Miner

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining.

More Transportation and Material Moving Careers

  • Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
  • Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
  • Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.
  • Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.
  • Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.
  • Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining.

  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining.

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