Mining operator is a profession that has an important role in the mining industry. This job cannot be done by just anyone and must be handled by someone with special skills. Operators are tasked with operating heavy equipment and transport vehicles in the mining area.
A mining operator is required to have special certification and skills in operating heavy equipment. Because you have to carry out heavy and high-risk tasks, Operators must be proven competent and experienced in using heavy equipment.
Operator performance plays a role in ensuring the smoothness and efficiency of heavy work, like excavating material, transport, etc. For those of you who are interested in this profession, let's get to know the duties and responsibilities of a mine operator, skills that must be mastered, as well as tips on becoming a reliable operator.
What is a Mining Operator?
Mining operators are professionals whose job is to operate various heavy equipment for the mining process. A mine operator holds vital duties, starting from using heavy equipment to dig up material, move materials with transport trucks, and other jobs.
You could say that mine operators are the "backbone" in daily mining activities. Based on the tool being operated, Mining operators consist of several types such as: bulldozer heavy equipment operator, operator excavator, transport truck operator (dump truck), and operators for other specialized equipment.
Each type of mining operator has a different role and both make important contributions so that the mining process runs efficiently. To be able to carry out mining work smoothly, an operator must have several skills which will be discussed below.
Mining Operator Duties and Responsibilities
A mine operator's job is not just about operating heavy equipment for digging or transporting materials. More than that, they are also responsible for carrying out heavy equipment inspections, take care of it regularly, and so on.
The following are some of the duties and responsibilities of an operator in the mining industry:
1. Carry out Routine Checks
The operator is also responsible for checking the heavy equipment regularly. Before using it, You must carry out standard checks such as checking the fuel, lubricant, hydraulic system, and other components.
Inspection actions aim to ensure smooth operations and avoid potential problems when working. Heavy equipment that is not in prime condition can risk hampering work and endangering operators and other people in the mining area.
2. Operate the tool according to its function
Operating skills heavy mining equipment is mandatory for operators. An operator is required to be able to use heavy equipment according to its function, specification, as well as procedures established for the smooth running of the mining process.
Operators must understand the basics of mechanics and advanced techniques in operating heavy equipment. These skills include tasks such as digging land with excavator, move materials using belt conveyor, transporting wearing materials dump truck, and others.
4. Maintenance and Damage Handling
The operator is also responsible for maintaining the condition of the heavy equipment so that it remains in top condition. So operators must understand how to maintain and deal with damage to heavy equipment. Every component of heavy equipment needs to be maintained regularly according to the manufacturer's standards.
Meanwhile, if there is damage to heavy equipment, an operator needs to work together with a mechanic to carry out proper handling. This maintenance and handling aims to maintain the performance of the heavy equipment so that it remains optimal and has a long service life.
5. Shutting Down the Machine Safely
After finishing work, The operator must turn off the machine safely. Make sure the machine is turned off and placed in a safe place when not in use. This aims to maintain equipment health and safety in the mining environment.
6. Reporting Heavy Equipment Damage
Another responsibility of a mine operator is to report heavy equipment damage. Every time there is a problem with the heavy equipment, The operator must immediately convey it to the field supervisor or mechanic so that it can be handled immediately. This step is very important to minimize downtime so that work flow is not disrupted.
Skills Required to Become a Mine Operator
When wanting to become a fare operator, there are several skills that you must master. This work must be handled by competent and experienced people because it carries out heavy tasks and faces high risks.
Operators are not only required to be able to control heavy equipment, but must also have other skills or skills that support the smoothness and security of work. The following are some of the skills that mine operators must have:
1. Physical and Mental Resilience
An operator must have good physical endurance to handle heavy work in mining areas. Besides that, operators are also required to have a strong mentality to face extreme and high-risk work fields. With trained physical and mental endurance, operators can work smoothly and efficiently.
2. Operational Engineering Knowledge
Operators are also required to understand heavy equipment operational techniques in order to run them well. The technical knowledge that must be possessed starts from a basic understanding of work instructions, tool control, to the indicator symbols in the cabin.
