Mine control room operator

Mine control room operators perform a range of tasks from the control room of a mine. They monitor the processes through electronic representations shown on monitors, dials, and lights. Control room operators make changes to variables and communicate with other departments to make sure processes keep running smoothly and according to established procedures. They take appropriate actions in case of irregularities or emergencies.

The following job titles also refer to mine control room operator:

mine monitor
panel controller
mining supervisor
mining control room operator
mining operations supervisor
mine operator

High school diploma is generally required to work as mine control room operator. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Mine control room operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to mine control room operator.

mining electrician
mining equipment mechanic
underground miner
surface miner
mine rescue officer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of mine control room operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of mine control room operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

gas processing plant control room operator
oil refinery control room operator
mine safety officer
mine shift manager
air pollution analyst

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of mine control room operator.

Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
Health and safety hazards underground: The rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground. 

These skills are necessary for the role of mine control room operator.

Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
Ensure compliance with safety legislation: Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Maintain records of mining operations: Maintain records of mine production and development performance, including performance of machinery.
Manage emergency procedures: React quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.
Coordinate communication during mine emergencies: Direct and coordinate communication procedures during emergencies. Instruct callers appropriately, and keep them informed of any rescue effort. Alert and dispatch rescue personnel to emergency calls and critical alarms.
Monitor equipment: Monitoring equipment implies watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Coordinate remote communications: Direct network and radio communications between different operational units. Receive and transfer further radio or telecom messages or calls. These might include messages from the public, or the emergency services.
React to events in time-critical environments: Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.
Conduct inter-shift communication: Communicate relevant information about the conditions in the workplace, progress, events, and potential problems to the workers in the next shift.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mine control room operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Impact of geological factors on mining operations: Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mine control room operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Ensure mining records are maintained: Ensure production, environmental and technical reporting and recording requirements are met, in order to analyse productivity and to comply with statutory requirements.
Make independent operating decisions: Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best for a particular situation.
Write production reports: Make up and complete shift schedules and production reports in a timely manner.
Communicate mine equipment information: Communicate transparently and efficiently with mine production management and machine operators. Pass on any relevant information such as outages, efficiency and productivity of the equipment.

8131 – Chemical products plant and machine operators

References

1. Mine control room operator – ESCO