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Career Details : Mine-Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators

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Description

Operate machinery, such as longwall shears, plows, and cutting machines, to cut or channel along the face or seams of coal mines, stone quarries, or other mining surfaces to facilitate blasting, separating, or removing minerals or materials from mines or from the earth's surface.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Charges and sets off explosives in blasting holes.
  • Replaces worn or broken tools and machine parts and lubricates machine.
  • Guides and assists crew laying track for machine and resetting supports and blocking, using jacks, shovel, sledge, and pinch bar.
  • Moves controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors to move or load material.
  • Moves controls to start and position drill cutter or torch, and to advance tool into mine or quarry face.
  • Drives mobile, truck-mounted, or track-mounted drilling or cutting machine in mine, quarry, or construction site.
  • Observes and listens to operation to detect binding or stoppage of tool or equipment malfunction.
  • Installs casing to prevent cave-ins.
  • Determines location, boundaries, and depth of holes or channels to be cut.
  • Repositions machine and moves controls to make additional holes or cuts.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Degree of Automation
    • Hazardous Conditions
    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
    • Outdoors
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