Miner

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Work Tasks

• Remove coal, ore, and rock in underground mines
• Run machines which saw a channel along the coal face (to ease the pressure made when they blast)
• Make blast holes in the coal face and set charges into the holes
• Blast the coal from the seam, then pick it up for loading
• Work underground in tunnels for mining companies or contractors
• Work with coal, ore, rock, cutting machines, drilling machines, explosives, loading machines, shuttle cars, conveyors, and shovels

Salary, Size & Growth

• $44,500 average per year ($21.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (97,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training, 18 years of age or older, and able to do heavy work
• Skills/Courses: Safety and health training is provided before starting to work.
• Certification/Licensing: Union membership may be required.