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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.
Other titles employers use
Bore Miner Operator · Continuous Miner · Continuous Miner Operator (CMO) · Continuous Mining Machine Operator · Continuous Mining Operator (CMO) · Heavy Equipment Operator · Loader Operator · Mine Technician
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Critical Thinking
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
Useful strengths
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Problem Sensitivity
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.4 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 3.9 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 4.8 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.9 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Most employers do not ask for a formal credential. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 85%
- A certificate or some college 15%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Mobile location based services software
- Analytical or scientific software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 2,040
- Job openings each year
- 220
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 3.6%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 2,040 | 220 | 3.6% |
| Utah | 1,190 | 140 | 20.2% |
| Missouri | 1,130 | 120 | 3.7% |
| California | 1,100 | 130 | — |
| Nevada | 890 | 100 | 29.0% |
| Texas | 850 | 100 | 16.4% |
| West Virginia | 840 | 80 | −16.0% |
| Idaho | 730 | 80 | 9.0% |
| Kentucky | 560 | 60 | 1.8% |
| Pennsylvania | 540 | 60 | 1.9% |
| Tennessee | 500 | 60 | 28.2% |
| Indiana | 460 | 50 | −6.1% |
| South Carolina | 410 | 50 | 20.6% |
| Illinois | 370 | 40 | 2.8% |
| Colorado | 350 | 30 | −22.2% |
| Louisiana | 280 | 30 | 7.7% |
| Ohio | 240 | 30 | — |
| Alabama | 230 | 30 | 15.0% |
| Wisconsin | 210 | 30 | 16.7% |
| Wyoming | 200 | 20 | — |
| Florida | 160 | 20 | — |
| Mississippi | 110 | 10 | — |
| Oklahoma | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Virginia | 110 | 10 | −50.0% |
| Iowa | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| North Carolina | 80 | 10 | — |
| Arkansas | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Nebraska | 30 | 0 | — |
| Washington | 30 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.