Operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors or into shuttle cars in a continuous operation.
<ul><li>Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.</li><li>Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.</li><li>Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.</li><li>Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.</li><li>Drive machines into position at working faces.</li><li>Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.</li><li>Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.</li><li>Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.</li><li>Observe and listen to equipment operation to detect binding or stoppage of tools or other equipment malfunctions.</li><li>Repair, oil, and adjust machines, and change cutting teeth, using wrenches.</li></ul>