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.
- 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
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
Driller’s Assistant
Mine Shift Supervisor
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.
Getting Started
Get a head start by choosing a course relevant to your career goals
Skill Building
With focused study options, you can gain professional, industry recognised skills
Professional Development
Learn about procedures and processes in the natural resources industry
Industry Recognition
Once you have completed the necessary qualifications and experience you can have your skills recognised under the Resources and Infrastructure Training Package.
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.