Roof Bolters, Mining

What the job really is

Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-5043
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
• 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.
• Dust rocks after bolting.
• Install various types of bolts, including truss, glue, and resin bolts, traversing entire ceiling spans.
• Drill test holes and test bolts for specified tension, using torque wrenches.
• Position safety jacks to support underground mine roofs until bolts can be installed.
• Rotate chucks to turn bolts and open expansion heads against rock formations.

Tools and technology

Boom roof bolters, Caterpillar Cat MineStar System, Caterpillar Command, Digital pressure gauges, Dust and particulate respirators, Hydraulic disconnects, Lube guns, Methane monitors, Personal computers, Pneumatic rock drilling tools, Portable rock drills, Remote-control continuous miners

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Continuous Mining Machine Operators
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Riggers
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Helpers--Extraction Workers
• Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Roof Bolters, Mining — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.