Underground Miners, Mine Service and Support Workers
(NOC 8231, 8411)
in All NS OccupationsUnderground production and development miners drill, blast, operate mining machinery, and perform related duties to extract coal and ore in underground mines and to construct tunnels, passageways and shafts to facilitate mining operations. They are employed by coal, metal and non-metallic mineral underground mines and by specialized contractors in mine construction, shaft sinking and tunneling. Underground mine service and support workers perform a range of duties related to the operation of ore passes, chutes and conveyor systems, the construction and support of underground structures, passages and roadways, and the supply of materials and supplies to support underground mining. They are employed by coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All NS Occupations
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Underground Miners, Mine Service and Support Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 41% of Underground Miners, Mine Service and Support Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $68,845. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$16.75
Minimum$30.00
Median$43.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$28,474
Minimum$67,732
Median$142,903
MaximumCompared to: All NS Occupations
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$19.89
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,872
Minimum$29,983
Median$83,126
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Underground production and development miners drill, blast, operate mining machinery, and perform related duties to extract coal and ore in underground mines and to construct tunnels, passageways and shafts to facilitate mining operations. They are employed by coal, metal and non-metallic mineral underground mines and by specialized contractors in mine construction, shaft sinking and tunneling.
Underground mine service and support workers perform a range of duties related to the operation of ore passes, chutes and conveyor systems, the construction and support of underground structures, passages and roadways, and the supply of materials and supplies to support underground mining. They are employed by coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines.
Job duties
Underground production and development miners perform some or all of the following duties:
- Set up and operate drills and drilling machines to produce a designated pattern of blasting holes.
- Operate diamond drills or other specialized drills such as raise boring machinery to test geological formations or to produce underground passageways.
- Set up and operate mining machinery to shear coal, rock or ore from the working face.
- Load explosives, set fuses, and detonate explosives to produce desired blasting patterns and rock fragmentation in underground mines.
- Operate scoop tram, load-haul-dump (LHD) machine or mucking machine to load and haul ore from stopes, drifts and drawpoints to ore passes.
- Perform duties required to ensure safety and to support the mining advance, such as scaling loose rock from walls and roof, drilling and installing rock bolts, extending and installing air and water pipes, operating ore loading machinery, inspecting mine shafts, operating hoists that transport people, equipment and materials through mine shafts, and constructing timber supports and cribbing if required.
- Perform routine maintenance of mining machinery.
Underground mine service and support workers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate and maintain ore chutes or conveyor systems to control flow of ore or coal in underground mine.
- Operate construction equipment such as bulldozer, grader or backhoe to build and maintain underground passages and haulageways.
- Construct and repair wood or metal supports and structures such as bulkheads, platforms, drift doors and chutes using construction and mining tools.
- Attach and extend ventilation and water pipes and related mine services.
- Assist miners in setting up and operating various drills and other mining machinery.
- Supply and maintain backfill distribution of sand, rock or other materials.
- Operate diesel or electric track haulage equipment such as ore trains to distribute personnel and supplies and to convey ore from ore pass to primary crusher or skip.
- Maintain supply storage areas and maintain equipment and supplies such as explosives, drill bits, fire extinguishers, lamps and batteries.
- Perform routine maintenance of machinery.
Sample job titles
- blaster - underground mining
- crusher operator - underground mining
- driller - underground mining
- loading machine operator - underground mining
- mine attendant
- mine construction worker
- miner
- skip loader - underground mining
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would also be helpful. You must be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by supervisors.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Formal training followed by extended periods of specialized training as a helper or in support positions is usually provided.
- Company licensing or certification is often required for jobs in this grouping.
- Provincial blasting licence may be required.
- Certificate in first aid may be required.
Other considerations
Previous experience as a mine labourer or in other mine positions is usually required. Progression to mining supervisor is possible with experience. Mobility is possible to other occupations in underground mining such as underground service and support jobs. There is mobility between employers within each of the three following sectors: underground coal mining, underground hard rock mining and underground potash, salt or soft rock mining. Mobility between these sectors is somewhat limited by differences in production technologies.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All NS Occupations
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Cape Breton
Northern
Halifax
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Mining (except O/G)
Support for Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All NS Occupations
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$42,846 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$64,869 median annual incomeLess than high school
$41,336 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$68,306 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$56,038 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Less than high school
$14,445 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,229 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$21,289 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$19,107 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$15,980 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Mining technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation of mines and related mineral processing facilities. These programs include courses in principles of mineral extraction and related geology, mineral field mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, assay analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance, mine environment and safety monitoring procedures, mine inspection procedures, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.