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- Operate the machinery that extracts coal and other minerals from opencast or surface mines
- With experience and training, move into specialist jobs like shotfiring, safety inspection or site supervision
- The job is physically demanding and you'll be working in all weathers
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Operating heavy plant machinery like excavators, cranes and crushers
- Setting up and using drilling equipment
- Directing crane and excavator drivers
- Helping surveyors and geologists take mineral samples
- Moving loads around the site using cranes, tippers and dumper trucks
- Carrying out basic maintenance on vehicles and machinery
- Setting and detonating explosives ('shotfiring')
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
The job is physically demanding and you'll be working in all weathers. You employer will supply you with safety equipment.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone that is precise, steady and coordinated with problem-solving skills and quick reaction times.
There are no set entry requirements to become a coal miner.
Experience in construction labouring or operating plant machinery would be useful.
You'll need a valid Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card if you operate machinery, although a company may take you on and train you on the job.
You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.
You're likely to need your own transport to get to opencast sites.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience and training, you could move into specialist jobs like shotfiring, safety inspection or site supervision. You could also become a minerals surveyor or mining engineer by completing higher education qualifications.