Continuous Mining Machine Operators

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
• Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.
• Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Move levers to raise and lower hydraulic safety bars supporting roofs above machines until other workers complete framing.
• Install casings to prevent cave-ins.
• Guide and assist crews laying track and resetting supports and blocking.
• Apply new technologies developed to minimize the environmental impact of coal mining.
• Scrape or wash conveyors, using belt scrapers or belt washers, to minimize dust production.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)