What is a Underground miner? Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path | UK Career Advice

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What is a Underground miner?

An underground miner is responsible for operating specialist equipment to excavate and extract coal deep within the earth's crust. They also construct and remove structural supports in the mine, and transport materials from the digging site to the surface.

Skills

Proficient in operating and maintaining mining equipment
Strong understanding of health and safety regulations in underground mining
Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate clearly with colleagues
Physical stamina and endurance to work in challenging underground conditions
Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and resolve mining-related issues
Knowledge of geological formations and mining techniques
Attention to detail and accuracy in following mining plans and procedures
Ability to adapt to changing work environments and handle unexpected situations
Basic mechanical and electrical knowledge for equipment maintenance
Time management skills to meet production targets and deadlines

Qualifications & Education

No formal academic entry requirements
Specialised courses provide training
NVQs/SVQs in Process Operations (Extraction Industries) available
Minimum age limit of 18 years for underground work

Career Path

Underground miner

Mining engineer

Environmental consultant

Mine supervisor

Mine manager

Health and safety inspector

Health and safety manager

Geotechnical engineer

Geotechnical consultant

Construction project manager

Frequently Asked Questions

Is underground mining profitable?

Yes, underground mining can be profitable, especially when there is little worthless rock to remove and when the coal seam is easily accessible.

What do you do in underground mining?

In underground mining, an underground miner is responsible for opening portals or shafts into the earth to access coal seams that are too deep for surface mining. They use the room-and-pillar method, which is typically used for flat or gently dipping seams.

What is underground miner?

An underground miner is a person who works in the mining industry and is responsible for extracting valuable minerals or ore from beneath the surface of the earth. They typically enter the mine through tunnels or shafts and use specialized equipment to safely and efficiently extract the desired materials.

Underground miner: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

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