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Miners perform various tasks to remove materials such as metal ores, stone, gravel, or coal from underground or surface mines and quarries.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Miners may:

Cut channels under the working face of the mine to make blasting more effective by using a pick or operating a cutting machine

Drill blasting holes in the working face

Place, charge, and set off explosives or air charges to break loose the materials

Operate machines which load materials into mine cars

Shovel the shattered materials into mine cars or onto conveyors

Install timbers, roof bolts, or other devices to support the walls and roof of the underground mine

Lay track for mine cars or other track-mounted equipment

The tools, equipment and materials used may include:

The major materials mined in Michigan are:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Miners may specialize in these areas:

939.281-010 MINERS perform various tasks to remove materials, such as metal ores, coal, stone or gravel, from underground mines. In surface mines, much of the mining work is performed by Heavy Equipment Operators such as bulldozer operators and power shovel operators rather than by Miners (MOIScript #114).

931.261-010 BLASTERS determine the strength and pattern of the blast required and place and set off explosives to fracture or separate stone or minerals from mineral or rock formations.

930.683-026 ROOF BOLTERS operate self-propelled machines which drill holes and install roof-support bolts into the roofs of underground mines.

930.683-014 CUTTER OPERATORS operate machines to saw channels along the working face of a salt or other nonmetallic mine to prepare for blasting.

932.683-014 LOADING-MACHINE OPERATORS drive self-propelled electric loading machines equipped with gathering arms and a conveyor to load shattered rock or ore into shuttle or mine cars in an underground mine.

939.687-014 COMPANY LABORERS perform various unskilled tasks such as cleaning work areas and tracks; digging and maintaining drainage ditches; shoveling muck, rock, or ore aside, into cars, or onto conveyors. They also push loaded mine cars to and from work areas and couple them together for transportation to the surface or loading areas in mines or quarries.

939.667-014 QUARRY WORKERS perform various tasks such as removing mud and muck from the surface of stone; chipping irregularities from stone slabs to produce uniform rectangular shapes; loosening blasted stone, using picks and crowbars; and cutting notches in blocks of stone and attaching hoisting cables, hooks, or slings.

930.662-010 LONG-WALL SHEAR OPERATORS control machines that cut coal from the wall face (surface) of a mine.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Miners generally work with or around other Miners and helpers, under the direction of a supervisor. Some Miners may supervise the helpers who work with them.

Working conditions depend on the type of mine. Underground mines are cold, damp, and often poorly lit. Some danger of cave-in or flooding exists, but this danger is minimized by following proper safety measures. Miners working underground must often work in cramped positions. Surface Mine Workers are exposed to weather and to the danger of falling or being caught in a landslide. All Miners are exposed to injury from moving machinery and loud noises. Miners are supplied with safety equipment for their protection. As a result of improvements in equipment and safety measures, mining workers may face the same degree of danger as Workers in other industries where heavy equipment is used.

The workweek for Miners depends on the type of mining they do. Surface Miners generally work a 37-hour week. Underground Miners normally work a 40-hour week because of the extra time spent traveling from the surface to the work site. Some Miners may work 6-day weeks. The demand for mined products determines the amount of overtime worked. In 1998, the average number of weekly hours worked by Miners in Michigan (including overtime) was 44.6 in the metal mining industry and 67.4.

Employees of mining companies are generally offered training programs to learn about new equipment and mining techniques. Miners' tools, safety equipment, and uniforms are provided for them.

Most Miners belong to a union. The largest national union is the United Mine Workers of America. Miners in Michigan are represented by various unions. The largest being the United Steelworkers of America. Union members pay regular dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Performing routine, organized tasks

• Performing work that uses special machines, processes, or methods

• Work which provides satisfaction from producing tangible results

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform repetitive tasks

• Work under pressure

• Take necessary risks when placing/setting off (detonating) explosives

• Work within precise standards of accuracy

• Make decisions using personal judgment and measurable standards

• Work skillfully and easily with your hands

• Work without fear of closed or narrow spaces (if an underground Miner)

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you make $17.00 an hour, how much should your gross pay be if your check covered two, 40-hour weeks?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Despite everyone's best efforts, however, accidents do sometimes occur. If you are involved in any accident while at work, report it to your supervisor immediately.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining, to your supervisor, any problems that might have occurred on the job.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the most efficient way to complete your job without wasting any time.

Applicants for Miner positions must pass a complete physical examination, including x-rays, to ensure that no physical conditions exist which are likely to result in injury or disability. Individuals under 18 years of age are prohibited by law from working in or around mines or quarries except for approved work in surveying or in offices or laboratories outside mines or quarries.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Mining office positions and surveying jobs will provide individuals with the opportunity to observe mine operations and conditions. Military service may offer related training also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Miner employer

internships

volunteer work with a Miner employer

community service work with an agency

Miners usually find jobs by direct application to employers. Assistance in finding a job is often available from unions representing Miners and from the local offices of Michigan Works!. Some individuals enter jobs from referrals by relatives or friends already employed in the mining industry. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings for Miners depend on the type of mine and the job. Miners may be paid an hourly wage or they may receive incentive pay based on the amount of material mined. Miners receiving incentive pay are usually guaranteed a specified minimum hourly rate. Underground Miners generally receive higher pay than surface miners receive.

Average hourly earnings in early 1999 of all production workers in the metal mining industry were $18.22, while those in coal mining averaged $19.40. The median weekly earnings for Mining Machine Operators in 1998 were $701 or about $17.52 per hour.

In 1998, production workers in the mining industry in Michigan averaged $17.48 per hour. Incentive, shift, and overtime pay added substantially to hourly earnings. In addition to their regular pay, workers may receive cost-of-living allowances.

Fringe Benefits received by Miners include paid vacations and holidays; life, sickness, and accident insurance; medical, dental, and hospital care plans; and pension programs. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Many Miners begin as laborers or helpers and learn through on-the-job training. Most mining companies also supplement on-the-job training with formal training programs. As Miners gain more experience, they can advance to higher paying jobs. Jobs are filled on the basis of seniority and ability. Advancement to supervisor depends on experience, training, and ability to supervise.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 191,500 production workers employed by mining companies in early 1996. Employment of miners is expected to decline through the year 2006. Demand for metals such as aluminum, as well as for stone, gravel and other materials used in construction is expected to decrease in the near term. Improved productivity will lead to a greater output per worker resulting in increased production without a similar increase in employment. The industry distribution for Mining Workers looked like this:

There are about 8,300 mining workers including minors employed in Michigan. Miners worked primarily for companies that mine iron ore, stone, sand and gravel, cement, salt, and lime. Others were employed to mine natural brines, gypsum, clay and shale, copper, peat, and marl.

Employment of Miners in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. A total of 70 annual openings is expected for replacement of those who die, retire or leave their jobs for other reasons. The mining industry in Michigan is mixed. Production of materials used in construction, such as cement and sand may increase somewhat. In metal mining, expansion of iron ore production is expected in the Marquette area, although some iron mines will be closed. Iron ore mining is closely linked to the United States steel industry. The outlook in this area is fairly good. Also, new developments in iron ore processing have allowed the industry in Michigan to remain competitive.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Miner can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development