8411 Underground Mine Service and Support Workers
Underground mine service and support workers perform a range of duties related to the operation of ore passes, chutes and conveyor systems, the construction and support of underground structures, passages and roadways, and the supply of materials and supplies to support underground mining.
backfiller
blaster helper
cage tender
conveyor operator
crusher operator
driller helper
haulageman/woman
lamp keeper
materialman/woman
mine construction worker
orepass tender
pipe worker
raise miner helper
skip tender
timberman/woman
trainman/woman
OMd
674
VCHBLS
401424
L2,
H3,
H6,
H8,
D1,
D2,
D4
4,
R
Main Characteristics
Occupations in this group are characterized by the following aptitudes, interests and worker functions as they relate to main duties:
- General learning ability to operate and maintain ore chutes and conveyor systems to control the flow of ore and coal in underground mines
- Motor co-ordination and manual dexterity to attach and extend ventilation and water pipes and perform related mine services, and to supply and maintain backfill distribution of sand, rock and other materials
- Objective interest in operating construction equipment such as bulldozers, graders and backhoes to build and maintain underground passages and haulageways, in using construction and mining tools to construct and repair wood and metal supports and structures, and in operating diesel and electric track haulage equipment, such as ore trains, to distribute personnel and supplies and to convey ore from ore passes to primary crushers and skips
- Methodical interest in comparing information to maintain supply storage areas and equipment and supplies such as explosives, drill bits, fire extinguishers, lamps and batteries; and in performing routine maintenance
- Directive interest in assisting miners in setting up and operating drilling and other mining machinery
Vision
4Total visual field
Colour Discrimination
0Not relevant
Hearing
1Limited
Body Position
4Other body positions
Limb Co-ordination
2Multiple limb co-ordination
Strength
4Heavy
Location
L2Unregulated inside climate
H3Equipment, machinery, tools
H6Flying particles, falling objects
H8Dangerous locations
D1Noise
D2Vibration
D4Non-toxic dusts
Education/Training
4,
R
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Previous formal training of up to six weeks followed by periods of on-the-job training as a helper or in support occupations is usually required.
- Previous experience as a mine labourer is usually required.
- May be certified in the basic common core program in Ontario.
- Company licensing or certification is often required for occupations in this group.
Coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines
Mobility is possible to other occupational groups in underground mining.
There is mobility between employers within each of the three following sectors: underground coal mining, underground hard rock mining and underground potash, salt or soft rock mining.
Mobility between these sectors is somewhat limited by differences in production technologies.
Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction (7372)
Mine Labourers (8614)
Underground Production and Development Miners (8231)