Ore and minerals mined
from deep within the Earth’s crust
are used every day to manufacture steel,
cement, glass, and more.
Mining operations workers use machines
and equipment to extract these materials
in often challenging
and potentially risky conditions.
Continuous mining machines
are self-propelled behemoths
that rip coal, ores, rock, or sand
from the mine face
and load it onto conveyors
or into shuttle cars.
Mine cutting and channeling machines
cut or channel along the face
or seams of coal mines and stone quarries
to enable materials to be removed
from the Earth's surface.
Operators ensure these machines
run smoothly,
stay within safe operating guidelines,
and that mining areas are stable and ventilated.
They make adjustments
to optimize machine operations,
and repair equipment as needed.
Earth drillers operate a variety of drills
to tap water and salt deposits
under the Earth’s surface,
to remove core samples
during mineral exploration or soil testing,
and to facilitate the use of explosives
in mining or construction.
Earth drillers
and mine cutting machine operators
usually need a high school diploma,
while continuous mining machine
operator positions
typically have no specific
education requirements.