Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Human Advantage 65%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.5 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors, shuttle cars, or trucks in a continuous operation.
Also Known As: Bore Miner Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Concrete Crusher Loader Operator, Continuous Miner, Continuous Miner Operator (CMO), Continuous Mining Machine Coal Miner, Continuous Mining Machine Company Miner, Continuous Mining Machine Contract Miner +27 more
Core Tasks
- Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
- Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
- Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
- Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
- Drive machines into position at working faces.
- Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
- Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.
- Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.
- Observe and listen to equipment operation to detect binding or stoppage of tools or other equipment malfunctions.
- Repair, oil, and adjust machines, and change cutting teeth, using wrenches.
Supplemental Tasks (5)
- Install casings to prevent cave-ins.
- Scrape or wash conveyors, using belt scrapers or belt washers, to minimize dust production.
- Move levers to raise and lower hydraulic safety bars supporting roofs above machines until other workers complete framing.
- Apply new technologies developed to minimize the environmental impact of coal mining.
- Guide and assist crews laying track and resetting supports and blocking.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (9)
Tools & Equipment (25)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Logging Equipment Operators 77% match
Zone 2
Continuous Mining Machine Operators You are here
Resource Extraction Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Rock Splitters, Quarry 78% match
Zone 2
Continuous Mining Machine Operators You are here
Zone 4
Zone 5
Hydrologists 74% match
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