Mine labourers
Career Overview
Mine labourers perform a variety of duties that help remove coal, metal, mineral deposits, ore and other natural substances from the earth in underground and surface mining. Typically, people with this job support miners who are more specialized. They may work as a part of a team or on their own. They may be supervised or take direction from the more specialized miners or other senior workers on the job site.
Mine labourers need to be flexible and adapt to different ways of doing things. They must also be able to work under pressure while understanding and following safety regulations.
People in this job need mechanical skills. They must also be able to read and write, communicate with co-workers, have basic analytical skills as well as follow instructions.
Job Titles
Duties
Mine labourers:
- Assist other mine workers to maintain and construct underground installations
- Clean underground rooms, roadways, working areas and mining equipment
- Transport and organize materials/supplies
- Clear away spills of ore or coal
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
465% Employed Full Time
46%Mine labourers typically work for mining companies. This job is physically and mentally demanding since those working at surface operations are exposed to all weather conditions and those working underground experience a dark and damp setting.
Mine labourers may be exposed to potential hazards, including chemicals and loud noises. They may also work near large, moving machinery. High-level safety standards ensure that work sites follow strict safety regulations. This includes wearing eye, ear and respiratory protection, protective clothing with reflectors, gloves, hard hats and steel-toed boots.
Since mines are often located in remote areas, underground production and development miners may be required to travel and live at the mining camp for weeks or months at a time. However, many B.C. mines are located near communities, and workers who live nearby can return home after their shift. In some cases, the cost of living can be lower in these remote communities.
Most mine labourers work full-time and very few work part-time or are self-employed. They often work more than 40 hours per week, but many do not work year-round. Shifts usually last eight to 12 hours a day and rotating shift work is common because mines operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means they may work unusual hours. Shift length can vary depending on the location and urgency of the project.
Career Pathways
The mine labourer role is an entry level position into the mining industry. A mine labourer could move into more senior jobs such as an underground production and development miner or an underground mine service and support worker. Additional training, commonly provided by the mine labourers' employer, is needed to move into these jobs.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
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For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
Mine labourers are usually required to have a secondary school diploma. Orientation training, which includes safety training, is usually provided when a mine labourer starts with a mining company. The length of training depends on the type of job the person will do.
The mining industry constantly uses new technology. It’s important for mine labourers to stay current with the equipment they use and associated safety procedures.
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Academic/Basic Upgrading
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure that a machine is working properly.
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Determining the kinds of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
465Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 75 | 16.3% |
| Kootenay | 80 | 17.4% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 95 | 20.7% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 80 | 17.4% |
| Northeast | 20 | 4.3% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 105 | 22.8% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 10 | 2.2% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
150Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 10 | -0.4% |
| Kootenay | 30 | 0.2% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 30 | 0.7% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 50 | 1.7% |
| Northeast | 10 | 1.4% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 20 | 0.3% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | Not available | Not available |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction | 150 |
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 10 |
Insights from Industry
This is a physically challenging job and often requires mine labourers to be away from home for long periods of time, often in remote regions. While there are others staying at the mine “camp” or lodge, it can feel isolating and lonely at times. Also, mine labourers may also be required to move from mine to mine, depending on the project needs and the length of their contract.
Mine labourers often spend a great deal of time outdoors in extreme weather conditions (hot in summer and cold in winter). More people are worried about climate change and how natural resources are being extracted and used. Some people think that mining does damage to the environment. This means that mine labourers and other mine workers may have to face community members and advocates who oppose mining by protesting at the site. At times, it can be challenging to access the work site due to active protests. In extreme cases, police or security can be called in to protect the mining employees.
Resources
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Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) – Job Boardmembers.amebc.ca/networking
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Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)www.cim.org
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CareerMinewww.infomine.com/careers/jobfair/jobsinmining.asp
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MineralsEdwww.mineralsed.ca
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Mining Association of BC – Job Boardwww.mining.bc.ca/job-board
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Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC)www.mining.bc.ca
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Mining Association of Canada (MAC)www.mining.ca
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Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)www.mihr.ca
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SkilledTradesBCskilledtradesbc.ca/