Occupation

Roof Bolters, Mining

Human Advantage 65%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.1 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.

Also Known As: Bolt Machine Operator, Bolt Man, Bolter, Bolting Inspector, Bolting Machine Operator, Miner, Place Change Roof Bolter, Roof Bolter +6 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
  2. Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
  3. Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
  4. Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
  5. Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
  6. Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
  7. Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.
  8. Dust rocks after bolting.
  9. Install various types of bolts, including truss, glue, and resin bolts, traversing entire ceiling spans.
  10. Drill test holes and test bolts for specified tension, using torque wrenches.
  11. Position safety jacks to support underground mine roofs until bolts can be installed.
  12. Rotate chucks to turn bolts and open expansion heads against rock formations.
  13. Remove drill bits from chucks after drilling holes, and insert bolts into chucks.
  14. Tighten ends of anchored truss bolts, using turnbuckles.

Emerging Tasks

New and evolving responsibilities for this role:

  • Check roof or ribs for hazardous conditions.
  • Clean equipment, such as dust collectors.

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.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
87%
Less than a High School Diploma
13%

Technology & Tools

Software (2)

  • Caterpillar Cat MineStar System
  • Caterpillar Command

Tools & Equipment (18)

  • Boom roof bolters
  • Digital pressure gauges
  • Dust and particulate respirators
  • Hydraulic disconnects
  • Lube guns
  • Methane monitors
  • Personal computers
  • Pneumatic rock drilling tools
  • Portable rock drills
  • Remote-control continuous miners
  • Roof bolters
  • Roof screens
  • Scaling bars
  • Self-propelled bolting machines
  • Shoring jacks
  • Steel measuring tapes
  • Torque drivers
  • Turnbuckles

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Resource Extraction Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 1
Rock Splitters, Quarry 75% match
Zone 2
Roof Bolters, Mining You are here
Zone 3
Industrial Machinery Mechanics 76% match
Zone 4
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians 73% match
Zone 5
Architectural and Engineering Managers 70% match

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