Occupations/47-5041.00
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
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.
Usually a high school diploma, plus some experience or short training.
AI automation risk
60%
Mixed exposure
Human characteristics
40%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
59%
Mixed exposure
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
- Task
Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
- Task
Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
- 02Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
- 03Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
- 04Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
- 05Drive machines into position at working faces.
- 06Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.20
- Degree of automation1.65
- Time sitting2.10
- Originality (ability)2.12
- Conflict situations2.94
- Hands-on objects/tools4.89
- Outdoors / weather1.93
- Disease exposure1.23
- Decision freedom4.02
Top abilities
- Control Precision4.00
- Arm-Hand Steadiness3.88
- Reaction Time3.75
- Problem Sensitivity3.75
- Multilimb Coordination3.75
- Rate Control3.62
- Near Vision3.62
- Selective Attention3.50
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension2.75
- Active Listening3.00
- Writing2.12
- Speaking3.00
- Mathematics2.00
- Science1.38
- Critical Thinking3.25
- Active Learning2.75
- Learning Strategies2.38
- Monitoring3.00
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
2 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Century College White Bear Lake, MN · Public | Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation 49.0202 | $6,000 | 100% | 31% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 49.02 |
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MN · Public | Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation 49.0202 | $5,800 | 100% | 33% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 49.02 |