What does a mine shuttle car operator do?

What is a Mine Shuttle Car Operator?

A mine shuttle car operator is part of the mine operation career area, generally working in underground mines, but sometimes in open-pit mines as well. There are many different jobs that go on inside a mine and the shuttle car operator is just one of them. Mining has a long history in most parts of the world. The mine shuttle car operator has been there right from the start. Many mining museums, such as the Atlas Coal Mine Historic site in Drumheller, Canada, allow visitors to get a sense of how shuttle cars were used to travel through the depths of the mine during the early days of the coal mine industry.

What does a Mine Shuttle Car Operator do?

The mine shuttle car operator drives electric or diesel powered shuttle cars, transporting mine materials from the area onto a conveyor or another mine car. They are responsible for controlling conveyors that run the length of the shuttle car and must manage the distribution of the loads along the conveyor. The operator drives the car to different ramps and locations and controls the discharge of loads. Operators also must know how to service equipment, clean, fuel and maintain the cars, and repair parts. Sometimes cars must be manually guided along tracks, and gears must be applied to switch rails. Cars may be attached to cables and guided down steep inclines and they need to be accurately positioned for loading.

Hand signals and markings must be observed and safety regulations must be adhered to at all times. The car operator must monitor the loading and unloading process from start to finish. Operators are also often responsible for grading, measuring and weighing material.

Workers in mines face many dangers and the shuttle car operator often must travel to the farthest depths of the mine. Early mine camps were called hell's hole, not only because of the poor camp conditions, but because of the inherent danger involved in going underground. In the early days mining was hard, dirty work. It still is. Mining has always been considered a dangerous profession, and although safety has improved with new technology, mining accidents are always a concern and can happen anywhere. Mine shuttle car operators have been crushed between cars, had rocks or ceilings fall on them, or been electrocuted by faulty or loose cables.

In 2010 the Copiapo mine in Chile provided an example of both the extremes of danger and the miracle of survival. That cave-in and subsequent near-impossible rescue of 33 miners after 69 days serves as a testament to the unique and resilient nature of the people who choose to work far below the earth. Modern mining has advanced and changed, but the hardy, brave and durable nature of the people who choose this profession has not.

What is the workplace of a Mine Shuttle Car Operator like?

In the United States, mine shuttle car operators work primarily in eight states where the mining industry is active. In Canada much of the employment is in the far north and in the Yukon. Mines are often in remote locations, with harsh environmental conditions. Some jobs are fly in/fly out, although many require workers to live on site. There are mines all over the world, so workers in this field can work almost anywhere.

Workplace safety is a major issue, particularly with below-surface mining. Danger from accidents, explosions, methane gas, and poor ventilation can cause serious injury or death. High temperatures and dust and substances like silica and asbestos can cause a number of diseases particular to miners, so regular medical checkups are important.