What does a miner do?

The daily duties of a miner are highly dependent on experience, skill and also the nature of the specialisation they pursue. All duties, however, aim to keep mines safe whilst implementing processes that allow for the profitable extraction of natural resources. Some common daily duties may include: aiding in the building of a shaft, operating heavy moving and drilling machinery, providing infrastructure to shafts, loading of mine cars with natural resources, drilling into ore bodies and acknowledging/reporting potential safety hazards.

Tasks:

  • Noting potential health and safety hazards
  • Loading mine carts
  • Erecting infrastructure in shafts
  • Running cables and other tubes into shaft
  • Operating heavy machinery

What skills do I need to be a miner?

Miners must be prepared to work in environments that can be both very physically draining and at times potentially hazardous to health and safety. Miners need to possess a certain degree of physical fitness that allows them to complete the physically demanding duties inherent to a job in the mines. A miner must be willing to work in environments that can be potentially dangerous. A miner should have a thorough understanding of workplace health and safety and the ability to constantly assess any safety concerns. 

Skills/attributes
  • Must be physically fit
  • Able to work in dark and tight spaces
  • Cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Keen awareness of potential hazards
  • Able to think logically
Does this sound like you? Find courses now >

Specialisations

Within the mining industry there are a vast number of careers and specialisations you can choose to make your own. With the right experience and qualifications you may be able to consider some of the following. 

Underground Miner

Underground miners venture into an underground job site via vertical shafts or natural declines. Once underground, miners perform many duties related to maintaining the ongoing structure of the mine and the extraction of resources. Underground miners are often based in remote areas and work in very physically demanding environments.

Driller’s Assistant

Driller’s assistants perform a number of duties focused towards providing assistance to drillers and those who operate drilling equipment. Drilling assistants work under the guidance and supervision of a senior driller. Driller’s assistants are responsible for a number of duties such as: rig moving, assessing drilling fluid, general machine maintenance and completing repairs.

Mine Shift Supervisor

Mine shift supervisors play a very important role on mining sites by performing thorough routine safety checks. Mine shift supervisors work both above and below ground, identifying any potential workplace hazards and implementing rules and procedures that aim to prevent the risk of harm or injury.

Study pathways for miners

There are a number of study options available to those interested in a career in mining. You can choose a study option that will earn you qualifications relevant to your career goals. 

Top courses >

Getting Started

Get a head start by choosing a course relevant to your career goals

Explore your study options >

Skill Building

With focused study options, you can gain professional, industry recognised skills

Find courses that fit you >

Professional Development

Learn about procedures and processes in the natural resources industry

Expand your qualifications >

Industry Recognition

Once you have completed the necessary qualifications and experience you can have your skills recognised under the Resources and Infrastructure Training Package.

Jump to resources section >

Getting a job after graduation

Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your mining career. Emphasise your personal strengths and achievements in your resume and target your cover letter to the job description listed.

Job Prospects and Salaries

There has been a considerable boom in employment opportunities over the previous five years, with job opportunities projected to remain steady.

Content