How to Be Mining Machinist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Mining machinists are responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery and equipment used in the extraction of minerals and other materials from the earth. As a result of their expertise, these machinists play a critical role in the success of the mining industry. This is because the machinery they work with is essential to the safety, efficiency, and profitability of the mining process.

Without proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the equipment, the entire process could be delayed or even halted. Therefore, mining machinists must possess a high level of technical knowledge and skill in order to ensure the success of the mining operations. they must be familiar with relevant regulations and standards in order to ensure the safety of workers and the environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require mining machinists to have completed at least a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain Technical Training. Employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a technical training program in machining or welding. These programs are offered at many trade schools, community colleges, and technical schools.
Get Certified. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who are certified in welding. Certification is available from several organizations such as the American Welding Society (AWS).
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have experience in the field of machining or welding. Candidates may be able to gain experience through apprenticeship programs or by working in entry-level positions at a mining company.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state, mining machinists may need to obtain a professional license in order to work in the field. Licensing requirements vary by state, so candidates should research their local requirements before applying for a job.

Mining machinists are essential to the mining industry, as they are responsible for the safe and reliable operation of heavy machinery. To ensure reliability and capability, mining machinists must possess a range of skills including technical knowledge, problem solving and communication. They must be knowledgeable in the maintenance and repair of mining machinery, have a good understanding of safety regulations and be able to troubleshoot problems quickly.

They must also be able to communicate clearly with other personnel, as well as understand how to read and interpret blueprints and schematics. With these skills, mining machinists can provide a secure and efficient working environment, allowing the mining industry to run smoothly and safely.

You may want to check Mine Operations Manager, Mining Geotechnical Engineer, and Mining Production Superintendent for alternative.

Job Description

Drill Operators: Operates a variety of drills to bore holes into rock or other materials for blasting, oil and gas extraction, and other mining operations.
Loader Operators: Operates a loader to transport materials to and from work sites and to load and unload materials from trucks.
Blasting Technicians: Sets up and detonates explosives to blast rock in quarries, strip mines, and underground mines.
Hoist Operators: Operates hoists to lift and lower equipment and materials in mines.
Continuous Miner Operators: Operates machinery to cut coal or soft minerals from underground mines.
Grader Operators: Operates graders to level, smooth, and shape surfaces in open-pit or strip mines.
Maintenance Mechanics: Maintains and repairs a variety of equipment used in mining operations.
Metallurgical Technician: Tests and analyzes ores and minerals to determine their suitability for use in various products.
Surveyors: Measures the contours and dimensions of mined areas to prepare maps and plans.
Environmental Technicians: Monitors air and water quality at mining sites to ensure safety standards are met.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mining operations and safety standards
Ability to operate heavy machinery
Knowledge of drilling and blasting procedures
Knowledge of basic mechanical principles
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and diagrams
Ability to make accurate calculations and estimations
Knowledge of basic mathematics
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical problems
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work well as part of a team
Ability to work effectively in extreme weather conditions
Ability to lift heavy objects
Ability to work long shifts with minimal breaks

Mining machinists must have a wide range of technical skills in order to be successful. These skills include advanced programming and computer literacy, as well as understanding of mechanical engineering principles and safety protocols. Having a good understanding of mathematics and physics is also essential.

knowledge of metallurgy and welding is important for operating and troubleshooting the sophisticated machinery used in mining operations. The ability to read and interpret technical drawings is also a key skill for any machinist in the mining industry. Having a strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and problem-solving abilities are also important attributes for a successful mining machinist.

The combination of these skills ensures a safe and efficient working environment, which in turn leads to increased productivity and financial success for the company.

Mining Process Engineer, Mining Quality Control Inspector, and Mining Sales Representative are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with the operation of mining machinery?
How familiar are you with safety regulations and procedures in the mining industry?
Describe a time you faced a difficult problem while operating a mining machine and how you solved it.
What techniques do you use to ensure proper maintenance of mining machines?
How do you uphold safety standards while working with mining machinery?
How would you troubleshoot an issue with a mining machine?
What steps do you take to ensure that mining machines are functioning properly?
What processes do you use to monitor the performance of mining machinery?
How do you stay up to date on developments in the mining machinery industry?
Describe a time when you had to work with a team to operate a mining machine.

Common Tools in Industry

Jackleg Drill. This is a portable drill used in mining operations to bore holes into rock. (eg: Used to drill blast holes in hard rock formations).
Air Compressor. A device that uses pressure to force air out of a chamber and into another space, such as an inflatable balloon. (eg: Used to power pneumatic tools like jackleg drills and rock breakers).
Rock Breaker. A hammering tool used to break up large chunks of rock or other material. (eg: Used to break up large boulders in underground mines).
Mucking Machine. An excavating machine used to remove material from underground mines. (eg: Used to dig up ore for transport to the surface).
Wheelbarrow. A two-wheeled cart used to move items from one place to another. (eg: Used to transport ore from the mine face to the surface).
Hand Tools. Small tools used for manual labor, such as hammers, chisels, picks, etc. (eg: Used to break apart large pieces of ore by hand).

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME)
National Mining Association (NMA)
American Mining Congress (AMC)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
American Foundry Society (AFS)
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Society of Mine Safety Professionals (ISMSP)
International Mine Management Association (IMMA)
International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM)

We also have Mining Educator, Mining Logistics Manager, and Mine Safety Inspector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ore. Raw material that is mined from the earth, used for various purposes including the creation of metals and other materials.
Drill. A machine that is used to bore holes into materials, such as rock, to extract ore or create pathways for other equipment.
Shaft. A vertical or inclined passage leading to an underground area, usually used for mining or transporting materials.
Excavator. A piece of heavy machinery used to move large amounts of material, such as soil or ore, from one area to another.
Muckers. A machine used to dig and move large amounts of soil and ore.
Crusher. Machine used to reduce the size of ore particles, usually by crushing them into smaller pieces.
Concentrator. A machine used to separate ore from waste material, usually by separating minerals from the surrounding material.
Blasting. The use of explosives to break apart ore and rock in order to extract minerals from them.
Tailing. The waste material left over after ore has been processed.
Refinery. A facility where ore is processed and metals are extracted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Mining Machinist?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Mining Machinist is $44,735 per year.

What type of skills are necessary to be a Mining Machinist?

To be a successful Mining Machinist, it is important to have strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of mining processes and techniques, welding and fabrication skills, and the ability to use precision measuring instruments.

What safety regulations must Mining Machinists follow?

Mining Machinists must adhere to all safety regulations and guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

What type of machinery do Mining Machinists operate?

Mining Machinists operate a variety of heavy machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks, and cranes. They also use specialized machinery, such as drills and milling machines.