The Catlins Area School
Miner/Quarry Worker Kaimahi Huke Kōwaro
Miners and quarry workers operate machinery, vehicles and equipment to extract and process minerals and rocks.
Miners and quarry workers may do some or all of the following:
- extract, process and transport minerals or rocks
- maintain, repair and operate mining or quarrying machinery
- construct underground tunnels and install ventilation and roof supports
- prepare and maintain roadways within the work area
- set fuses and detonate explosives
- carry out safety checks on air quality, machinery, equipment, vehicles and work areas
- keep records of hazards.
Physical Requirements
Miners and quarry workers need to have a good level of fitness and must be strong as they work with heavy equipment. Miners must pass a physical examination every six months.
Miners and quarry workers may also be required to undergo regular drug and alcohol tests.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for miners includes:
- operating machinery
- driving heavy vehicles
- work in the construction industry
- engineering or general labouring.
Personal Qualities
Miners and quarry workers need to be:
- safety-conscious and able to remain calm in emergencies
- able to work well under pressure
- comfortable working underground, and in cramped conditions
- able to follow instructions, but capable of acting on their own initiative
- responsible, disciplined and able to work in a team
- efficient and practical.
Skills
Miners and quarry workers need to have knowledge of:
- different mining or quarrying methods
- how to operate mining or quarrying machinery
- how to handle explosives and blasting
- mechanical skills to diagnose faults and carry out basic repairs
- health and safety regulations
- environmental regulations.
Conditions
Miners and quarry workers:
- often work long hours and usually do shift work, including nights, weekends and being on call
- work in conditions that may be hazardous, noisy and dirty
- work in cramped or confined conditions in underground mines, or varied weather conditions in opencast mines and quarries.
Subject Recommendations
There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a miner or quarry worker. However maths, construction and mechanical technologies, geography and physical education are useful.
Miner/Quarry Workers can earn around $60K-$80K per year.
Pay for miners and quarry workers varies depending on experience and level of responsibility.
- Quarry workers usually earn between $60,000 and $80,000 a year.
- Miners usually earn between $80,000 and $150,000 a year.
Sources: MITO, 2018; Minex National Health and Safety Council, 2018.
Miners and quarry workers may progress into jobs in supervision, management and engineering.
Years Of Training
To become a miner or quarry worker you need to have a full driver's licence and pass drug and alcohol tests.
A heavy vehicle licence and a first aid certificate is useful.
Some employers may expect you to complete a relevant qualification such as a New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (Level 2) while working.
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