Miner
Miners oprerate specialist equipment to excavate, load and transport ore, coal and rock in underground or open-cut mining operations.
Open-cut and underground miners may specialise as airleg miners, jumbo and longhole drill operators, continuous mining machine operators, longwall miner operators, development machine miners, mechanical bogger operators and truck drivers.
Miners may perform the following tasks:
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cut drives into the ore body using pneumatic equipment;
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load ore onto conveyors and transport to entrance of mine;
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load trucks to transport material;
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support the walls and roof in underground mines with rock bolts and erect wooden or steel props, pillars and arches where necessary;
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install vertical shafts and ventilation rises for air circulation in underground mines.
Mine shift bosses observe activities in underground and open cut mines to check that safety regulations are met with regard to:
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Electrical and mechanical equipment;
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The storage and use of explosives;
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The support structure of the mine.
Skills Needed:
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Is resourceful and an independent thinker;
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Enjoys problem-solving and has good spatial ability;
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Can communicate well with others, and
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Is interested in working at mine sites, often in remote locations.
Money
Bogger Operator: $80,000 – $130,000
Jumbo Operator: $85,000 – $180,000
Service Crew: $65,000 – $130,000
Source: www.hays.com.au (July 2008)
Pathways
Entry is generally through an AQF Certificate II or higher qualification or at least 1 years relevant experience.
