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Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.

What you’d do

  • Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
  • Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
  • Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
  • Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
  • Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
  • Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.
  • Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.

Skills that matter

  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Troubleshooting
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Load Haul Dump Operator (LHD Operator)
  • Loader Operator
  • Loading Machine Operator
  • Shuttle Car Operator
  • Coal Hauler Operator
  • Equipment Operator

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