Underground Mine Service and Supports Workers
(NOC 8411)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningUnderground mine service and support workers do a range of duties related to the operation of orepasses, chutes and conveyor systems, the building and support of underground structures, passages and roadways, and the supply of materials and supplies to support underground mining. They work for coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. 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 Mine Service and Support Workers most commonly work full-time hours.
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.84
Median$32.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Underground mine service and support workers do a range of duties related to the operation of orepasses, chutes and conveyor systems, the building and support of underground structures, passages and roadways, and the supply of materials and supplies to support underground mining. They work for coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines.
Job duties
Underground production and development miners:
- Use and maintain ore chutes or conveyor systems to control flow of ore or coal in underground mine.
- Use construction equipment like bulldozers, graders or backhoes to build and maintain underground passages and haulageways.
- Build and repair wood or metal supports and structures like bulkheads, platforms, drift doors and chutes using construction and mining tools.
- Attach and extend air and water pipes and related mine services.
- Help miners in setting up and operating drills and other mining machinery.
- Supply and maintain backfill supply of sand, rock or other materials.
- Use diesel or electric track haulage equipment like ore trains to deliver workers and supplies and to convey ore from orepass to primary crusher or skip.
- Maintain supply storage areas and maintain equipment and supplies like explosives, drill bits, fire extinguishers, lamps and batteries.
- Carry Out routine maintenance of machinery.
Sample job titles
- backfiller - underground mining
- blaster helper - underground mining
- cage tender
- conveyor operator - underground mining
- crusher operator - underground mining
- driller helper - underground mining
- haulageman/woman - underground mining
- lamp keeper - underground mining
- mine construction worker
- orepress tender - underground mining
- pipeworker - underground mining
- raise miner helper
- skip tender
- timberman/woman - underground mining
- trainman/woman - underground mining
Skills
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
- High school is usually required.
- Formal training of up to six weeks followed by periods of on-the-job training as a helper or in support jobs is usually required.
- Experience as a mine labourer is usually required.
- May be certified in the basic common core program in Ontario.
- Company licensing or certification is often necessary for jobs in this group.
Other considerations
Movement to other job groups in underground mining is possible. There is movement between employers within each of the three following sectors: underground coal mining, underground hard rock mining and underground potash, salt or soft rock mining. Movement 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 Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
25-34
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
N/ATrades certificate
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$17,956 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
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