Underground Mining Machine Operators

How AI is changing underground mining machine operators work

1 of 12 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use yet) — 8%. 3 newer tasks are not in the data yet and left out.

This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Measure, weigh, or verify levels of rock, gravel, or other excavated material to prevent equipment overloads (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Monitor loading processes to make sure that materials are loaded according to specifications (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Stop gathering arms when cars are full — no recorded AI use
• Move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts — no recorded AI use
• Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars — no recorded AI use
• Signal workers to move loaded cars — no recorded AI use
• Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails — no recorded AI use
• Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material — no recorded AI use
• Read written instructions or talk with supervisors about schedules and materials to be moved — no recorded AI use
• Maintain records of materials moved — no recorded AI use
• Direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials — no recorded AI use
• Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines — no recorded AI use

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Measure, weigh, or verify levels of rock, gravel, or other excavated material to prevent equipment overloads”. Try the prompt for: “Maintain records of materials moved”.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and underground mining machine operators

Related jobs

• Will AI change construction supervisors?
• Will AI change carpenters?
• Will AI change tile and stone setters?
• Will AI change cement masons and concrete finishers?
• Will AI change drywall installers?
• Will AI change electricians?
• Will AI change excavator operators (mining)?
• Will AI change diesel mechanics (bus and truck)?
• See all jobs