Will “Underground Bolting Machine Operator” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Install various types of bolts, including truss, glue, and resin bolts, traversing entire ceiling spans.

• Position safety jacks to support underground mine roofs until bolts can be installed.

• Drill test holes and test bolts for specified tension, using torque wrenches.

• Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.

• Remove drill bits from chucks after drilling holes, and insert bolts into chucks.

• Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.

• Rotate chucks to turn bolts and open expansion heads against rock formations.

• Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.

• Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.

• Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.

• Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.

• Tighten ends of anchored truss bolts, using turnbuckles.

• Dust rocks after bolting.

• Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.