What Do Mine Shuttle Car Operators Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Mine Shuttle Car Operators operate diesel or electric-powered shuttle car in underground mine to transport materials from working face to mine cars or conveyor. They also control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.

Other tasks include:

• Move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts.
• Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
• Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails.
• Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines.
• Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
• Open and close bottom doors of cars to dump contents.

We asked Mine Shuttle Car Operators how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

61% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Mine Shuttle Car Operators move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts. They drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.

A typical day for a Mine Shuttle Car Operator will also include:

• Open and close bottom doors of cars to dump contents.
• Maintain records of materials moved.
• Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
• Monitor loading processes to ensure that materials are loaded according to specifications.
• Clean, fuel, and service equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.

We asked some Mine Shuttle Car Operators a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Mine Shuttle Car Operators also clean, fuel, and service equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary. They may also direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Mine Shuttle Car Operators Read written instructions or confer with supervisors about schedules and materials to be moved. They might also Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails.

In addition, they Monitor loading processes to ensure that materials are loaded according to specifications.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Open and close bottom doors of cars to dump contents.

To some Mine Shuttle Car Operators, it is also their responsibility to Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Mine Shuttle Car Operator, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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