3. Understanding Mining Processes
To be able to work efficiently and according to targets, an operator also needs to understand the workflow in the mining industry. Operators must recognize the work process, starting from excavation, transportation, and material processing. Besides that, You also have to understand the type of material being mined and how it works.
4. High Accuracy and Focus
Operators must be able to maintain concentration while working to avoid operational errors. Accuracy and high focus are needed as an operator to be able to carry out work accurately, efficient, and safe.
5. Teamwork Ability
Working in a mining area requires operators to be able to do teamwork with other members, starting from fellow operators, technician, field supervisor. An operator must be able to follow instructions, communicate effectively, as well as good work collaboration to ensure a smooth workflow.
6. Analyze or Diagnose Technical Problems
Skills in analyzing and identifying heavy equipment technical problems are a must for operators. An operator must be able to check and identify any problems or technical problems with heavy equipment components. This understanding is very important to reduce the risk of downtime in the middle of work.
7. Job Security
An important knowledge that cannot be ignored by the operator is work safety. Mine operators must understand safety procedures, good at wearing PPE and operating heavy equipment safely. This is very important for the safety of the operator himself and other workers in the mining environment.
Tips for Becoming a Reliable Mining Operator
Every mining industry needs operators who are proven experts to be able to complete work more quickly and smoothly. For those of you who plan to become operators or don't have much experience, The following are tips for becoming a reliable operator:
1. Undertake Training and Certification
As proof of your expertise, operators are required to have SIM B II certification to drive heavy equipment and Operator's License (SIO). You also need to take training from official or trusted institutions to improve your skills and insight in operating heavy equipment.
2. Maintain Physical and Mental Condition
Increase your physical and mental strength to become a reliable operator. Adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain body stamina by consuming nutritious food, get enough sleep, and physical exercise. Besides that, train mentally to become stronger in facing extreme terrain, long working hours, and work challenges.
3. Get to Know the Latest Heavy Equipment Technology
A reliable operator must understand every technological component or feature on heavy equipment to increase work efficiency. Learn the latest technology used in heavy equipment, such as automation systems or modern safety devices. Besides that, Be adaptive and keep up to date with developments in the mining industry.
4. Get to know the environment in the work area
An operator's reliability is also formed from the ability to face extreme terrain. Operators need to control the work area in order to operate excavator safely and effectively without problems. As preparation, The things you need to pay attention to start from the contour of the land, weather conditions, hazardous materials or substances, and so on.
5. Understand Work Safety Procedures
Always remember that safety must be an operator's top priority. Make sure to always pay attention to and comply with work safety procedures, starting from wearing complete PPE, carry out an evacuation, as well as detecting and preventing potential hazards in the work area.
Challenges in the Mine Operator Profession.
There are various challenges you will face when you work in the mining industry. The following are several challenges that need to be considered for the mine operator profession:
- A Heavy Field of Work: The mining industry usually has a tough environment, starting from extreme terrain, scorching hot weather, hard to reach areas, etc.
- Health and Accident Risks: Even though safety standards have been implemented, Mining workers must remain aware of health risks and work accidents due to being in an extreme environment.
- Production Target Pressure: Mining workers are required to complete strict production targets in order to process mining materials efficiently.
- Technical Issues: Extreme work environments make heavy equipment operations vulnerable to damage or problems, such as worn or jammed components.
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance: Mining operators are also required to carry out routine maintenance of heavy equipment to keep its performance prime.
Maximize Your Projects With Quality Heavy Equipment
With skills in operating heavy equipment, Mining operators play a role in supporting the smoothness and efficiency of the mining process. To become a reliable operator, make sure you master the required skills and understand your duties and responsibilities. Besides that, Make sure you use heavy equipment that is quality or in prime condition.
If you need it excavator heavy equipment rental, rent a bulldozer or other heavy equipment that is reliable and guaranteed safe for your project, PT Perkasa Sarana Utama (PSU) ready to be your best partner. We provide various types of heavy equipment with the best quality that can support the smooth running of your work.
With pleasure, our team will help you find the right machine for any project. To get the right solution that suits your needs, Don't hesitate to contact us at CS: 0811358378 or email: rent@psualatberat.com. To be more connected, You can also follow our Instagram at @psualatberat.
