What the role is really like
A shift may involve repeated haul cycles between underground loading points, ore passes, crushers or the surface. Routes, loading arrangements and equipment differ between mines. Operators work within strict traffic, exclusion-zone, radio and fatigue controls.
Typical duties
- Complete pre-start inspections and report defects
- Communicate with loader operators, supervisors and other mobile equipment
- Haul ore or waste between assigned locations
- Follow site traffic rules, speed limits and exclusion zones
- Monitor truck condition and respond to alarms
- Maintain clean, controlled operating areas and complete shift records
Conditions to expect
- Commonly 12-hour day or night shifts
- Dark, noisy and hot underground environments
- Repeated driving cycles requiring concentration
- Production pressure without compromising controls
- Roster and accommodation arrangements vary by operation
Experience that may transfer
Heavy vehicle, civil, quarry, agriculture, logistics and production-equipment experience may help when it demonstrates pre-starts, radio use, fatigue control, procedures and care for machinery. It does not automatically replace mine-site experience.
Requirements: check the ad, not Facebook folklore
- A current driver licence is commonly requested
- Some advertisements request HR or higher licences; others train on site
- Pre-employment medical and drug-and-alcohol screening are common
- Site inductions and equipment authorisation are employer-specific
- Only claim machinery experience you can genuinely evidence
Requirements vary by employer, state, mine type and site. Do not buy a course or ticket merely because it appears in this guide.