How to Be Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Mining Equipment Maintenance Technicians are responsible for ensuring that mining equipment and machinery is properly maintained and functioning optimally. This is important to ensure the safety of workers and the efficient operation of the mine. Poorly maintained equipment can lead to frequent malfunctions, breakdowns, and costly repairs.

It can also lead to delays in production, decreased efficiency, and higher fuel consumption. By regularly inspecting, troubleshooting, and performing routine maintenance tasks, Mining Equipment Maintenance Technicians can help identify potential issues before they become more serious, saving money and time.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer applicants with a solid educational background to become a Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician.
Consider pursuing a post-secondary education in a related field. Many employers prefer applicants who have an associate's degree or higher in a related field such as diesel technology, welding, mechanics, or industrial maintenance.
Consider completing an apprenticeship program. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed an apprenticeship program in mining equipment maintenance.
Obtain certification as a Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician. There are several certifications available through organizations such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Obtain experience in the field. Many employers prefer applicants who have prior experience in mining equipment maintenance. Consider volunteering or working as an intern to gain experience.
Consider joining a professional organization such as the National Mining Association or the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. These organizations can provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and industry updates.

Mining equipment maintenance technicians must keep up to date on the latest technology, safety standards, and repair techniques in order to stay competent and in compliance with industry regulations. This requires taking specialized training courses, participating in seminars, and reading industry publications to stay informed. Keeping up with these regulations and staying knowledgeable about new products can help technicians ensure that the equipment is safe and efficient for both workers and the environment.

having a thorough understanding of the operation of mining equipment can help technicians detect potential malfunctions or failures before they occur, which can help save time and money. Finally, maintaining high standards of safety and quality control is essential for a technician's success as it can increase customer satisfaction, create a better working environment, and reduce the risk of any accidents or liabilities.

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Job Description

Diagnose and repair mining equipment malfunctions
Monitor and inspect mining equipment for optimal performance
Troubleshoot and identify causes of equipment failure
Maintain and repair mining equipment
Perform routine maintenance on mining equipment
Keep detailed records of repairs and maintenance
Complete safety checks for mining equipment
Install and upgrade mining equipment
Perform preventative maintenance on mining equipment
Utilize specialized tools to service and maintain mining equipment
Manage inventory of spare parts for mining equipment
Train staff on proper use and maintenance of mining equipment

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of heavy machinery and mining equipment
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical and electrical problems
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints
Ability to use hand and power tools
Strong mechanical aptitude
Ability to perform preventative maintenance on equipment
Basic welding and fabrication skills
Ability to safely operate a wide array of tools and equipment
Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures
Excellent organizational skills
Attention to detail
Good communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills

Maintaining mining equipment is a critical component of the mining industry. Having a skilled maintenance technician on staff is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of mining operations. A mining equipment maintenance technician must possess a range of skills, including knowledge of equipment operation, an understanding of engineering principles, and the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot equipment.

They must also have strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with colleagues and suppliers. In addition, strong problem-solving skills are necessary to identify and resolve issues quickly, as well as the ability to work in challenging conditions. Without these skills, mining operations can be hindered by costly downtime and potential safety risks.

Therefore, having a highly-skilled maintenance technician is essential to ensure the smooth operation of a mining site.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have maintaining mining equipment?
What methods do you use to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues with mining equipment?
How do you prioritize maintenance tasks on mining equipment?
What safety procedures do you follow when working with mining equipment?
What strategies do you use to ensure mining equipment is operating efficiently?
What techniques do you use to diagnose issues with mining equipment?
How do you maintain parts inventory for mining equipment?
How often do you inspect mining equipment for wear and tear?
Describe a challenging maintenance issue you have experienced with mining equipment.
What steps do you take to ensure mining equipment is maintained in compliance with applicable regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Drills. Used for drilling holes in surfaces, eg drill bits
Saws. Used for cutting hard materials, eg circular saws
Grinders. Used for grinding down surfaces, eg angle grinders
Wrenches. Used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts, eg socket wrenches
Hydraulic Presses. Used for pressing and forming metals, eg toggle presses
Welding Equipment. Used for joining two surfaces together through melting, eg arc welders
Jackhammers. Used for breaking up hard surfaces, eg pneumatic jackhammers
Lathes. Used for turning materials into desired shapes, eg wood lathes
Forklifts. Used for lifting and moving heavy industrial items, eg electric forklifts
Cranes. Used for lifting and moving heavy objects, eg overhead cranes

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP)
National Association of Diesel Distributors (NADD)
National Mining Association (NMA)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)

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Common Important Terms

Electrical Maintenance. The maintenance of electrical systems and equipment to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.
Mechanical Maintenance. The repair and maintenance of mechanical devices, such as engines, motors, and pumps.
Hydraulic Maintenance. The maintenance of hydraulic systems and components, such as hoses and pumps.
Pneumatic Maintenance. The maintenance of pneumatic systems and components, such as valves and actuators.
Welding Maintenance. The repair and maintenance of welding equipment and machinery.
Automation Maintenance. The maintenance of automated systems and components, such as robots and programmable controllers.
Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and resolving problems with electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or automated systems and components.
Safety Procedures. Procedures designed to ensure the safe operation of mining equipment and personnel.
Regulatory Compliance. Adherence to applicable laws and regulations related to the operation and maintenance of mining equipment.
Quality Control. The process of ensuring that mining equipment meets all applicable safety and performance standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of qualifications do Mining Equipment Maintenance Technicians need?

Mining Equipment Maintenance Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized training and/or certifications in order to perform their duties.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician?

The primary responsibilities of a Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician include troubleshooting and repairing mining equipment, inspecting parts and systems, performing preventive maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

What skills are required in order to be successful as a Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician?

To be successful as a Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician, you must have strong problem-solving skills, be able to read and interpret technical manuals and documents, possess a basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, and have good interpersonal and communication skills.

What is the average salary for a Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician?

The average salary for a Mining Equipment Maintenance Technician is around $56,000 per year.

What type of environment do Mining Equipment Maintenance Technicians work in?

Mining Equipment Maintenance Technicians typically work in a variety of environments including mines, processing plants, and manufacturing facilities.