How to become an underground mine service and support worker
Official title: Underground mine service and support workers
Also called: Support miner, Mine attendant, Mine motorman/woman, Mine timberman/woman, Motorman/woman - mines, Timberman/woman - mines, Mine construction worker, Construction worker - mines, Nipper - underground mining, Brusher - underground mining, Roadmaker - underground mining, Top cager - underground mining
Underground mine service and support workers perform a range of duties related to the operation of orepasses, chutes and conveyor systems, the construction and support of underground structures, passages and roadways, and the supply of materials and supplies to support underground mining. They are employed by coal, metal and non-metallic mineral mines.
Main tasks
- Operate and maintain ore chutes or conveyor systems to control flow of ore or coal in underground mine
- Operate construction equipment such as bulldozer, grader or backhoe to build and maintain underground passages and haulageways
- Construct and repair wood or metal supports and structures such as bulkheads, platforms, drift doors and chutes using construction and mining tools
- Attach and extend ventilation and water pipes and related mine services
- Assist miners in setting up and operating various drills and other mining machinery
- Supply and maintain backfill distribution of sand, rock or other materials
- Operate diesel or electric track haulage equipment such as ore trains to distribute personnel and supplies and to convey ore from orepass to primary crusher or skip
- Maintain supply storage areas and maintain equipment and supplies such as explosives, drill bits, fire extinguishers, lamps and batteries
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Previous formal training of up to six weeks followed by periods of on-the-job training as a helper or in support occupations is usually required. Previous experience as a mine labourer is usually required. May be certified in the basic common core program in Ontario. Company licensing or certification is often required for occupations in this unit group.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: Company licensing or certification is often required for occupations in this unit group.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $74,100 a year The middle half earn $48,750 to $87,750.
- About 3,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 3,200 are projected by 2033. (+3.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an underground mine service and support worker?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Previous formal training of up to six weeks followed by periods of on-the-job training as a helper or in support occupations is usually required. Previous experience as a mine labourer is usually required. May be certified in the basic common core program in Ontario. Company licensing or certification is often required for occupations in this unit group.
How much does an underground mine service and support worker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $74,100 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $48,750 to $87,750.
Is an underground mine service and support worker a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2033, from about 3,100 to about 3,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an underground mine service and support worker?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
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