Mining equipment mechanic

Mining equipment mechanics install, remove, maintain and repair mining equipment.

The following job titles also refer to mining equipment mechanic:

heavy machines operators
mine machinery technician
mine machinery mechanic
heavy machinery technician
heavy machines operator
mining equipment mechanics
fitter
mining mechanic
mine operations mechanic
mine machinery technicians
heavy machines mechanic
mining processing engineer

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a mining equipment mechanic.

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.

Mining equipment mechanic is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to mining equipment mechanic.

mining electrician
mine control room operator
underground miner
surface miner
underground heavy equipment operator

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

mine safety officer
desalination technician
mine shift manager
gas processing plant control room operator
oil refinery control room operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of mining equipment mechanic.

• Mechanical mine machinery manuals: Comprehend manufacturers’ manuals for the installation and operation of mining machinery. Understand schematic drawings.
• 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 are necessary for the role of mining equipment mechanic.

• Test mine equipment: Test newly repaired machinery or mining equipment to ensure correct operation.
• 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.
• Maintain mine machinery: Inspect and conduct planned maintenance of mining equipment. Execute routine repairs and replace damaged components. Analyse test results and interpret machine error messages. Undertake maintenance activities such as cleaning and lubricating components.
• 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.
• Install mining machinery: Assemble, install and disassemble mining equipment. Outstanding eye-hand coordination and spatial awareness are required.
• Train operators in using mine machinery: Demonstrate mining equipment features and functions to machine operators.
• Report mine machinery repairs: Record repair and maintenance tasks executed.
• 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 mining equipment mechanic. 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.
• Health and safety hazards underground: The rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mining equipment mechanic. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Weld mining machinery: Cut and weld pieces of metal in order to repair broken metal parts, or to assemble new parts.

7233 – Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers

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References

1. Mining equipment mechanic – ESCO