How to become a mining and quarrying Supervisor
Official title: Supervisors, mining and quarrying
Also called: Mine supervisor, Quarry supervisor, Fire boss - mining, Supply boss - mining, Surface mine supervisor, Open pit mine supervisor, Drill fitter boss - mining, Stope foreman/woman - mining, Junior foreman/woman - mining, Senior foreman/woman - mining, Supply foreman/woman - mining, Face boss - underground mining
Supervisors in mining and quarrying supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in underground and surface mining operations and quarries. They are employed by coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines and quarries.
Main tasks
- Supervise, co-ordinate and schedule the activities of workers who extract coal, minerals and ore; operate underground conveyances; and perform other services in support of underground mining, or of heavy equipment operators, drillers, blasters and other workers in surface mining and quarrying
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and confer with managerial and technical personnel, other departments and contractors to resolve problems and co-ordinate activities
- Oversee the safety of the mining or quarrying operations
- Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Train workers in job duties, safety procedures and company policies
- Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
- Prepare production and other reports
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a college or university program in mining technology or engineering may be required for some positions in this group. Several years of experience in the occupations supervised are usually required. Provincial certification as an underground mine supervisor, shift boss, or coal mining supervisor may be required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 26% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies/technicians; Mining and petroleum technologies/technicians; Precision metal working.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $98,709 a year The middle half earn $73,652 to $117,663.
- About 8,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 9,200 are projected by 2033. (+8.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a mining and quarrying Supervisor?
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a college or university program in mining technology or engineering may be required for some positions in this group. Several years of experience in the occupations supervised are usually required. Provincial certification as an underground mine supervisor, shift boss, or coal mining supervisor may be required.
How much does a mining and quarrying Supervisor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $98,709 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $73,652 to $117,663.
Is a mining and quarrying Supervisor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 8,500 to about 9,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a mining and quarrying Supervisor?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03