What Do Mining Roof Bolters Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Mining Roof Bolters operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine. They also drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.

Other tasks include:

• Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
• Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
• Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
• Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
• Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
• Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.

We asked Mining Roof Bolters how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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63% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 56% 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, Mining Roof Bolters install various types of bolts including truss, glue, and resin bolts, traversing entire ceiling spans. They position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.

A typical day for a Mining Roof Bolter will also include:

• Remove drill bits from chucks after drilling holes and insert bolts into chucks.
• Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
• Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
• Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
• Rotate chucks to turn bolts and open expansion heads against rock formations.

We asked some Mining Roof Bolters a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	14% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	64% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	66% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	4% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	20% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	88% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Mining Roof Bolters also rotate chucks to turn bolts and open expansion heads against rock formations. They may also position safety jacks to support underground mine roofs until bolts can be installed.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Mining Roof Bolters Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes. They might also Drill test holes and test bolts for specified tension, using torque wrenches.

In addition, they Remove drill bits from chucks after drilling holes and insert bolts into chucks.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Dust rocks after bolting.

To some Mining Roof Bolters, it is also their responsibility to Tighten ends of anchored truss bolts, using turnbuckles.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Mining Roof Bolter, 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.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2013/spring/art02.pdf