# Tasks & work activities — underground miner

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 47-5041.00 (Continuous Mining Machine Operators).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
- **[Core]** Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.
- **[Core]** Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.
- **[Core]** Drive machines into position at working faces.
- **[Core]** Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
- **[Core]** Observe and listen to equipment operation to detect binding or stoppage of tools or other equipment malfunctions.
- **[Core]** Repair, oil, and adjust machines, and change cutting teeth, using wrenches.
- **[Core]** Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
- **[Core]** Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
- **[Core]** Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
- **[Supplemental]** Move levers to raise and lower hydraulic safety bars supporting roofs above machines until other workers complete framing.
- **[Supplemental]** Install casings to prevent cave-ins.
- **[Supplemental]** Guide and assist crews laying track and resetting supports and blocking.
- **[Supplemental]** Apply new technologies developed to minimize the environmental impact of coal mining.
- **[Supplemental]** Scrape or wash conveyors, using belt scrapers or belt washers, to minimize dust production.

## Detailed work activities

- Apply new technologies to improve work processes.
- Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.
- Clean equipment or facilities.
- Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations.
- Direct construction or extraction personnel.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
- Install safety or support equipment.
- Maintain extraction or excavation equipment.
- Monitor extraction operations.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Operate mining equipment.
- Position construction or extraction equipment.
- Position safety or support equipment.
- Test air quality at work sites.