Will AI Replace Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining?

Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Monitor loading processes to ensure that materials are loaded according to specifications.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Measure, weigh, or verify levels of rock, gravel, or other excavated material to prevent equipment overloads.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Stop gathering arms when cars are full.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Signal workers to move loaded cars.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Read written instructions or confer with supervisors about schedules and materials to be moved.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Maintain records of materials moved.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.