Built by a geologist
Underground Miner
Works underground to drill, blast, muck, and support rock to extract ore safely and efficiently. A day in the life: Bolt ground, drill rounds, muck broken rock, and follow strict ventilation and ground-control rules. Work environment: On the equipment, underground, or in the mill — physical, hands-on work. Typical schedule: Shift work, typically 7&7 or 14&14 FIFO at remote sites; residential at near-town mines. Published salary overview: $60,000 – $120,000. This is a broad profile estimate, not a verified entry, mid-career, or senior wage band. Check current regional Job Bank data and actual postings before making a decision. Education pathway: High school → Mining common core program → Helper → Miner → Lead Miner → Shift Boss. Key skills: Drilling, Blasting, Ground support, Ventilation awareness. Common tools: Jumbos, Bolters, Scooptrams, Explosives. Common certifications: Common Core provincial mine safety training , First Aid / CPR, H2S Alive where applicable , WHMIS, Operator tickets for specific equipment. Physical demands: High — long shifts, heavy equipment, confined spaces or underground, weather exposure. Common benefits: Camp food and lodging covered at remote sites, Flights paid to point of hire, RRSP matching, Annual production or performance bonus, Extended health and dental, Northern living allowance when applicable , Time-off-in-lieu for long rotations. Compare Underground Miner with Heavy Equipment Operator, Millwright before choosing a training or job-search path.