Continuous Mining Machine Operator

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Bore Miner Operator; Continuous Miner; Continuous Miner Operator (CMO); Continuous Mining Machine Operator; Continuous Mining Operator (CMO); Heavy Equipment Operator; Loader Operator; Mine Technician; Mine Utility Operator; Miner Operator

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.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Production and Processing
• Law and Government
• Education and Training

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Control Precision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Problem Sensitivity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Reaction Time
• Rate Control
• Near Vision
• Selective Attention
• Depth Perception
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Manual Dexterity
• Far Vision
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Response Orientation
• Trunk Strength
• Extent Flexibility
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Visualization
• Time Sharing
• Finger Dexterity
• Static Strength
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Auditory Attention